فنلندا

Globe Art Point ry

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Malminkatu 5
00100 Helsinki
فنلندا

Telephone
+358405455859
Telephone (other)
+358 44 2386941
E-Mail
jaana.simula@globeartpoint.fi
E-Mail (2)
info@globeartpoint.fi
Mobile Phone
+358405455859
Mobile Phone (other)
+358 44 2386941
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2016
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. International/Cultural relations
General Information

Globe Art Point ry has a board of 6 persons and a permanent staff of 2 persons - one full time and the other half time. The budget is based on grants and we have worked with ca 100 000 € per years. Our revenue is ca 7 000 €.
G.A.P's work:
1. Act as an advocate and representative of foreign-born artists residing in Finland
2. Support artists & cultural workers: Advisory work, workshops, support groups. Networking, discussions, events and seminars.
3. Collect, mediate and distribute information in English

Mission and Objectives

Established by foreign-born professionals, G.A.P’s aim is to advance advocacy work and the inclusion of
foreign-born artists and cultural workers in Finland through action-driven dialogues and (artistic) collaborations.
The aim is to enable their equal participation as an integral part in the professional activities of the field and in
the development and decision-making of the cultural sector. G.A.P advances the inclusion and equity by
mediating between three pillars: foreign-born artists and workers in the communities, art & cultural institutions,
and policy makers (lobbying with the decision-makers at all levels).

Main Projects / Activities

WHAT DO WE DO?

1. Act as an advocate and representative of foreign-born artists residing in Finland

Is part of cultural-political decision making and development processes.
Promotes public discourse on the role of equity and inclusiveness in the arts and culture sector in Finland.
Contributes to building strong, organisation-based coalitions among the arts and cultural sector in order to support more inclusive legislations (funds, re-distribution, cultural status, civil rights).
Active in Nordic-Baltic and other global civil organisation networks.
2. Support artists & cultural workers

Advisory work, workshops, support groups.
Networking, discussions, events and seminars.
Developing and sustaining bridges between artists/cultural workers and art & cultural institutes (G.A.P Lab – G.A.P. Info).
Normalising programmes with a high value of diversity and artistic quality.
Promoting good practices and dialogue to accelerate the changes within the field of arts and culture.
Offering a space for community building, networking and projects.
3. Collect, mediate and distribute information

Labour and field related information: Useful especially, but not exclusively, for foreign-born artists and cultural workers in Finland.
Information provided on issues such as art & culture organisations and institutes, current and future projects, funding, labour legislation, and the tax system in Finland.
Surveys and research on cultural diversity, immigration and current situations in the field of arts and culture in Finland.
Mediating between foreign-born artists, art & cultural institutions and policy makers.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

G.A.P can contribute in several ways as the core of our work is in ling with ALF's work. There are multiple ways to co-work.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

ALF Net work is in line with the work that G.A.P is doing. Joining ALF Network helps us to connect with ALF work and geographical area, so that we can serve also better artists coming from the area residing in Finland.

Contact (1) Full Name
Jaana Simula
Job Title
Managing Director
Head of the organisation
Managing Director Jaana Simula
Contact (2) Full Name
Alex Kollerová
Job Title (2)
Project Manager

Hakunila International Organization

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Kannuskuja 2
01200 Vantaa
فنلندا

Telephone
+35892722775
Fax
+35892722775
E-Mail
hakunilan@kolumbus.fi
E-Mail (2)
burhan_hamdon@yahoo.com
Mobile Phone
+358405013199
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1998
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Human rights
  4. International/Cultural relations
  5. Others
  6. Youth and education
General Information
- 2 centers in Vantaa - 7 full time and 7 part time workers, tens of volunteers - Funded by (STEA, Vantaa City, ESR, different ministries, and other foundations) - National and international events (projects, seminars, intercultural interreligious dialoge, concerts, youth exchange, training..etc) - partners are different organizations, city of Vantaa, Vantaa parish..)    
Mission and Objectives

We aim to promote the awareness and knowledge of the different cultures and advance multicultural activities in the Finland. We also promote tolerance in Finland by applying preventive and antiracist policies. Gradually the organisation has expanded its operations and has become the supportive organisation for immigrants.

