Perspectives from INY’s Uusi Kotimaa tutuksi –  Project (KoTu)

The Uusi Kotimaa tutuksi -project (KoTu) was funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The project’s objective was to support the integration of immigrant women by providing comprehensive information about Finnish society and its welfare system and how to navigate through it. The training included leisure activities and excursions to various destinations in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The project also offered individual guidance in different situations where participants needed additional information and tailored support. The project went beyond providing general information to offer practical individualized help to the participants.

During the project, it became evident that these women still needed essential information about Finnish society and its system despite having lived in the country for extended periods. Discussions during the training revealed that their lack of knowledge hindered their ability to participate and function effectively in Finnish society. This raised many questions about the Finnish integration process, particularly in identifying areas where it failed for these participants. Integration is a vital process for immigrants, as gaining the knowledge to navigate and engage with society empowers them to take action and become active, self-sufficient members of the community.

At the closing event of the KoTu project, speaker Joachim Vogt Isaksen and panelists Amani Bakri, Aziza Hossaini, and Farid Ramadan offered invaluable insights into integration. Isaksen emphasized the central role of NGOs in creating networks and connections for new immigrants, promoting new social relationships and employment opportunities, and enhancing their sense of belonging. NGOs can further advance the integration process by fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, including public administration and the private sector. Their contribution is invaluable and deserves recognition.

The panel discussion underscored the diversity among immigrants, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches and equitable treatment. Participants highlighted how personal backgrounds and challenges significantly influence integration journeys. To facilitate successful integration, the panel advocated for a more active municipal role in supporting and monitoring immigrants, tailoring services to specific needs. This includes developing comprehensive, customer-centered integration plans that track progress and consider factors like health and skills. Given the impending shift in integration responsibilities to municipalities under the new Integration Act, providing tailored support and follow-up services is crucial.

Language skills emerged as a crucial factor in successful integration. The lack of language proficiency can lead to long-term consequences. While comprehensive integration is essential, language proficiency is particularly critical for immigrant families because it plays a significant role in supporting immigrant children. The panelists pointed out that bilingual professionals can play a crucial role in helping immigrants with language learning and comprehension, promoting effective communication and understanding. Therefore, employees or trainers within organizations and at the governmental level must acquire the necessary expertise and cultural awareness to support the integration process effectively.

Civic orientation courses in migrants’ own languages were cited, therefore, as best practice. However, the panelists expressed concerns about how civic orientation can be implemented effectively without a drop in quality:

1. The content of civic orientation should be comprehensive and up-to-date, reflecting societal changes.
2. Competent and well-trained facilitators ensure information is provided effectively and can address various questions and attitudes.
3. Skilled trainers can account for the individual needs and challenges of migrants.

They can offer tailored guidance to help migrants achieve their goals and better adapt to the new society. A good trainer’s understanding of different learning styles, needs, and cultural backgrounds helps create a learning environment that supports participation and interaction. With civic orientation courses becoming compulsory under the new Integration Act, trainers will play a significant role in Finnish integration.

Furthermore, the panelists acknowledged the vital role of civil society organizations, as highlighted in Isaksen’s keynote. Civil society organizations can provide support, services, and valuable networks for immigrants. These organizations are significant for immigrants who may drop out of current and future integration processes, progress slower than anticipated under the Integration Act, or whose mandated integration plans have ended and who no longer receive all municipal services.

The panel discussion offered valuable insights into fostering an inclusive and prosperous integration process. Finland can build a more inclusive society by prioritizing fairness, tailoring support to individual needs, and recognizing immigrants’ diverse backgrounds. Critical strategies for achieving this include providing robust language support, developing customer-centric integration plans, and empowering NGOs. Through these collaborative efforts, we can create a society where everyone has the resources and opportunities to fully participate in the community.

Fatimzahra Sefiani The Kotu project coordinator