Research shows that physical activity during the study day supports pupils’ and students’ learning, concentration, wellbeing and engagement. At the same time, insufficient physical activity remains a major challenge: Only about one third of Finnish children and young people meet the recommended levels.

The Finland on the Move (Suomi liikkeelle) initiative aims to increase physical activity across all age groups by strengthening structures that support daily physical activity and by encouraging behavioural change at individual, community and organisational levels.

This cross-sectoral programme seeks to reduce prolonged sitting and integrate daily physical activity more systematically into everyday school practices, including lessons, breaks, school transport, the use of sports facilities, and after-school activities.

Finland on the Move responds to the promotion of a physically active lifestyle as one of the key objectives of Finland’s Government Programme.

A total of €80 million has been allocated to the programme for the current government term, €20 million per year between 2024 and 2027.

Amendments in top-level documents

As part of a reform in the Basic Education Act, the promotion of physically active lifestyle has been added to the national core curricula for pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education, particularly as an objective related to school culture development. In addition, other amendments make the promotion of physical activity during the school day a statutory obligation.

Support through local programmes

Implementation is supported through existing national programmes which encourage schools and educational institutions to develop locally tailored solutions that increase pupils’ and students’ daily physical activity and participation:

• ‘Schools on the Move’ (Liikkuva koulu) programme for primary and lower secondary education

• ‘Students on the Move’ (Liikkuva opiskelu) programme for upper secondary and higher education

Overall, Finland’s approach emphasises whole-school and whole-community collaboration, pupil and student involvement, and flexible and practical solutions to make physical activity a natural part of everyday life in education and beyond.

For more information: https://okm.fi/en/promotion-of-physical-activity

Source: Eurydice Unit Finland