Main Projects / Activities

- EU project (KOTO) Integrating refugee families
- Immigrant advice work
- Youth programs
- Crime prevention project
- Art exhibitions
- Art courses for children and youth
- Peace Forum (Israel-Palestine)
- Concerts, lectures, training programs, seminars..)

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

- promote the values that we share with Anna Lind foundation
- organize exchange programs
- organize intercultural-interreligous dialogue
- participate in Anna Lind Foundation activities and programs
- provide cultural experts
- exchange good practices with other members
 

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

- to widen our knowledge and expertese and benefit from ALF training and programs
- to widen our network with other organizations who share with us the same values
- to exchange ideas and eperiences with other members
- to participate in ALF activities in Finland and abroad
- to be able to apply for projects that ALF supports
- Being from Middle Eastern background, activate cooperation with Arab countries
 

Contact (1) Full Name
Burhan Hamdon
Job Title
Executive Manager
Head of the organisation
Burhan Hamdon
Contact (2) Full Name
Eila Järvinen
Job Title (2)
Treasurer

Hanasaari – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Hanasaarenranta 5
02100 FI-02100 ESPOO
فنلندا

Telephone
--
E-Mail
info@hanaholmen.fi
E-Mail (2)
ella.turta@hanaholmen.fi
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
1975
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Environment/Sustainable development
  4. Gender
  5. International/Cultural relations
  6. Media
  7. Research
  8. Youth and education
General Information

Hanaholmen – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre works to develop co-operation between the countries in all areas of society. Hanaholmen plans and arranges various types of events, courses, seminars and projects as well as investigates various social development needs. Hanaholmen is also a completely renovated conference centre with modern spaces, a high-class restaurant, and a hotel with sea views. The building is well organised and filled with inspiring contemporary art from Sweden and Finland. Spaces are fresh and functional with modern technology and all features under the same roof. The property at Hanaholmen is owned by the state of Finland and has been transferred to the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation, which oversees Hanaholmen.

Mission and Objectives

The basic principles for Hanaholmen’s activities are to convey the benefits of Finnish–Swedish cooperation and to strengthen the Finns’ belonging to the Nordic family. It is about creating a bridge for Swedes into Finland and for Finns into Sweden. Hanaholmen’s strategy for the years 2017 to 2020 emphasises Hanaholmen’s general mission, i.e. to promote co-operation between Sweden and Finland in the cultural, social and business sectors. In addition, the following guidelines are highlighted in the strategy: • Peace, security and inclusion • Culture, knowledge and education • Sustainable welfare

Main Projects / Activities

The yearly programme of more than 100 events consists of seminars, debates, exhibitions, performances, meetings and other activities appropriate for fulfilling the mission.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ella Turta
Job Title
Programme coordinator/project leader
Head of the organisation
Ms Gunvor Kronman

HEED Association Finland ry

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Katiskakuja 5
04300 Tuusula
فنلندا

Telephone
+358404108319
E-Mail
heedfinland@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
heedfinland@gmail.com
E-Mail (3)
heedfinland@gmail.com
E-Mail (4)
heedfinland@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
+358404108319
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2018
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. International/Cultural relations
  3. Others
  4. Research
  5. Youth and education
General Information

HEED Association is a non-governmental and non-profit making association founded in 2018. The association has three goals: to promote health, education and integration of immigrants and refugees in Finland. With the assertion that “Knowledge is power”, HEED will use different methods of delivering information to educate immigrants and refugees on health issues, enabling them to make informed decisions concerning their health and well-being.

