THE OPPENHEIMER REPORT
Finland could teach Latin America
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
aoppenheimer@MiamiHerald.com
ELSINKI, Finland -- Like many other foreign journalists, I made the obligatory pilgrimage to Finland to learn how this country has climbed to the top spots in key international rankings measuring economic, political and social success. The answer, I was told, is amazingly simple.
First, the facts. Finland ranks first among 179 countries in Transparency International's index of the least corrupt nations in the world (the United States is No. 20); No. 1 in Freedom House's ranking of the world's most democratic countries (the U.S. ranks No. 15); No. 1 in the world in 15-year-old students' standardized test scores in science (the U.S. ranks No. 29), and is among the 10 most competitive economies in the World Economic Forum's annual competitiveness index (the U.S. topped the list this year).
A small country of 5.3 million, which only two decades ago was by most measures the poorest country in northern Europe, Finland also boasts the headquarters of the world's biggest cellphone maker -- Nokia -- and cutting edge paper and pulp-technology firms.
The Finnish success story has triggered curiosity around the world, especially in Latin America, where most countries have yet to make the transition from exporters of raw materials to producers of high-tech goods that sell for much higher prices in world markets.
THE KEY
How did you do it, I asked Finnish President Tarja Halonen in an interview.
''I can sum it up in three words: education, education and education,'' she said.
Finland invested more than most other countries in recent decades to create an excellent tuition-free education system. That has helped it make the jump from an agrarian, timber-based economy into a technological powerhouse, she said.
And what is the secret of your education system, I asked. Among other things, highly trained elementary-school teachers, she said.
''We have a long queue outside our ministry of education with all kinds of experts from different countries who would like to learn more from our system,'' Halonen said. ``But what they don't normally believe is that the answer is as simple as having good teachers.''
WELL-PAID
Indeed, from what I saw during my five-day visit to Finland, teachers are relatively well-paid and enjoy great social respect. You need at least a master's degree to teach in elementary school, and a college degree to teach in kindergarten. Only one of every 10 applicants is admitted to the Finnish universities' teachers colleges.
''The profession of teacher is becoming increasingly popular, especially among women,'' said Ossi Airaskorpi, principal of the Juvanpuisto School, nearly an hour's drive from Helsinki. ``In the 1980s and 1990s, everybody wanted to go into business. Now, they want to be teachers. They can do part of their work at home, get a relatively good salary and have a two-and-a-half-month vacation.''
Dropping into a first-grade classroom at the Juvanpuisto school, about an hour outside Helsinki, I saw a teacher tutoring her students, while an assistant sat at one of the tables with a group of children, whispering into their ears to help them understand something they had missed.
ONE-ON-ONE
Next door, there was a little room where a ''special teacher'' was giving a one-on-one lesson to a girl who needed extra help.
One-on-one classes help narrow the gap between good students and those lagging behind, which helps explain why Finland does so well in standardized international tests that measure the learning skills of all students, not just the best ones.
In addition, Finnish schools use a special computer program where parents can log in every night to get the latest news about their kids -- whether they missed school, were talking on cellphones during class or need to do extra homework.
My conclusion: Granted, Finland also rates high in other rankings in which it would rather not be, such as having one of the world's highest suicide rates. Halonen was quick to add that Finland's suicide rates have dropped in recent years and are similar to those of Japan and other countries.
But Finland could be an excellent example for Latin American commodity exporters who want to become high-technology producers. They could help themselves by remembering this country's three little secrets: education, education and education.
About PAS Global
Dear Friends, Business and Professional Associates,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and with ambitious spirits. The history of our native El Salvador is marked by numerous revolutions and subsequent triumphs that led to the earning of our independence from Spain in 1821. History has documented that Salvadorans are recognized as hard working, resilient and brave individuals. To this day we carry that tradition and we have our predecessors to thank for that. Through their efforts and examples, applicable qualities such as courage, civic pride, strength, and a solid work ethic were exhibited to be inherited by future generations.
In addition to our common ancestry, we share the determination and unfailing passion to succeed in our respective businesses and interests. As Professionals, we direct our time, energy, patience and intellect to reach our prescribed goals. Which ever role you compete in, success is a common thread that connects us all. Our plan of action is to prosper.
With that being said, allow me to take the time to introduce to you as well as share with you some information about outstanding and successful Salvadorans that operate and our a welcomed benefit our community.
I will begin by introducing Marta. I had the pleasure of meeting Marta at a CAFTA briefing at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Marta is an accomplished individual with impressive credentials that include a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola Mary Mount University (Magna Cum Laude) and a Juris Doctor degree with honors from USC Law School. Marta is currently a partner at the prominent Law Firm of Jeffer, Mangels, Butler and Marmaro, LLP (JMBM).
Santiago Siliezar is an exemplification of an entrepreneur. He allowed his instincts and his risk taking spirit to go against persistent advice to locate his business in the Pico-Union district rather than an area in the west side of Los Angeles. He could have chosen to offer his services in an area that was familiar to him, but instead he invested in a high rent location and opened the doors to his business to clientele that would yield higher profits. His decision paid enormous dividends. He now operates a successful business in Brentwood, CA and services elite decision makers in the entertainment business and high powered executives.
Another note-worthy person I’d like to introduce to you is Renato Cartagena who came this country with a dream and a vision. Today, he is the Principal Engineer at Disneyland and co-founder of the theme park engineering program at Cal State Long Beach, the only such program in the nation. He is also the CEO of Espino Beach Resort that will be built in Bahia de Jiquilisco in El Salvador.
The afore-mentioned individuals are a minuscule sample of successful Salvadoran-Americans. Accomplished Salvadoran-Americans reside through out the world. We are an accomplished group of people that hold prestigious positions such as Engineers, Doctors, Scientists, Attorneys, and influential Politicians in this great nation. We our owners of our own struggles, historic events and accomplishments. We are a nation within ourselves.
The primary objective of this letter is to introduce you to the idea of establishing a global network of Salvadorans that will be recognized as the Professional Association de Salvadoreňos.
This organization will serve a multitude of purposes. Its central intention is to advance the status and improve and sustain the overall quality of life for Salvadorans around the globe. We will search for innovative ideas and create a plan of action to achieve our goals. The areas of focus will include, but will not be limited to, education, employment, business, politics, and socio-economic conditions .
I am inviting successful individuals such yourself to construct such an organization. It will take a group of motivated, determined, educated, and accomplished Salvadorans to formulate a blueprint and architect the foundation of this organization. I welcome your input and thoughts in engineering an organization whose sole purpose will be to improve the quality of life for Salvadorans Americans.
Saludos,
Hugo A. Hernandez PAS | Global
Nace La Esperanza...Viene el Cambio
3334 E. Coast Hwy, Suite 203
Corona Del Mar, CA USA 92625-2328
email:pas.global08@gmail.com web:pasglobal.blogspot.com
