How can young people contribute to building a more just world, in both Finland and Kenya? This question was explored at a joint training day organized by Nuorten Akatemia and Mifuko Trust, where new school visitors were trained for the Kädenjälki global education project. The day also featured an inspiring talk by Jani Toivola on young Kenyan changemakers. Class teacher student and Nuorten Akatemia school visitor Yoonis Abdulahi, who will lead Kädenjälki visits in autumn 2026, shares his perspectives on education and the importance of global education.
I took part in a workshop for Nuorten Akatemia's new project and got to hear a moving, inspiring talk by Jani Toivola, Finland's first black member of parliament, about himself, his roots and young people in Kenya. After his talk, Jani asked me for my thoughts. Here they are.
As Finland's first black member of parliament, Toivola became part of history in 2011. He has entered rooms where no black person had previously held such a position. He has broken glass ceilings and taken a first step toward a more representative democracy. Toivola pointed out, however, that breaking glass ceilings is only the beginning. He reflected on how we can create rooms that everyone can enter as themselves, and how we can give everyone the chance to be part of society's different spaces, rooms and communities.
Change always starts from within ourselves. You can only change society by taking part in it. Change happens from the inside. Each of us has a duty, a responsibility and an opportunity to make every encounter safe and empowering for others. As humankind, we are a community that we must always hold on to. Is there anything more valuable than enabling another person? Being an important part of, and a turning point in, someone else's life? Not in my opinion.
As a black, second-generation immigrant-background male class teacher student, I have, simply by existing, broken norms and assumptions about what a stereotypical education professional looks like. In addition to myself, I represent everyone who has not yet made it to my position. I work on behalf of and for those who cannot do so themselves. I have a duty and a need to show everyone that people like me deserve their place, and to create the conditions for a more colorful future. As a pupil, I would have wished for black teachers and role-model adults who saw someone like themselves in me. Now I am what I once wished for. Now it is my time to take responsibility for the next pupils. Now it is my turn to create rooms where others can feel safe.
Creating safe, warm and welcoming rooms takes long-term work, but being yourself is the best starting point. Being myself is the best anti-racism and advocacy work I can offer the world. In his talk, Toivola spoke about his own vulnerability and about challenging his own position of authority, and how bringing this out led to a more heartfelt atmosphere of interaction. We are all just human, and showing that brings us closer to one another. Stepping into new spaces makes you nervous, makes you wonder, and makes you ask yourself whether you belong there. We all belong in this shared world. Let's take others into account, accept each other's vulnerabilities and be decent human beings. We all make an impact with everything we do, and all of us have the chance to create spaces where we all belong. So let's influence one another.
Creating welcoming and warm spaces is work whose results you may not live to see or realize. Change can be slow. The norms, structures and culture of our society make many spaces inaccessible, but that is no excuse for doing nothing. An individual cannot change structures alone, but structures do not change without people who dare to challenge them. We must challenge prevailing norms and learn to think outside the box. Sometimes you have to be the first bearer and supporter of change. That is a big responsibility, but someone has to carry that burden with pride for those who come after.
Dare to dream of a more welcoming future, and be brave enough to take a step toward it. Break glass ceilings, challenge norms and act for the common good. Thank you, Jani Toivola, for your wonderful talk and the good conversations! The aim of your talk was to inspire, and you truly succeeded.
Yoonis Abdulahi
The author is a class teacher student and a Youth Academy's school visitor who will lead Kädenjälki school visits during autumn 2026.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.
