Jani and Snow to the national independence celebrations in Helsinki

Last year, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä invited ten-year-old Finnish children for the first time to celebrate independence in honor of Finland's centenary. This year, the celebration will continue, when two schoolchildren born in 2008 from each municipality in Finland have been invited to Säätytalo. The party will be held on the eve of Independence Day, December 5.12.

Those who went to the party in Imatra were drawn from all Imatra residents born in 2008. Arpaonni this time favored Jani Tikka from Virasoja school and Lumi Laaso from Linnala school.

Getting the invitation was a bit confusing and exciting for both of them.

- The luck of the lottery favors some people, said Lum's mother Marjaana Ström-Laasone when the invitation came.

- And the funny coincidence is that Lumi and Jani already know each other, having been in the same class at Virasoja, continues Jani's mother Katja Kojo.

The party starts at Säätytalo at 15 p.m. with Prime Minister Juha Sipilä's handshake, but there is no other information about the program itself yet. The party ends by 18 p.m.

- Going to the party is a bit exciting, said Lumi, but I hope and believe that I will meet new friends there.

Jani said that she was only a little excited.

- I would hope to meet one of my hockey friends there as well, as I have been to games elsewhere, including in Helsinki a few times, Jani thought. What he looks forward to most about the party itself is eating, it's nice to see what's on offer.

The children do not have to go to the party alone, but escorts who go with them, for whom a coffee party has been organized at Helsinki City Hall. Jan's mother and Lum's mom and dad go with them.

The party preparations are already nearing the end for both of them, the party clothes have been purchased. Buying clothes in the snow was a bigger project in a girly way. Especially the choice of a suitable bag had me thinking. Jani is still thinking about putting on a tie.

- I'm looking forward to the whole party, not a specific thing but the whole party, it's great to see what's there, said Lumi about his expectations for the party. 

The party is organized by the Government Office in cooperation with the Mannerheim Children's Protection Association and the Children's Affairs Commissioner's office.

More information: Communication specialist Leena Peura-Kuusela, phone 020 617 2207