As a protest against the City of Vantaa's plans to close down their two schools, the students of the Tikkurila comprehensive school and their parents gathered together on Monday and formed a human chain between the Orvokkitie elementary school and the Keskuspuisto upper school.
The demonstration and one-day strike by students were aimed at saving the school of 600 pupils which, according to the city's decision, is to be finally closed down in 2008.
Almost all pupils from the school were on strike on Monday. All teachers were at work, but it was apparent that also their sympathies were with the pupils.
The closure of the Tikkurila comprehensive school is to begin next year, unless political decision-makers change their minds. This means that no new pupils will be enrolled in 2006.
The City of Vantaa education department is to discuss this year's cost-cutting measures concerning comprehensive schools today - on Tuesday. These measures include the axeing of the jobs of more than 50 temporary teachers. The final decision on the closing down of schools will be made later on.
