The presidential couples of Iceland and Finland visited JA Finland’s Yrityskylä in Espoo on 8 October 2025.
Photo: Emmi Syrjäniemi, Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
President of the Republic of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir and her spouse Björn Skúlason visited, on Wednesday 8 October 2025, together with the President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Mrs. Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Yrityskylä by JA Finland in Espoo, Finland.
At Yrityskylä, the presidential couples became acquainted with the award-winning learning concept where sixth- and ninth-grade students gain practical experience of working life, economics, entrepreneurship, and society. The Yrityskylä Primary School, recognized as the world’s best educational innovation, allows pupils to work in different professions in a learning environment resembling a miniature society. The Yrityskylä Secondary School gives students the chance to practice leading companies in international markets.
During the visit, Professor of Education Auli Toom from the University of Helsinki and history and social studies teacher Riitta Mikkola from Karakallio School shared insights into teaching methods in Finland. Director Kaisa Koistinen from JA Finland presented the activities of Yrityskylä learning environment.
Through JA Finland’s Yrityskylä activities, about 90 percent of Finnish sixth- and ninth-graders practice work-life skills through experiential and hands-on pedagogy. In 2024, Yrityskylä was recognized as the Promoter of Financial Skills of the Year by the National Legal Services Authority.
Saastamoinen Foundation is a long term partner of Yrityskylä learning environment. For years 2025-2027, the foundation has granted 726 000 € funding. The funded project introduces the importance of culture and career opportunities to Finnish sixth- and ninth-grade students through Yrityskylä’s learning modules. New Cultural Centers were established in the mini-society for sixth graders and new cultural content program are launched for ninth graders. With the funding, the learning program is made accessible for entire age groups in Finland.
Read more about Yrityskylä here.
