The Maiden of Finland learns to read – exhibition 13.11.2017-5.1.2018

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Welcome to the Suomi Finland 100 exhibition at the Helsinki University Main Library (Fabianinkatu 30)

Martin Luther nailed his theses on the church door in Wittenberg in 1517, but it was his student Mikael Agricola who became the founder of literary Finnish. In short, literacy was a by-product of the Reformation. At first the development of literacy among the people served the needs of the church.

In the following centuries, literacy among the people became more prevalent and more important for common people and for the society as a whole. As the level of education grew, new schools and libraries were established. Following the autonomous era, Finland gained her independence as a state in 1917.

In the 21st century Finland is an exemplary country of literacy, or is she? There is a lot of information out there. One must learn to understand contexts. One must learn to question things. However, it is always a good time to learn.