The purpose is to prevent exclusion and xenophobia and to encourage integration of immigrant families.

The Hakunen project is part of EU Urban II Community Initiative Programme. In Finland, the Government allotted Urban II Programme to the Greater Metropolitan Area, especially for developing its eastern parts, Helsinki-Vantaa.

The project uses diverse practical working methods to support the parenthood of immigrants and the care and upbringing of children. People come to the Hakunen centre of their own accord or at the recommendation of the child welfare clinic, day-care centre or social worker. The centre workers are child welfare and child welfare clinic family workers, psychologists, day-care workers, public health nurses and social workers, who work as work pairs of group leaders. The work is methodical, purposeful and regular, and adapts for use the working methods of multi-professional early support. The group leader acts as a mentor to the other workers, which enables the participation of different professions, the development of professional skills and a multi-professional working method, and safeguards continuation of the work.  Participation in activities is voluntary. Creation of the family's own social networks is promoted. 

The project promotes integration and offers Finns and immigrant women a natural meeting place. In the client-friendly centre families take part in many types of group activity and receive concrete preventive support.

Immigrant families, women and children.

Total budget € 209 000, two full-time workers, 100 m2 multi-activity space. Expertise by child welfare workers, child welfare clinic family workers, psychologists, day-care workers, public health nurses and social workers.

City of Vantaa, Hakunila social services and health centre
Ms. Anna Cantell-Forsbom, tel. +358 9 839 30421

01/01/2004

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Ethnic minorities