In after-school afternoon day-care the goal is to practise social skills and functioning within a group, and to learn to respect and consider the other person and oneself.

The Icehearts 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.

This City of Vantaa department of culture and education project, 2002-2006, is being run in co-operation with Icehearts ry in a primary school in the Hakunila district. Its function is to support families in difficulties, promote the integration of immigrant families and develop co-operation between home and school with the aid of the children's afternoon club. Activities are aimed children aged 7-11 years who have special needs with regard to their growth and development, and who are selected for the group through teamwork between the school welfare officer, teacher, principal and similar educators. Methods involving physical exercise are used to support the child's development.

The children can experiment freely with different forms of exercise in a safe environment. The result of the activity is an improvement in the child's persistence and problem-solving skills. This is a way to prevent social exclusion.

Children and families living in vulnerable conditions, immigrant families, low income families, single parent families.

Total budget € 337 000, two full time workers, office facilities, and facilities for physical education. Skills needed are social work and social psychology expertise.

Icehearts association
Finland
http://icehearts.sporttisaitti.com/
Ms. Johanna Räisänen, tel. +358 40 533 1753

01/01/2002

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Social services