Minister of Education takes a stand on the African Star controversy: “The works were made in time”
Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz (r) tells Iltalehti that the ministry does not need to make new guidelines regarding learning materials or games used in early childhood education or schools.
– There is no need to issue guidelines from the ministry. These are works that were made in time and partly describe the perceptions of the time. That is good to understand, Adlercreutz says.
The materials used in schools and early childhood education were the subject of public debate when Turku Deputy Mayor Piia Elo (SD) said that Turku was considering removing the Star of Africa game from daycare centers.
It then emerged that Turku also plans to hold discussions on other works aimed at children and young people.
– The organization is now having a broader discussion not only about Star of Africa, but also about other similar issues, Turku's Director of Education and Training Timo Jalonen told Iltalehti on Tuesday.
Jalonen brought up, among other things, the Five book series and the Pippi Longstocking books.
Historical connection
The Minister of Education hopes for a moderate attitude.
– Regarding Pippi Longstocking, the word choices have been clarified in these later books. I think that's a good thing. In Finland, too, the names of certain sweets have been revised. It's normal to live in the times. These matters should not be treated with too much emotion, says Adlercreutz.
For example, the packaging and name of Brunberg's Kisses have been changed in recent years. In 2015, it was decided to remove the word "negro king" from new editions of the Pippi books.
The minister also highlights the uproar that arose last November when a school in Uusimaa cancelled a concert featuring the Messiah oratorio by baroque composer Georg Friedrich Händel just a couple of days before the performance. The reason was the religious references in the work.
– It is also good to remember the historical context in which the work was created and to be able to look at it from a slightly greater distance, says Adlercreutz.
So, no policy is expected from the ministry, but municipalities are allowed to decide on the content independently?
– Yes, and I hope that everyone will be patient now.
https://www.iltalehti.fi/politiikka/a/4827a308-f163-4c4a-8353-083334ada666
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