The organisation has 10 active members, all working on voluntary bases. We are also a member of Moniheli ry network. The main funding source for our activities is threshold projects funded by Moniheli ry. We have since 2018 planned and implemented many projects on health and education and organised online and face-to-face seminars. We collaborate with educational institutions like Laurea University of Applied Sciences, grassroots organisations, and public and third-sector organisations.

Mission and Objectives

The mission is to educate, equip and empower immigrants and refugees to be able to make informed decisions concerning their health, and career choices and to ensure proper integration into Finnish Society. The vision is improved quality of life for all immigrants and refugees in Finland through effective health promotion interventions, guidance on education, research and integration.

Objectives
-Raise awareness of the prevalence of health issues confronting immigrants and their families.
-Educate immigrants on preventing and managing communicable, non-communicable, and other health issues.
-Raise awareness of mental health-related issues among immigrants.
-Host peer support groups on different health-related issues among immigrants
-Empower immigrant women to take the lead on health promotion, education and integration in the family
-Orientate families and young people on education and career choices in Finland
-Empower Immigrant families to be actively involved in their children´s education
-Guide immigrants on key aspects that enhance proper and smooth integration into the Finnish society
-Bridge the gap between culture and other cultures in Finland
-Develop collaboration with organisations involved in health promotion, education and integration issues
-Cooperate with different immigrant communities aimed at empowerment and capacity building.
-Conduct research on issues related to health, education and integration of immigrants in Finland

Main Projects / Activities

-Community outreach work on health and education
- Organizing online seminars/face-to-face seminars on health and education
-Providing cultural mediator training
-Pop-up events on chronic disease awareness
-Hosting town hall events on democracy education
-Counselling on health-related issues

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We can contribute through research and other small-scale health, education and integration projects.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

With the world becoming a global village, so too is the complexity of the issues confronting our communities. Joining this network will enable us to expand the work we have been doing, carry out research projects, and share our experiences and best practices while learning from others. Above all, it will be our own way to improve the welfare and well-being of immigrants in Finland and the world. We are stronger together, so we believe working together is key to a sustainable future for all

Contact (1) Full Name
Emmaculate Tamankag
Job Title
Chairperson
Head of the organisation
Chairperson
Contact (2) Full Name
Queenaline Ngam
Job Title (2)
Financial secretary

Helinä Rautavaaran etnografisen säätiön museo

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Entressen kauppakeskus, Siltakatu 11
02770 Espoo
فنلندا

Telephone
+358 46 8511 815
E-Mail
info@helinamuseo.fi
E-Mail (2)
ilona.niinikangas@helinamuseo.fi
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
1998
Fields of Activity
  1. Heritage
General Information

Helinä Rautavaara Museum was founded in 1998 by a private foundation. The foundation has representatives from the city of Espoo, from the Helsinki University, from the Finnish Anthropological Association and from the Finnish Museums Association. At the moment the Helinä Rautavaara Museum is the only functioning ethnographic museum and the only museum which portrays the life story of woman in Finland.

The staff consists of 5 permanent and 3-8 temporary members. The annual budget is around 0,5 milj euros. The main funding comes from the city of Espoo and from the Ministry for Culture and Education in Finland.

In 2020-2021 the museum was a nominee for the Museum of the Year Award in Finland. In 2021 museum's documentary "A Hundred Year Journey" won the award for Indigenous/First Nation films in SCINEMA festival for being "a great reminder that museums and curators can and should work hand-in-hand with Indigenous people to decolonize their work and be healing presence". In 2017 the museum was awarded by Pedaali, The Finnish Association for Museum Education for its nationwide project Museums as a refuge which encouraged 14 museums to create activities for asylum seekers and migrants who had arrived to Finland 2015-2016. In 2008 the museum was a nominee for European Museum of the Year.

The museum has relocated and opened its in doors 2019 in a shopping mall in Espoon keskus which is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Finland.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the museum is to keep up the collection and promote understanding on cultural diversity.

By using participatory approach and working with communities we aim to build culturally diverse Finland and just world. Our values include inclusion, reciprocity, topicality and giving space for multiple voices.

