We focus on projects that enhance reading skills and learning opportunities in regions where we have an active presence. We also strive to increase awareness of the importance of literacy and continuous learning.
Reading & Learning
Digital Futures School strengthens young people’s faith in the future
UPM and Tietoevry are committed to supporting and developing Futures School run by the Children and Youth Foundation. Futures School provides Finnish secondary schools with tools and learning materials to promote future-related education. The platform and learning materials are free of charge and openly accessible to everyone, and their aim is to strengthen young people’s faith in the future and in their own capabilities to cope with the challenges of a changing world.
Futures School is an award-winning pioneer in futures education in Finland and internationally, providing children and young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to understand the future and have the courage to influence it through their own choices. During years 2022-2024, Futures School trains hundreds of education professionals annually in futures education methods and provides learning materials for schools to use. The materials are created in collaboration between teachers and students.
Technological University of Uruguay (UTEC)
UPM facilitates regional high level technical education in Fray Bentos by funding the Technological University of Uruguay (UTEC). The aim is to advance technical skills and engineering, particularly in mechatronics, renewable energy, transport and logistics.
Forest kinderkartens in Germany
In Germany there are almost 2,000 forest kindergartens, where most of the day is spent in the nature. Forest kindergartens are a part of a nationwide day care network and work closely with municipalities. The positive physical and emotion-based nature experiences gained in a forest kindergarten increase the children’s skills in many different ways. The children learn to receive and process information and to act in social situations. Creativity and perseverance are also developing positively.
The kindergartens’ activities are supported by the Association of Forest Kindergartens. The association provides expertise, legal assistance as well as training to municipalities that are planning to establish a forest kindergarten. UPM has made a donation to support the association’s activities. The picture is taken from a forest kindergarten in Buchenberg in Bavaria, Germany, opened in collaboration with the municipality and the state forest service.
Yrityskylä
Yrityskylä is a Finnish educational innovation. This learning environment is a miniature town where primary school students spend a day as employees, citizens and consumers. We have been present in the Yrityskylä projects for over 10 years, and today we are present in Helsinki, Lappeenranta and Tampere. Our employees have also beed doing active employee volunteer work in Yrityskylä in Helsinki.
Taking sixth grade pupils to forests
We are inviting 6th grade pupils to visit us and learn about forest management around our production plants. The trips are organised in co-operation with the Finnish Forest Association and the 4H organisation in Jämsä, Kouvola, Lappeenranta, Pietarsaari and Rauma.
The aim is to provide pupils with a positive forest experience and increase knowledge of how Finnish forests are used. During the excursions pupils will learn about the commercial and recreational use of forests, wildlife management and wood-based products.
UPM Blandin foresters – connecting education with the forest
The UPM Blandin paper mill in Minnesota, US is a sponsor of Treezy Does It, an online resource for Minnesota K-12 teachers providing free, informative and interactive lessons about our forests, forest products and other topics of interest. The students have the opportunity to plant trees, enjoy field trips and learn about the lifecycle of the forest, identify trees, plants, animal habitats and leaves. With the support of UPM the students have also a special leaf identification booklet in use which helps guide them through the process.
UPM Blandin foresters also attend the Minnesota Educator Academy (MEA) conference held annually in St. Paul, Minnesota. Teachers from all over the state participate in workshops, and an education trade show where they discover tools for use in their classrooms. UPM Blandin is a member of Minnesota Forest Industries that has a booth at MEA to distribute posters, papermaking kits, leaf ID booklets, and displays on TreezyDoesIt.com.
