The fifth-graders in Oulunkylä’s election cafe’s mocha bites attracted customers – the children reminded them of the importance of voting

On election day, we visited Oulunkylä elementary school in Helsinki. Next to the polling place, there is also an election cafe, the proceeds of which are used to collect money for the camp school.

After two years of corona, the fifth-graders of Oulunkylä elementary school decided to take action. Money was needed for the camp school, so the elementary school students set up an election cafe next to the polling place.

– There are, for example, Berlin doughnuts, mokka pies and Kinder eggs, various delicacies here, says Ellen Jyränoja, who does sales work behind the sagging table.

Election cafe in Helsinki at Oulunkylä elementary school.
Sometimes there was a queue at the polling place, which causes a little excitement in the cafe. Ellen Jyränoja and Aino Collan-Jyränoja busy at work.
Buns from the election cafe in Oulunkylä elementary school in Helsinki.
Vaalikafila’s cooking, i.e. buttermilk buns and ear puffs.

There is also carrot pie and tiger cake, sugary doughnuts, buttermilk buns and traditional ear trees. Those following a special diet have also been taken into account.

Election cafe in Helsinki at Oulunkylä elementary school.
The customers of Vaalikafila will notice that today is also a day of refreshing.
A dog in the election cafe in Oulunkylä elementary school in Helsinki.
Vaalikafila’s supporting activities also include the Helsinki dog.

– I would also like to vote, for example we should invest more in school, Tramontana states.

Classmate Ellen Jyränojja also has an opinion about voting.

– Elections are quite an interesting thing. If you don’t vote, something may happen that you don’t like.