Main Projects / Activities

The museum has specialized in issues concerning cultural diversity, cultural inclusion and awareness raising.

The museum organizes annually 1-3 exhibitions and more that 100 events. The museum has conducted various creative and innovative co curation, audience and education projects funded by EU, Finnish ministries and local municipality. Many of the projects are linked to awareness raising or non formal learning.

Helinä Rautavaara Museum was named after it founder, journalist Helinä Rautavaara (1928-1998) who dedicated her life to traveling the world and documenting the living cultural heritage in mainly in Middle East, Africa, Latin America and South Asia. Her subsequent travels added to her ever-increasing amount of photographs, super-8 films, audio recordings and videos. In Finland, she became known for her personal knowledge of South America, the Caribbean and Africa; during her last years, also for a museum project under preparation. Rautavaara created a wide international network of contacts through her good public skills, all-round education and with the help of Finland’s politically neutral reputation. Artistic creativity was as important tool for her as her knowledge of written sources.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We want to share our knowledge, experience and museum facilities to promote cultural dialogue.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

New networks open possibilities for new types of co operation. We would be happy to work together with organizations that promote cultural dialogue and understanding.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ilona Niinikangas
Job Title
Museum director
Head of the organisation
Ilona Niinikangas

Helsingin sanataidekoulu ry

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Koskelantie 11 E 35
00610 Helsinki
فنلندا

Telephone
0400682711
E-Mail
helsinginsanataidekoulu@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
tuure-eerik.niemi@coleurope.eu
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2013
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Youth and education
General Information
Helsingin sanataidekoulu is a non-governmental organisation that assembles authors, writers and art educators, embedding the literary arts in Helsinki's art education scene. The organisation has about 20 members, who are actively involved in the advancement and promotion of the literary arts in Helsinki. The association organises workshops, courses and projects to advocate stronger dialogue between different socio-cultural groups, supporting and encouraging Helsinki's development to a city that is accommodating and inclusive. The association is funded by different project grants from foundations and organisations, both public and private. 
Mission and Objectives

Helsingin sanataidekoulu promotes the literary arts and arts education, and through different projects, seeks to develop methods of community art for the advancement of socio-cultural dialogue. 

Main Projects / Activities

Helsingin sanataidekoulu is involved with projects that seek to increase the availability and inclusivity of arts education in Helsinki. It has been working with youth from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds, using the literary arts as a way of supporting the development of these youth's voice and agency in the Finnish society. Additionally, the association works to advance the use of literary arts as a method of creating multilngual and -cultural communities. The association is also actively involved in the pedagogigal development of arts education with Finnish universities. Furthermore, Helsingin sanataidekoulu works together with primary and secondary schools, libraries, museums and publishing houses to construct local and national networks for interdisciplinary projects.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Helsingin sanataidekoulu is excited for any national and international partnerships for the realisation of projects that relate to the literary arts, community art, arts education and citizenship education. 
 

Contact (1) Full Name
Tuure-Eerik Niemi
Job Title
Postgraduate student, International Relations and Diplomacy, College of Europe
Head of the organisation
Tuure-Eerik Niemi

Helsinki multicultural family falcons

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Pukinmäenkaari 3-5F70, 00700 Helsinki
Helsinki
فنلندا

Telephone
+358 45 3155 003
E-Mail
kinson@kolumbus.fi
E-Mail (3)
kinson@kolumbus.fi
Mobile Phone
+358 45 3155 003
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1996
Fields of Activity
  1. Youth and education
General Information
The association was established with the aim of promoting intercultural dialogue among children of african descent and the Finnish society in the Greater Helsinki Area through education of both youths and parents. Since its inception, we have engaged services of teachers from different cultures to teach children of school age. This was necessary because there was little or no serious commitments by other NGOs to initiate such program in the middle of 1990s. This was due to the fact that there were few immigrants living in Finland as compared to now. Our association impacted much on the children and our dedicated programs have enhanced pre-school children's ability to cope in different schools of their choices. We have been partly sponsored by individual families. I can proudly say that our contribution to the Finnish society in the integration process is yielding fruits. We organise various multicultural events and programs, trips to different cities, organise camps where all the parents and the children of multicultural background interact socially. As examples, we play diffrent cultural games from various countries including Finnish children in order to enhance wareness levels about tolerance.
Mission and Objectives

