Every child is entitled to a good and happy childhood. The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare works to make this possible together with many other organizations, both public and private. The Mannerheim League is an NGO and membership is open to everyone. It promotes the wellbeing of children and of families with children, increases respect for childhood and seeks to make it more visible, and sees that children's views are taken into account in public decision-making. The Mannerheim League is the largest child welfare organization in Finland. It has 87 000 members and 556 local associations throughout the country. The work of these local associations is supported by the League's 10 district organizations. The Mannerheim League relies on partnerships. It works with numerous organizations, businesses and networks in Finland and abroad. The League's Central Office in Helsinki cooperates closely with ministries, officials and other organizations while the district organizations and local associations operate on the regional level. The league aims to ensure that • children are equal members of society. • every child enjoys good and happy surroundings. • parenting and education are respected and supported. • volunteer work, helping, caring and joint responsibility increase A healthy, secure childhood The Mannerheim League supports parenting and links between generations and works to promote health and a good environment for children. It arranges afternoon programmes for school children and educates them about substance abuse. Peer students - older pupils - work to increase the feeling of belonging, congeniality and security at schools.