MoniNet helps it run thru volunteer hosts

The City of Rovaniemi has been implementing an immigrant integration project through Rovaniemi volunteer integrators – the volunteer hosts.

The project Volunteers Hosting Refugees on the Integration Path launched in 2007 – 2008 is being implemented in conjunction with MoniNet, a multicultural centre in the city.

The volunteer hosts introduce the newcomers to the lifestyle of the local society, in addition to their regular activities, MoniNet sources said.

The cornerstone of the Kotokaveri intervention is the volunteer hosts. They help immigrants in practical ways to get to know everyday life in Finland, to learn Finnish language etc,” said Anne Aspelund from MoniNet to the Daily Finland.

They can do various activities together – for example study language, cook, go to the library, visit each other at home, and practise Finnish language in everyday situations, said Aspelund.

During a visit to the MoniNet office at the city´s Kansankatu recently, a number of immigrants were found learning various activities in addition to finding some likeminded people to exchange views.

“I like to be here and feel very good. I can study more Finnish language, talk with people, and practise how to knit socks here. Yesterday, we also made some food together. I like the activities,” said Guido Skrubis, an immigrant from Latvia.

Guido, who started to live in Finland in 2006, said that he has developed his own circle here to pass his leisure time.

“We have our own lives. But we also meet with the friends we have made here in the city centre sometimes and eat together,” Guido told the Daily Finland.

The activities on the day in MoniNet included Advanced Finnish language learning group, woven weaving group, chatting group, and men’s soccer game for immigrants.

“Our organisation commits itself to improve interaction between the local Finnish people and the immigrants, and to enrich their lives,” said MoniNet Head Seija Matero.

According to Matero, normally there are an average of around 10-15 participants for each activity, but the number also varies depending on the activity itself.

MoniNet is maintained by Rovala Settlement ry to support the acculturation of the immigrants and to take their current needs into account.

Running Finnish language learning groups are the main activities for them. Besides that, there are also Russian evenings, family groups with kids of 3 to 6, dancing groups for women and girls, etc.

Besides the project activities, MoniNet also offers the immigrants help to deal with their daily stuffs.

MoniNet started its activities since the year 2001 and the aim of its work is to promote communication between the immigrants and the Finnish people as well as to support the acculturation of the immigrants. Co-operation with a vast network as well as customer-based activities create good possibilities for taking current needs into account.

MoniNet also offers other multicultural voluntary work possibilities, for example guiding group activities, helping immigrant children with their homework (at school, in small groups) etc.