Creating an environment that is non-discriminating, selfless contribution to society that will enhance multicultural understanding in the new global village.
Provide children of foreign backgrounds with crucial information that will assist in their endeavour to integrate into Finnish society.

Main Projects / Activities

1. Organise twice a year (April and November each year)multicutural camps within Finland where other foreign or ethnic associations are invited to participate,(for example, the Finnish Falcons)asssit in giving free lectures on selected topics. (Next camp due in November 2010)
2. Youth alive program 2010, November/December. This is a weekend program where youths are encouraged to organise and manage mini-seminars that all children can participate and express themselves. In the seminars, children are especially encouraged to teach different culture-related topics from their original countries and a question and answer session is embedded into the program to ensure that they understand the core objective of the program.
ally advised to teach different cultures from their original countries and a question and answer session is embedded into the program ensure that they understand the core objective of the program.

Contact (1) Full Name
Stephen Kin

Highway to Healty Youth! -youth exchange at the Youth Centre Villa Elba

الصورة
Young people

Highway to Healty Youth! -youth exchange brought together young people to Villa Elba from Ireland, Croatia, Turkey, Italy and Finland from february 26th to march 3rd.

 

The theme of the youth exchange was healthy lifestyle and well-being of youth. The program included for example team building, workshops about health, games, yoga, visit to a natural history museum, ice fishing, swimming and of course sauna.

 

Young participants gained valuable insights and practical knowledge that will positively impact their lives. Here are some of the key lessons they took home from the experience:

  • The Importance of Balanced Nutrition
  • Physical Activity for Mental Health
  • Mindfulness and Stress Management
  • The Value of Peer Support
  • Cultural Exchange and Diversity
  • Connection to Nature
  • Self-Care Practices

 

At the heart of this exchange were the partner organizations whose dedication made it all possible:

  • System and Generation Association - S&G
  • Vedogiovane
  • Youth Work Ireland Galway
  • Impress / Youth Work Ireland Tipperary

 

 

This youth exchange is funded by Erasmus+

 

Youth Centre Villa Elba in Finland supports and guides youth groups to implement youth exchanges that are funded through the Erasmus + Youth in Action program. Youth participating in exchanges design and implement a meeting based on their own ideas.

Read more: https://villaelba.fi/language/en/youth-centre/international-activities/youth-exchange/

Historian ja yhteiskuntaopin opettajien liitto HYOL ry

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Mechelininkatu 15 B 36
00100 Helsinki
فنلندا

Telephone
+358443031789
E-Mail
kirsi.ruhanen@hyol.fi
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
1948
Fields of Activity
  1. Youth and education
General Information

The Association for Teachers of History and Social Studies in Finland has approximately 1 500 members. The association is run by the Board which has 12 members. The general assembly is held twice a year. The associoation has one full-time employee, the Secretary General. Sources of funding are the yearly membership fees paid by the members and the entry fees paid by the participants of the courses organisezed by the association. The Association itself organizes pedagogical further education courses ca four times a year. Courses organized with different partners double the amount of courses a year. The association also organises several different competitions for pupils and students. The association has sevaral differents partnes both from the public and private sector. The Association for Teachers of History and Social Studies in Finland is a member of the European Association of History Educators, EUROCLIO.

Mission and Objectives

The Association for Teachers of History and Social Studies in Finland was founded in 1948 to promote the interest of history teachers as well as to support their work. The association produces material for history teachers and organizes training courses for its members. In addition, the association aims to didactically and pedagogically develop history and social studies, takes actively part in the development of the national curriculum and supports research on history teaching.

