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FINLAND’S UNORTHODOX APPROACH to education has made the country’s school system one the best in the world – consistently coming at the top of international rankings for education systems.
But education is not the only area in which Finland is striking a home run. Seventy-five years ago, the Finnish government embarked on an other ambitious mission: giving every child, no matter what their background, the same start in life.
So, since the 1930s, expectant mothers in Finland have been given a maternity box containing everything they will need after their baby’s birth –including bodysuits, outdoor clothes, nappies, bathing products, a sleeping bag, a rattle, an illustrated book, bra pads and condoms.
The specially-designed box even comes with a mattress in the bottom, meaning it can double up as a crib, and many Finnish babies spend their first nights nestled inside them.
The innovative idea is thought to have contributed to Finland having one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. Before 1938, when the scheme was introduced, 65 out of every 1,000 babies in Finland died – however, the maternity box, a national heath insurance system and central hospital network has since improved infants’ chances significantly.
The contents of the box have undergone many changes since the initiative’s inception, in order to reflect the needs of a changing society. During the 1930s and 1940s, the boxes contained fabric as people were accustomed to making their own clothes, while paper bedding was provided during WWII when government funds were scarce. More recently, baby bottles and dummies were removed in order not to discourage breastfeeding.
Kela, Finland’s social security service, has even sent a box to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to congratulate them on their upcoming arrival. Not too shabby.
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RIP Johnny, You and The Horslips are the reason my band, Cruachan, exist! A legend, you’ll be sorely missed.
@Keith Fay: and Cruachán is a fantastic band..easy knowing The Horslips were a guide.
Irish guitar God! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam!
Dearg Doom. Possibly the most recognisable Irish intro ever.
Ahh Jaysus that’s so sad, we all know the intro to Dearg Doom but his brilliant playing in Furniture The Snakes Farewell to the Emerald Isle and many others were so brilliantly haunting. He’s up there with Rory and Gary and sadly missed. RIP Johnny
One of the greatest. A very sad day. RIP Johnny
Sad day for Irish music , grew up with Horslips in the 70s , had the privelige of seeing them live in 77 , RIP Johnny .
Gutted, such a talent and a great loss. RIP Johnny
Sad to hear this. Saw Johnny and the boys many times growing up in Limerick, always a top show down at the Savoy. In that era he’d come out on his own for a solo, blast away on the Gibson and end it with an intro to Dearg Doom as the band kicked in and the crowd erupted. Remember him asking for a cigarette too once from stage and a virtual shower of them were thrown up for him. Different times, Horslips paved a path for so many that came after. Rock on Nightgown Boy.
Gutted. Ireland’s finest guitarist by a mile and easily among the best in the world. I’ll be waiting was an absolute gem…
Brilliant guitarist, will be sadly missed. I was so lucky to see them live a couple of times in the late seventies. Irish rock was so amazing. We had rory, lizzy, horslips on top of the world .
I am blessed I was able to bring my sons to see them in the 02 reunion tour.
Johnny and the boys rocked that night.
I loved Johnny’s playing. He was an integral part of what, for me, was Ireland’s best ever band. Back in the day, I travelled to see them on my Kawasaki whenever they played within a hundred miles of home. So many brilliant sounds, and absolutely loved the reunion gigs in 2009 (I think). Sincere sympathy to his family and fellow band members. May he rest in peace.
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