Dr. Biden Visits Schools and Celebrates International Women's Day in Finland

Like she does on most Tuesdays, Dr. Biden spent time on a college campus this morning – but today it was in Finland! As the Vice President conducted his meetings at the Presidential Palace, Dr. Biden visited the Helsinki City College of Culinary Art, Fashion and Beauty.  She received a warm welcome from the Director General of the Finnish Minister of Education, and discussed the Finnish education system as well higher education in the United States. During a guided tour of the campus, Dr. Biden had the opportunity to meet with students and staff at the fashion design labs and culinary classrooms. She was impressed with the school’s hands-on teaching techniques and on the job learning environment, and remarked on the parallels to the many valuable job training programs in place at community colleges across America.

Dr. Biden visits the Helsinki City College of Culinary Art, Fashion and Beauty. March 8, 2011. (by US Embassy, Finland)

After the school visit, Dr. Biden had the opportunity to visit an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day in Finland.  There she was greeted by the event organizers and by a local school choir.  Dr. Biden spoke with participants and explored the exhibits displaying the range of efforts being undertaken by NGOs and women’s organizations in education, health and social services.  As she remarked, “it was a pleasure to celebrate international women’s day in Finland – a place where women’s rights and empowerment can serve as a model for the rest of the world.”

Dr. Biden celebrates the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day in Finland. March 8, 2011. (by US Embassy, Finland)