One of the most special years in a long time is now coming to an end. It is a year that is difficult to summarize. Corona has permeated large parts of the year, at the same time much else has happened. It has been a year of both progress and setbacks for the student movement and higher education. Above all, it has been a year of unexpected challenges and new solutions. In this chronicle we make an attempt to summarize the past year.
Although we are probably many who are quite tired of talking about the corona pandemic at this point, it is still inevitable to start there. In March, when the pandemic struck, no one knew if universities would have to close down and that in that case it would mean that students were without study grants, as that was how CSN's rules looked like. SFS met with the Ministry of Education as heeding the students' concerns and after that it was decided that students would be allowed to keep their study funds in a scenario where the university is forced to close. Then many of us drew a sigh of relief.
The corona pandemic also meant that the SFS Council in Halmstad had to be canceled and instead arranged digitally. At SFSFUM, Matilda Strömberg was thanked as chairman. Simon Edström remained in the presidium but now as chairman and with Linn Svärd as Vice, they formed the new SFS presidium. The rapid transition to a digital FUM led to the decision to organize an extra council. So in October it went first extra SFSFUM at 47 years of age.
The rest of the spring continued in the sign of the corona. We saw that the concern for the summer was great and although this unfortunately did not lead to the possibility of study grants over the summer, the issue of a renewal of unemployment insurance and the possibility of unemployment insurance for students was raised on the agenda. This is an issue that we continued to work on during the autumn, together with TCO.
Then came the autumn and many trips around the university entrance exam. Then SFS appeared a lot in the media as we would rather have seen that two tests were arranged in the spring. But when the decision was made, we took new steps because much else was also underway during the autumn. In September, the government's budget bill was presented. In a Blog Post we summed up all our thoughts on the budget bill
The big highlight was that the allocation for grants to the student unions increased by 25 million. This is something SFS has fought for ever since the compulsory compulsory school was removed in 2010 and even though we would have preferred a larger increase, it was a big win for the entire student movement. It was a long - awaited progress and a big thank you to the budget negotiating parties for obeying this important issue. Another highlight from the budget was that the allocation to Student Health increased by 25 million. A very gratifying news. However, more work is required for students' health and well-being. Here we have written debate articles and as well student health as the importance of prevention work environment work.
During the autumn, the handling of Corona has continued. Among other things, all of you in SFS 'member corps have contributed information on everything from how to work to change instead of setting up to how the education has been affected at your universities. This laid the foundation for the press conference that Simon Edström spoke at together with the Minister for Higher Education and Research, Matilda Ernkrans. But was also the basis for the report that SFS released at the end of the year and which was preferred for Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. Many thanks to all the members who have contributed during the year, without you it would not have been possible to carry out this work.
Another highlight of education in Europe came in November. At that time, the Rome Communication was adopted, which, among other things, attaches great importance to equal access to education, sustainable development, democracy and equality. A major step forward in higher education in Europe. SFS Vice Chair Linn Svärd participated in the Swedish delegation when Matilda Ernkrans, Minister of Higher Education and Research, represented Sweden at a ministerial meeting on the Bologna Process.
When we now sum up the year, there are the parts we are happy to have gotten through and questions that we continue to fight on with 2021. But above all, we look back on a year that has proven how strong the student movement is. How all member unions worked together to help each other, brainstorm ideas on how best to change, organize safe events and continue to conduct business even in times when it is difficult. Next year we will be 100 years old, an anniversary that will be different than expected but oh what it will be celebrated. For the student movement is important and we are needed and the commitment that exists in the movement is stronger than ever.
So many thanks for all the fighting spirit and commitment that 2020 has shown, now we are getting ready for 2021.
Happy New Year from
Linn Sword
Simon Edstrom