Maunulan Spinni - Spinniskola

Since 2009, Maunula's Spinni works with immigrant children and young people in Helsinki. The purpose is to integrate children and young people into Finnish society through different forms of activities, to increase participation, and to strengthen the health and well - being of immigrants. Also, the purpose is to provide meaningful guided, supported and own-initiative structural activities for young people. Through these activities, we aim to develop active and participating young people, promote their health, physical and mental well-being, substance-free and structural activities. The activities at Spinni are as follows: mother+child activities, children's musical and other clubs (sports, culture, languages) guided, supported, self-initiated activities for young people. Maunulan Spinni’s activities are organised in Helsinki, Finland at the multicultural activity centre Graniitti in Pihlajamäki. The organization leases approximately 250 m2 with well-equipped facilities: teaching classes, wood and craft workshop, sewing workshop, multifunctional facilities, kitchen and gym. The main target group is Russian-speaking children and young people, who represent Finland's largest immigrant group (about 100,000 Russian-speakers live in Finland). Almost half of these young people were born in Finland, i.e. the second generation of immigrants. According to studies, the second generation of immigrants is usually in the most challenging situation due to an identity crisis. That is why activities in their own language, close to the home culture, support the building of the self - identity and positively affect their well-being. The activities involve around 100 young people living in different parts of the Helsinki metropolitan area. The activities had been diversified over the years to reach as many participants from different backgrounds as possible. The children who grew up with Maunulan Spinni club were active for a very long time. The special feature of the organization is that the activities grow together with the participants, and the children usually participate in the activities from childhood to adulthood. Youth activities involve 13-21 years old activists carrying out various projects themselves and their partners, participating in Erasmus + projects, acting as facilitators and leaders. The mission of the organization is to help young people find their way of life in order to be happy. Leaders of different groups (photographers, artists, volunteers, dancers, actors, journalists, chefs, designers, teachers, project team, etc.) form the structure of Maunulan Spinni. In work with young people the following methods are applied: * Teaching * Travelling around the world * Lifelong learning * Bringing generations together * Implementation of projects * Organisation of events * Gaining real life experience Activities intended for young people are broad and diverse: Discussion groups (human rights, equality, structure of Finnish society, democracy, impact opportunities, active citizenship, volunteering). Choosing of profession (tests, discussions, trial periods) Eco Generation - an activity that promotes sustainable development and environmental values. Digi Team-activities to strengthen young people's digital skills. Time Management Guided free time (board game evenings) Own-initiative activities (young people's theatre club) Journalism Healthy food kitchen Almost 800 hours of different activities are organised for young people per year. In addition to theoretical learning, young people are actively involved in practical activities, or work alongside adults in different events: as assistants and volunteers at rehearsals, musical performances, responsible for light and equipment during concerts, as hosts of cultural events, kitchen assistants in camps, camp instructors and programme. Young people organise a lot of open events independently, like quizzes and sports competitions.