Main Projects / Activities

The association publishes a pedagogical magazine ”Kleio” four times a year. We organize yearly several training courses for teachers (both in Finland and abroad) and competitions for school kids and students. The Association is also internationally active, in 2022 we organize a course in Italy with the Finnish Institute in Rome and another one in Greece with the Finnish Institute in Athens.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

HYOL can contribute to the Network by spreading information to Finnish teachers of history and social studies.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

HYOL believes the teachers of history and civics are able to implement the Anna Lindh Foundations goals among the youth. As ALF, the teaching of history and civics tries to improve mutual respect between cultures and to support civil society. HYOL, like ALF, tries to overcome the misunderstandings and stereotypes which affect relations between and within the societies.

Contact (1) Full Name
Kirsi Ruhanen
Job Title
Secretary general
Head of the organisation
Eero Kitunen, chairman of the board

Hyvärilä Youth and Leisure Centre

National Network
فنلندا
Address

Lomatie 12
75500 Nurmes
فنلندا

Telephone
00358401045960
Telephone (other)
00358504398821
E-Mail
hyvarila@nurmes.fi
E-Mail (2)
antti.korhonen@nurmes.fi
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1982
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Environment/Sustainable development
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Media
  5. Others
  6. Research
  7. Youth and education
General Information
Hyvärilä Youth Centre is one of the 10 National Youth Centres in Finland, supporting the quality of youth work   in regional, national and international level, implementing educational activities, camps, youth exchanges and seminars through various regional, state and European funding lines.  With our staff of ca. 25 professionalsour main focus is to act as a resource centre for youth work and education networks regionally in the area of North-Karelia, as well as internationally.
Mission and Objectives

As a Youth Centre we belong to a national network of 10 Centres (www.snk.fi) coordinating, implementing and developing youth work and youth policy in Finland. We were established in 1982, and in the past years we’ve been increasingly involved in youth work policy and practice discussions and implementation, based on our experience in the field. Our main aim is to support and improve the quality of youth work carried out especially in Eastern-Finland, as we are mandated also to do by the Youth law of Finland, as well as the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. Through our activities and partnerships we have gathered a vast amount of experience, and a significant role in developing youth work quality and policy in the region, and also Finland.
We work through local, regional, national and international partnerships to offer youth work and young people opportunities to engage their selves in learning and educational activities, mobility and more. Our main target group are children and young people under the age of 30-years-old, as well as the people and organisations directly working with them. We host more than 150 activities, seminars and camps for this particular target group in the Centre yearly, and act as a seminar and event centre for other customers too (i.e. holidays, weddings, conferences etc.).
In the past years our strategy development has taken us strongly towards to supporting especially the topics of fight against youth unemployment, social empowerment, intercultural learning, media education and school cooperation. On a practical level, our educational staff offers educational activities, basic youth work and youth information services, coaching, outreach youth work and youth workshop services to children and young people and people working with them - We have various long-term projects co-funded by the ministry of education and culture and i.e. European funding tackling these topics. More specified description of the activities below.
One of our main focal points in the past years has also been to cooperate and develop international partnerships and initiatives. In the past 10 years we coordinated and implemented more than 40 international projects, through which we’ve built a network around 80 partner organisations, mainly around Europe. As we are located in the Eastern parts of Finland, we have also an emphasis for cooperating with Russian Karelia, besides youth work objectives and activities also opening paths and cooperation also for tourism and leisure groups to cross the border.
Our centre’s staff consists 15+ professionals working directly with young people, and all in all more than 35 employees supporting the activities and running the Centre. Our Centre can accommodate up to 200 customers, and offers wide range of facilites to run camps, conferences, seminars, lectures and outdoor (adventure) experiences. Beside this our outdoor grass fields, and the 2012 finished state of the art sports hall Pielis Arena offers great possibilities for sports events, fairs, tournaments and leisure time activities.
 

