Espoo’s TASSU equality prize awarded to Martinkallion koulu
The City of Espoo’s Equality Committee awarded the annual TASSU equality prize to Martinkallion koulu’s Martsaparlamentti.
This year, the Equality Committee highlighted concrete actions related to equality and non-discrimination that can be disseminated and adopted in workplaces and daily life within the available resources.
The winner of the city work community category, Martinkallion koulu’s Martsaparlamentti (‘Martsa Parliament’), offers all pupils an opportunity to easily share their views and ideas through idea boxes placed in the classrooms.
“The idea boxes also give a voice to those pupils who are usually not involved in pupil council activities or other active roles. All ideas are processed in a systematic manner, and the parliament activities also teach pupils about democracy. Pupil surveys show that experiences of inclusion have improved and that the activities have strengthened a sense of community in the school. Martinkallion koulu’s Martsaparlamentti was selected as the winner of the TASSU prize because it is an exemplary, easy-to-use and highly effective concept that makes school activities more equal, inclusive and democratic,” the Equality Committee states in its decision.
In the other category, which is intended for associations and other external organisations, the Mentoring for Future project was rewarded with a diploma. The project has developed a mentoring programme that supports young people with an immigrant background in terms of education and employment. Employment is the best way to improve the situation of vulnerable individuals.
“The mentoring programme highlights the importance of role models and helps young people achieve their dreams,” the Equality Committee states in its decision.
The TASSU competition was now held for the eighth time. The City of Espoo’s Equality Committee launched the TASSU prize with the aim of highlighting activities that promote equality and non-discrimination in Espoo and encouraging residents and communities to create and carry out new activities. The prize is awarded annually.
In 2024, we looked for actions that have promoted young people’s wellbeing, addressed discrimination or harassment or fostered a sense of inclusion in Espoo. We received ten internal applications and two external applications. The TASSU competition ran from 23 September to 8 November 2024. All actions submitted to the competition help develop Espoo into an even better place to live. The Equality Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the competition.
Espoo’s Equality Committee selected the winner and the diploma recipient at its meeting on 9 December 2024.