Friend for an immigrant mum

Would you like to get to know a Finnish woman in Finland?

The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, Southern District started ”friend for an immigrant mum” work in 2011. It's aim is to promote immigrant mum’s integration and learning of the Finnish language.

Through MLL Southern District you can get to know a Finnish woman. ”Friend for an immigrant mum” coordinators seek Finnish-speaking women and immigrant mums to be friends with. Children are welcome to join the activity.

Would you like to improve your Finnish?

Learning the new language is easier with a local Finnish speaking woman. Getting to know to speak the lauguage helps the immigrant mum to do regular activities such as shopping and the communication with any local services needed.

What is it like to be friends with a Finnish speaking woman?

We seek to find a friend for all immigrant mums, who live nearby and who have similar hobbies and interests or are going through similiar issues in their life.

It is possible to take part in this activity with your child/chlidren, as the purpose is to meet the Finnish woman/mum in everyday activities such as playgrounds, walks together, shopping or at each other’s home.

Why is the ”friend for an immigrant mum” work important?

In some occasions immigrant mums who are caring for their children at home are easily left out society, as they lack a common network and are might be unable to attend language courses.  All mothers are not given information about playground activities and "family cafes" by the antinatal clinic. Those who receive this information may have difficulty in going alone to the playground or other local activity aimed at families with children.
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What kind of training do the volunteers get?

MLL (Mannerheim League for Child Welfare), Southern District, offers participants one evening of training, get-togethers, regular follow-up training as well as guidance and professional advice. Each friendship begins with a meeting where the immigrant mum, volunteer and MLL coordinator are present.

Additional information and registration:

Tessa Sarkima tel. 044 7426 000 or tessa.sarkima@mll.fi

”Friend for an immigrant mum” work is supported by STEA, city of Helsinki, city of Vantaa and city of Espoo. 

The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare is an NGO. It's aim is to promote the wellbeing of children, youth and families with children as well as support parenting.