Society and young people
Saastamoinen Foundation focuses its support on three key areas: art, science, and society. When it comes to social projects, the Foundation is particularly keen to support young people and initiatives in the Savonia region, reflecting its origins.
In all its operations, Saastamoinen Foundation is both genuinely international and proudly rooted in Kuopio. The values laid out by the Foundation’s founders still guide us today in actively supporting causes within and beyond universities and the art community.
We believe in young people, in locality and in a future full of new experiences. This is why we support causes such as children’s cultural projects and community projects aimed at young people. The Foundation is a long-standing supporter of Yrityskylä, Taimiteko, and Gutsy Go, initiatives that actively engage young people. From 2024 onwards, we have also supported RARE Media, a new-generation media outlet that produces journalism by young people for young people.
YRITYSKYLÄ
Junior Achievement Finland offers services and study packages that support working life, economics, and entrepreneurship skills for schools, educational institutions, and municipalities. JA’s Yrityskylä is a Finnish learning module that has received an award as the best education innovation in the world. Yrityskylä provides 6th and 9th graders with positive experiences about working life, the economy, entrepreneurship, and society.
Yrityskylä
RARE Media
Saastamoinen Foundation also supports community activities aimed at young people, such as RARE Media, a new-generation media outlet that produces journalism by young people for young people.
RARE is known for its high-quality, research-based journalism, bold audiovisual style and unique events. It is Finland’s first media outlet belonging to the Council for Mass Media that produces journalism exclusively for social media.
Mikä on Rare? -video. RARE Media.
GUTSY GO
Gutsy Go is a method developed by educators, media professionals and young people that enhances young people’s sense of participation and prevents social polarisation. Saastamoinen Foundation has been involved in supporting Gutsy Go activities since 2017 and is one of its key supporters.
Kuva: Gutsy Go
Taimiteko – Seedling Action
Since 2020, Saastamoinen Foundation has supported the 4H organisation’s Taimiteko project, an initiative that takes practical action to tackle climate change through planting saplings and increasing carbon sinks. The project also provides employment for young people and educates them about nature, the vital role of forests in climate change, and the principles of sustainable development.
Kuva: 4H
Kuopio Lifeboat Association
Kuopio Lifeboat Association responds to urgent and non-urgent rescue missions in Finland’s inland waters, specifically in the northern part of the Vuoksi waterways. Saastamoinen Foundation has supported the association’s activities for over 20 years.