There’s space for new volunteers under the umbrella of Suomi-kerho
Along with the learning the language, students also learn about everyday life, culture, and society in Finland.
The Suomi-kerho is a club aimed at immigrants that meets every Monday at Kismus. Anyone can join the club regardless of their Finnish language level, free of charge. Leena Väisänen, who has worked as a volunteer in the Suomi-kerho since it was established seven years ago, says people from around twenty different countries attend the meetings.
“The meetings really open your perception of different sides of the world, and you learn a lot from them yourself”, says Väisänen.
The Suomi-kerho is an activity led by volunteers, and at this moment there is a special need for new childcare workers and hosts who don’t necessarily need to be already trained teachers.
“The most important aspect is the will to help others learn Finnish and familiarise themselves with the Finnish lifestyle”, says Johannes Heikura, a social worker (AMK) serving as a deacon in the Seinäjoki regional parish.
Teaching the Finnish way of life
In the shared section of the Suomi-kerho we start by going over the day of the week, the month, the weather and how everyone is doing. After that, we form different skill levels and go through Finnish for everyday life, while also teaching about Finnish customs and society.
Every year there have been tens of participants, in the best years over a hundred. The number of people present at any given time is variable, since members are free to come and go as their circumstances allow.
“The important thing about the meetings is that people speak Finnish as much as possible”, says Väisänen.
A great success
During the course of the years, the club has also seen several cases of successful learners. Participants have gone on to pursue higher education and found employment in positions that require Finnish language proficiency.
Heikura tells us about one specific group where the motto last year was “We want to speak Finnish!”. The goal set for this year is “We want to speak Finnish really well!”.
“Sense of humour in the Suomi-kerho is a big plus. It’s good to also be able to laugh at yourself a little”, says Heikura.
The Suomi-kerho in Seinäjoki is part of the nationwide “Let’s Read Together” network. The parish has made these activities possible by providing facilities, and Moni-info has helped with procuring materials.
Picture: Matti Hautalahti
Text: Jaakko Jokela
Translation: Ennio Roberto Sapatiello
Suomi-kerho
- Every Monday from 13.30–15.30 from 7.9.–21.12.2026 and 11.1.–31.5.2027
- Kismus, Kalevankatu 12 B, Seinäjoki
- We are looking for volunteer childcare workers and group leaders
- For more information: leena.vaisanen@netikka.fi
