Finland Considering Hybrid Learning Units for Students Prone to Violence
Following a school shooting in Vantaa, the Finnish government is exploring new educational approaches for children with violent tendencies. These approaches are based on the understanding that every child has the right to education, regardless of their learning situation, physical needs, or even crimes they may have committed.
Children's Ombudsman Elina Pekkarinen has proposed the establishment of “Hybrid Learning Units” that could provide specialized support to troubled children. Education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson has expressed openness to this idea and advocated for the use of psychiatry and child protection experts to help children who are violent and self-destructive. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has also voiced support for the Ombudsman's proposal, stating that children who engage in violent behavior should be removed from classrooms and sent to hybrid units. However, Orpo added that the idea is still in the evaluation stage and that the government will further discuss how the units would be established and how the work towards their establishment would be shared.
The government plans to hold further discussions on how the units would be established and funded.
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