One of the coordinated pilot projects is called Hyvä alku länsirannikolla (A Good Start on the West Coast). The objective of the project is to develop and implement a service portfolio for initial-stage integration that could be utilised around Finland. The project also includes writing and developing a mobile game called Länsirannikon helmi (the Pearl of the West Coast).

At Home in Finland is a significant project by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and funded by the European Social Fund. It comprises two parts.

The umbrella project Hyvä alku (A Good Start) supports the work conducted under pilot projects around Finland and reports the national results based on them. Hyvä polku (the Good Path) subproject aims to develop the work of professionals involved with integration and to spread good practices through special regional coordinators.

“We have already created models on the basis of the results gained form the most advanced pilot projects. In other words, we use the work to create, for example, educational models for initial-stage integration, which can then be put to use anywhere in Finland,” explains Ilona Korhonen, Project Manager at the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.

“In addition, it seems that many of the pilot projects are becoming a permanent part of the local activities. One of the essential findings is that participating in a social orientation period offered in one’s native language is particularly important in the early stages of integration. Personally, I hope they will be implemented everywhere in Finland.”

According to the views of the At Home in Finland project, the services offered to immigrants at the initial stages should meet certain service level standards. For example, the services should be provided by experts and based on valid information, and it should be ensured that the immigrant receives sufficient information to be able to function in Finnish society.

This way, it can also be ensured that the early-stage services provided to the immigrant allow them to get started with learning Finnish.

“The manner in which the society receives immigrants is essential. Integration is easier if the society is welcoming. If you experience discrimination, you will never feel at home,” Korhonen says.

Learning about your new home through games

One of the many pilot projects supported by At Home in Finland is called Hyvä alku länsirannikolla (a Good Start on the West Coast). The objective of the project is to develop and implement a service portfolio for initial-stage integration. This will be partially accomplished through gamification.

One of the primary measures in the project is to create a mobile game under the title the Pearl of West Coast. It offers a free opportunity to learn Finnish, find information on services provided by authorities and the right of public access as well as to get to know the new area. The game has been written by WinNova Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy Ltd and it is currently being developed in cooperation with Lentävä Liitutaulu Oy.

“The other pilot projects do not have a mobile game. We have tested the game on our students, and the feedback has been really diverse: some have been very excited to use it for studying, while others have found the whole idea of using a game for learning a little strange,” explains Päivi Suominen-Tontti from Winnova.

Integration can prove a challenge if the person’s living environment becomes too narrow. A gamified application offered in the user’s native language encourages immigrants to learn the necessary vocabulary, move around and spend time together, take photos and complete diverse tasks that promote learning in different ways.

“The Pearl of West Coast can be used to learn more about nature and public access rights. The game takes the player to roam in nature, to explore the different items on the playing board and to open various tasks. The primary idea is to play the game in teams. This is one way to support a sense of community.”

The Good Start on the West Coast subproject also includes the immigration information and advice point MAINE launched by the city of Pori. Immigrants can contact the point to ask nearly anything, and the point will direct the immigrant to the right place. According to Suominen-Tontti, the advice point trial has been successful and will hopefully also be continued after the end of the project.

Text: Juha Wakonen

Photo: Winnova, Hyvä alku länsirannikolla -hanke