Budget cuts threaten family’s livelihood in Peräseinäjoe as mother faces job loss and children risk losing their school

A family in Peräseinäjoe, western Finland, is facing severe hardship due to municipal and regional budget cuts, with the mother at risk of losing her job and the children potentially losing their local school, reports Yle.

Ritva Mäntysalo, 33, and her husband Ilmari, 35, built their home in Louonmäki nine years ago, choosing the location specifically for its proximity to Alaviitala village school. Now, the city of Seinäjoki plans to close the school by August 2027 as part of efforts to achieve at least €15 million in permanent savings by 2028.

The couple’s eldest daughter, Anita, 8, is in first grade, while their younger daughter, Aino, 6, attends preschool. The proposed closure has left the children anxious and upset, Ritva Mäntysalo said. “They are worried and sad. We talk to them when we see it’s clearly on their minds,” she explained.

The family is not alone in opposing the decision. Local residents accuse the city of deliberately undermining services in areas incorporated into Seinäjoki. Ilmari Mäntysalo called the school’s closure an ideological choice, questioning why the city prioritises projects like an artificial ice rink while cutting essential services.

The Alaviitala Home and School Association is exploring alternatives, proposing the school could serve as a nature-focused educational centre for the entire region. “Other schools could organise field trips here. Students would see what nature-based learning can be at its best,” Ritva Mäntysalo suggested.

The family’s struggles extend beyond the school. Ritva, a nurse, faces redundancy after the South Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county decided to close the acute ward in Ilmajoki where she works. She is now applying for other positions within the region but risks unemployment. “Of course, there’s a risk of being left without a job,” she said.

If she cannot secure a nursing position, she plans to expand her part-time sewing work into a full-time business while completing her advanced studies in digital wellbeing solutions. “I hope to use my digital skills in the future,” she added.

The Mäntysalos have documented all communications with authorities and filed information requests to challenge the school’s closure. Ilmari Mäntysalo admitted the fight has consumed their free time but said the sense of injustice left them no choice. Last year, their efforts successfully prevented the closure of a nearby preschool group.

The family’s experience reflects broader financial struggles in the region. The South Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county has faced persistent deficits, reporting a €16 million shortfall last year, forcing drastic cuts.

Tags: education, public sector cuts, Finland