Main Projects / Activities

On regional level we work with other NGO’s, schools and more trying to support their agendas and link them stronger to the youth policy through offering training, opportunities and networking as a “hub”. Through our status as a National Youth Centre, and as a part of being a network of 10 centres in Finland in total, we also try to play a role in the society level discussions about children, young people, youth work and education. We also implement the Finnish state youth law strategy, in example through various projects (also some mentioned below) funded directly i.e. through the Ministry of education and culture. Through our international coordination we’ve also networked and implemented a lot of international projects over the past 10-15 years, with main focus now on European and Russian cooperation.
Below some concrete examples of our main activities to give you a glimpse of what we actually do:
As one of our main activities (60-70 camp schools a year), we work together with schools from the region, implementing “camp schools” in the Centre. The camp schools are a cooperation that supports the educational curricula of children and young people, planned together with individual classes and teachers. As a practical example, a school class can come to study i.e. a subject of biology (listed in the curricula) through outdoor education methodology and experimental learning, at the same time focusing on their group dynamics, social skills and more. Classes come to us for a i.e. for a period of 1 week, and learn their subjects and reinforce their groups through experimental and non-formal learning methodology
International youth activities, exchanges and voluntary work are of major importance at Hyvärilä. Various international youth projects are coordinated and promoted by Hyvärilä Youth Centre. These have included several European youth exchanges, seminars, youth camps and workshops, where participants across Europe and beyond have participated. Hyvärilä is active user of EU´s funding -programmes, and member of the EURODESK, PLATFORM and ENYC networks. Hyvärilä provides also international youth information services for the youth in the region. Besides European cooperation, also cross -border cooperation, Nordic cooperation and the Baltic Sea cooperation are of Hyvärilä’s interest. The goal is to improve the internationalization of the Finnish youth, as well as to provide unforgettable non-formal learning experiences for the visiting international youth groups. The purpose of all the international youth work is to promote acceptance of difference, feeling of community, cultural understanding, cultural awareness, and intercultural dialogue. In a year we run about 4-6 exchanges, training courses and voluntary projects (we host i.e. 2 long term EVS volunteers around the year).
Social youth work & coaching
Social youth work coordination (funded by the ministry of education and culture) is carried out in 8 of the 10 youth centres. The idea is to organise short term coaching (camps) that support young people between the ages of 15-28 with fewer opportunities. In practice this means that we work directly together with the regions outreach youth work and youth workshops, that target and work with young people with economical, social and emotional challenges. In practice we run more than 30 camps a year for groups coming to learn about daily routines, social skills and empowerment, and plan their future steps in terms of employment, education and training.
Every youth centre has their speciality. One of ours developing is our media project and coordination for media education in the area. This 3 year media project aims to cooperate with the regions schools and youth work tackling topics of “how to make a difference”, promoting creativity and teaching about media skills, criticism and awareness to kids and young people through audio visual media as a methodology. The project is funded by the ministry of education and culture in Finland, providing us also with high quality equipment to produce, edit, record, and broadcast radio shows, short films and empowering photography as a part of our offered activities. This naturally gives us also the opportunity to combine the different activities together with Eetteristä Itään.
 
 

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Our Youth Centre is able and willing to contribute our experience and expertise from the past 35 years of youth work and educational activities. We are hoping to engage in the network, also through bringing our own regional, national and international partners and their knowledge to the table. As mentioned before, our activities and projects involving children, young people and professionals working with them can be also offered to support the field of youth work and education through the AFL network.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Our interest is to diversify our practices, and gain more reliable partners to work with. We feel that the AFL network could be a potential way to do so, and are keen to explore the opportunities it offers to the Youth Centre's strategy and daily practices. We hope to be able to set up new initiatives and projects that are aligned with both, our and AFL networks aiims.

Contact (1) Full Name
Antti Korhonen
Job Title
International Coordinator
Head of the organisation
Jason Koukku
Contact (2) Full Name
Jason Koukku
Job Title (2)
Executive director