Students in a classroom during a lesson at Itäkeskus Comprehensive School in Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
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A new online platform, kuutoskaupunkivertailu.fi, has been launched to provide up-to-date comparison data on public services in Finland’s six largest cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, and Oulu. The site allows users to explore detailed data on how these cities organize services, their costs, and the number of people served.
Developed with input from experts across the six cities, the platform aims to support service cost evaluations, informed decision-making, and effective service management.
It also serves as a tool for collective advocacy efforts among the cities.
The collaboration on service comparisons between these cities began in 2002, with early childhood education being the first area of focus. The new website expands on this, including data on cultural, library, sports, youth services, and basic education offerings.
Rise in Early Childhood Education Participation for Under-3s
The data shows a notable increase in participation rates among children under three in early childhood education across these cities. More children are starting early childhood programs at younger ages, with the number of 1–2-year-olds in early childhood education rising steadily.
“The environment around early childhood education has changed significantly in recent years, making this collaboration vital. I use this comparative data almost monthly in my work, and I know many other organizations benefit from it too,” says Miia Kemppi, Head of Early Childhood Education in Helsinki.
Strong Interest in Sports and Library Services
High attendance at sports facilities, particularly swimming pools, highlights the importance of these services in promoting health and wellness. In 2023, the six cities recorded a combined total of 6.7 million swimming pool visits, averaging 3.5 visits per resident.
“Comparison data is essential for planning these services,” says Markus Kalmari, Chair of the Sports Services Working Group and Head of Sports Services in Turku.
Cultural and library services have also seen a resurgence since the pandemic. Library visits in the six cities reached nearly 20 million in 2023, an increase of 1.6 visits per resident compared to the previous year. This increase reflects a growing public engagement with community re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
