The Stronger Communities project, coordinated by International Professionals Finland, is an initiative dedicated to empowering local communities and promoting social inclusion, with a particular focus on immigrants living in North Satakunta. Through joint activities carried out so far in the municipalities of Kankaanpää, Merikarvia, and Jämijärvi, the “Stronger Communities” project aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and the building of long-term partnerships and bridges of cooperation between local and international actors. The project encourages cross-sector collaboration, idea sharing, and the development of a more sustainable and inclusive future.
One of its main objectives is to address the challenges faced by unemployed immigrants and professionals in the North Satakunta region, by improving connections between job seekers and employers, and contributing to the prevention of social exclusion. This project represents a comprehensive approach to community development, where dialogue, cooperation, and networking are at the heart of its actions. It focuses on building local capacities, actively involving citizens in decision-making, and creating sustainable networks of collaboration between local and European stakeholders.
Activities carried out so far include digital skills development, community strengthening, individual and group mentoring, networking and building support networks, and providing information about the labour market.
Digital Skills Development
During this period, informative activities were held in the municipalities of Kankaanpää, Merikarvia, and Jämijärvi under the themes “Digital Support Day” and “Health Information Day”. These events were organized in a structured manner and were exclusively targeted at resident immigrants in these areas. The main goal of these activities was to support the social and administrative integration of participants by improving digital skills and raising awareness about the functioning of key public service systems in Finland.
Kankaanpää – Health Information Day
In the municipality of Kankaanpää, the “Digital Health Day” was organized as an informative and practical event dedicated to immigrants living in Finland, with the aim of strengthening their digital inclusion and facilitating access to public services.
During this event, participants had the opportunity to learn and practice using key Finnish digital platforms such as Oma Kela and Oma Kanta, which provide access to social security services and personal health information. Through interactive sessions, they were guided step-by-step on how to register, use digital identification, navigate the system, and utilize the main functions of these platforms. The activity also focused on the use of other digital public administration services, helping participants understand how to apply for social benefits, book medical appointments, manage personal documents, and communicate with relevant institutions in a safe and efficient manner. This day dedicated to digital health significantly contributed to enhancing the digital skills of immigrants, equipping them with practical knowledge to navigate Finnish institutional systems and improve their integration into society.
Merikarvia- Digital Support Day
The meeting was held with young immigrants who study and live in Merikarvia, focusing on practical guidance and empowerment in their daily lives in Finland. Participants were informed about the process of converting a driver’s license according to Finnish regulations. Another important topic was digital skills development, where young people received guidance on useful platforms for education, employment, and communication. Internet safety was also discussed, with emphasis on protection from risks related to social media use, privacy preservation, and identifying harmful content. Participants were also given practical instructions on obtaining a bank card in Finland, with steps clearly explained. The importance of using a bank card for payments, managing personal finances, and accessing digital services was highlighted.
This meeting served as an important step toward the integration of young immigrants into Finnish society, equipping them with valuable knowledge and creating a safe space for questions, discussion, and sharing experiences.
Community building activities
In the municipalities of Kankaanpää and Jämijärvi, social activities focused on community building were organized, including open picnics, interactive games, and dedicated sessions for fostering interpersonal relationships. These activities were designed as inclusive spaces where Finnish citizens and resident immigrants in these municipalities participated. The aim is to facilitate the creation of social connections between newcomers and the local community, contributing to the development of a sustainable and inclusive community. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural awareness and promote a sense of togetherness through active collaboration and continuous interaction. The organization of social activities and cultural events plays a key role in promoting intercultural understanding, strengthening bonds, and creating a supportive atmosphere. In this way, the sense of belonging is reinforced, and the community becomes more open, united, and resilient.
Cultural Event in the Municipality of Jämijärvi
This activity aimed to introduce participants to Finnish culture through the presentation of traditional elements that characterize it, such as the features of Finnish cuisine and folk and traditional music, which is influenced by Karelian melodies and lyrics. The event also highlighted prominent figures in Finnish literature, including Aleksis Kivi, Mika Waltari, and Tove Jansson. These authors have played a significant role in shaping Finland’s cultural identity and enriching world literature.
Community stories and cultural practices such as the sauna and mökki (traditional countryside cottages for nature retreats) are an essential part of Finland’s identity and way of life.This open and inclusive format of cultural presentation gave participants the opportunity to connect more closely with one another, share personal experiences, and better understand the local context in which they live. Through these authentic elements, intercultural interaction was encouraged, mutual understanding deepened, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere was created where everyone felt part of the community.
