Skididialogit invited children and young people to reflect on leisure time in Jokela
A meeting was held in Jokela to discuss leisure activities in the Jokela area as part of Tuusulau0026#x27;s Child-Friendly Municipality initiative. The aim of the discussions, which were conducted using the Skididialogi model, was to gather the views and experiences of pupils and adults working with young people on the subject.
Pupils from the schools in Perttu, Kolsa, Lepola and Vanhankylä, as well as Jokela Upper Secondary School, were invited to participate in discussions on the topic of our free time in Jokela. One of the events held on Monday, 2 February 2026, was aimed at primary school pupils, while the other was aimed at secondary school pupils. Representatives from schools and leisure services, elected officials and local actors were also present.
The discussions were conducted using Skididialog, a discussion method developed by the City of Lahti specifically for children and young people, and were a continuation of a discussion session with the same content held in Kellokoski in the autumn.
“Skididialogi is a way to increase children’s and young people’s opportunities to participate in planning leisure activities and to gain a better understanding of their views in line with our Child-Friendly Municipality action plan,” explains Heli Hakulinen, who coordinates the work in Tuusula.
Hoping for safe places to hang out, low-threshold opportunities for hobbies and participation, and good transport connections
When asked what first comes to mind when thinking about leisure time in Jokela, primary school pupils mentioned the library and shops. The library and Monari youth centre are considered safe places, but the area around the shops and station is considered somewhat unsafe. They spend their free time with friends skating, playing various outdoor games and sports, and spending time outdoors in the sports park.
Primary school pupils feel that transport connections could be improved, particularly from Vanhankylä to Jokela and from Jokela to Hyrylä, where there would be more opportunities available, as well as the lack of winter activities and the number of gym sessions. The participants in the discussion also expressed a desire for more information about the opportunities available in the region.
Information is said to be obtained from social media, advertisements, youth workers and parents. There is also a desire for more people to visit schools to talk about leisure activities. In addition, a larger and cosier indoor space where young people could hang out freely after school would be welcome – this space could also be located at the school.
Upper secondary school pupils say that Jokela offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities, such as skiing and skating. Other sources of enjoyment include fitness trails, nature trails, gyms, and municipal services such as the library and a youth centre with attentive adults that caters to different age groups. The shops are suitable for young people’s everyday needs.
Jokela also offers good opportunities for competitive sports at a high level. When it comes to leisure activities, young people say that some of their favourite hobbies have come to an end, for example due to age restrictions. They would like to see more club activities, such as sports clubs, in secondary school. To the delight of the participants, this is already in the works. Similar to primary school pupils, secondary
school pupils suggested the following areas for development and expressed the following wishes better public transport connections, especially more convenient timetables to Hyrylä and Kellokoski more events in Pohjois-Tuusula – including expanding existing events to Jokela and Kellokoski, low-threshold recreational opportunities, and pop-up workshops in places such as the library. There could also be a joint, fun event that gets people talking and attracts participants.
It is hoped that information will be found on social media channels used by young people, such as Instagram and TikTok, as well as Wilma. It would be better if young people told each other about the opportunities available.
Young people feel that Jokela is generally a safe place, but the area around the station is perceived as unsafe, especially in the evenings, as is the case with primary school children.
It is important to recognise your own opportunities to influence
In both groups, the participants had the opportunity to consider what means of influence they have at their disposal in addition to participating in Skididialog.
Student council activities are a familiar way of influencing matters at school. It is always worth responding to surveys when possible, taking the initiative and telling adults your opinions on matters that are important to you.
The youth centre conducts surveys on activities that young people enjoy, and their wishes are taken into account when planning activities. A house committee meeting is also held every month, where young people can influence the activities of the youth centre.
Follow Tuusula’s journey towards becoming a more child-friendly municipality:
Further information: Heli Hakulinen, Development
Manager for Education and Coordinator for Tuusula Child-Friendly Municipality, heli.hakulinen@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 3084
This content has been translated using AI