Ms Kuznetsova and Mr Kurttila discussed, in particular, protection of schoolchildren’s health, information security, support measures for young mothers in Russia and Finland, and other topical issues of protecting childhood.
During her visit to Finland, Ms Kuznetsova visited a shelter for women and children run by the Association of Shelters for Young Mothers and Victims of Domestic Violence in the city of Vantaa, and learned about work to support children’s and families’ health.
This was followed by a discussion at the Central Union for the Protection of Finland’s Children. Representatives of the organisation spoke about the system for protecting children and informing migrant families about Finland’s system for children’s protection.
Ms Kuznetsova saw the latest studies, methodology and results obtained by the Finnish Institute for Demographic Research. Ms Kuznetsova visited a primary school to see the system of medical support for schoolchildren in practice.
Ms Kuznetsova’s Finnish colleagues organised a visit to a maternity consultation centre in the city district of Tjojoljo, where she received the unusual present of a package of goods for newborn babies. This package, which contains basic goods the baby will need over the first year of life, is a source of pride for the Finnish social system and has been presented to each new mother since 1938.
The Russian delegation presented to their Finnish colleagues the project of the International Festival of Youth Social Initiatives titled My Choice is Life and Health, which aims to support youth initiatives and new ideas in protecting life and health and reinvigorating family values.Ms Kuznetsova and Mr Kurttila signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in protecting children’s rights.
The Memorandum speaks of agreement between the parties to exchange information within their authority, to facilitate the work of experts in both countries, to develop a programme of joint measures, and to conduct joint research and hold practical scientific seminars.