Finnish food culture is distinguished using fresh and seasonal ingredients, with fish, reindeer meat, potatoes, and berries among the most common. Traditional dishes such as karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), kalakukko (bread filled with fish and meat), lohikeitto (salmon soup), poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer), leipäjuusto (baked cheese), as well as rye bread (ruisleipä), summer potatoes, and herring, represent the authentic flavors of the Finnish table.
During the activity, participants were introduced to the characteristics of Finnish cuisine, experiencing traditional dishes firsthand and learning about the importance of seasonal products in the country’s culinary culture.
Intergenerational Inclusion and Community Building in Kankaanpää
A key aspect of the Stronger Communities project has been the organization of community-building activities. As part of these efforts, creative workshops were held where children and adults, immigrants and Finns, participated together in activities such as drawing, painting, handicrafts, and modelling. These workshops served as a means of self-expression, cultural exchange, and collaboration among participants, fostering an atmosphere where diversity is seen as a strength and everyone can contribute with their identity and experience.
A distinctive component of the “Stronger Communities” project has been the active inclusion of children through age-appropriate programs aimed at strengthening their connection to the community and creating an environment where they feel welcomed, safe, and valued. These programs have included educational games, creative activities, and collaborative moments with adults, contributing to the development of a community culture based on respect, solidarity, and inclusion.
Participants, children and adults, immigrants and Finnish people have actively collaborated, sharing experiences, ideas, and emotions in an open and friendly atmosphere.
Through these interventions, the project has succeeded in building bridges of communication and understanding between individuals of diverse backgrounds, reinforcing social cohesion and laying a sustainable foundation for stronger, more connected, and more inclusive communities.
Networking, Improving skills and career development
In the city of Kankaanpää, an event dedicated to fostering connections and cross-sector collaboration was organized, bringing together representatives from local organizations, civil society actors, public institutions, and private businesses, as well as individuals engaged in community development. The aim of the event was to encourage interaction, exchange of ideas, and the creation of sustainable networks that contribute to strengthening social ties and the long-term development of the local community.
During this meeting, participants engaged in a rich exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices, laying a strong foundation for building new collaborative networks. In an open and encouraging atmosphere, key topics were addressed concerning the long-term development of communities, such as social inclusion, the promotion of the local economy, and the empowerment of rural areas. The focus of the event was networking, as a tool to connect actors from different sectors and to create communication bridges that support cross-sector collaboration. The development of long-term networks was recognized as essential for creating a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community, reflecting a commitment to sustainable structures that respond to the real needs of the community.
The development of long-term networks was recognized as essential for creating a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community, reflecting a commitment to sustainable structures that respond to the real needs of the community.
The event was valued as an important starting point for the development of new collaboration platforms, where dialogue among local actors turned into a concrete opportunity for networking, idea exchange, and partnership building. The positive spirit of the meeting encouraged community engagement and paved the way for new initiatives, positioning networking as a key pillar for sustainable local development.
Experience of the Project Coordinator
Brunilda Eklund, Project Coordinator of Stronger Communities, shares her personal experience of integration in Finland. Having gone through the integration process herself, she has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs faced by immigrants in a new cultural and institutional context.
During activities held in the municipalities of Kankaanpää, Merikarvia, and Jämijärvi, I have witnessed how participants despite the difficulties they’ve encountered bring with them a wealth of value to the community: experience, determination, and a genuine desire to become active members of society.
In every meeting, whether a digital workshop or a session on the labour market, there is a clear need for mutual support and for a space where people feel safe to share their stories. What has impressed me most is the way participants connect with one another, forming support networks that often extend beyond the organized activities.
These moments remind me that integration is not merely an administrative process, but an emotional and social journey where everyone needs to be heard, understood, and appreciated. Being part of this journey as a coordinator is both a privilege and a responsibility, giving me the opportunity to contribute to the building of stronger, more empathetic, and more inclusive communities.
The journey continues!
The Stronger Communities project is expanding through collaboration with additional municipalities such as Karvia, Pomarkku, and Siikainen, continuing its mission to promote social inclusion and empower immigrants in community life across Finland. These partnerships will focus on:
- Social and community-related issues
- Information about the labour market
- Workshops for CV preparation
These interventions aim to support the professional and social integration of participants by creating concrete opportunities for personal development, networking, and active engagement in the community.
Bruna Eklund
Hanke suomeksi pähkinänkuoressa oheisessa kuvassa (ei saavutettava).
