The Ministry directs Finnish educational and cultural policy
The Finnish Government consists of 12 ministries. Each ministry is responsible for the preparation of matters and for the proper functioning of administration within its remit.
Within the Government, the Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for developing education, science, cultural, sport and youth policies, and international cooperation in these fields.
There are two ministers at the Ministry of Education and Culture: the Minister of Education and Science, Mr Jukka Gustafsson, is responsible for matters relating to education and research and the Minister of Culture and Sport, Mr Paavo Arhinmäki, for matters relating to culture, sports, youth, copyright and student financial aid. The church affairs, which fall under the Ministry of Education and Culture, are handled by the Minister of the Interior, Ms Päivi Räsänen (Ministry of the Interior).
The Ministry develops conditions for education, know-how, lifelong learning, creativity and citizens' social participation and well-being.
The values underlying this vast sector are civilisation, welfare, democracy and creativity. Other important principles in the Ministry's operations are expertise, responsibility, openness and future-orientation.
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