Community-sponsored integration

At the start of integration, social relationships and networks are of the utmost importance. Immigrants who have arrived in Finland as quota refugees are invited to participate in developing training activities in the community-sponsored integration project.

The project, which is set to run until the end of 2025, was started in January 2023. The project is funded by the European Union.

Community sponsor groups will be established in the roughly 15 municipalities receiving quota refugees involved in the project. These groups will offer versatile support for immigrant integration. The Red Cross and project partners recruit and train community sponsors.

The needs of immigrants as the starting point

Community sponsors and those arriving as quota refugees will receive training in finding ways to help refugees find information on life in Finland and the skills needed to operate in a new location.

Community sponsor groups and instructors arrange for a variety of customised practices for those who have moved to the municipality as quota refugees help them participate in life in their new home town.

The aim is to develop activities that take into account the needs and wishes expressed by immigrants as well as their situation. In addition to those who have arrived as refugees in Finland, the beneficiaries also include participating municipalities, associations, parishes and the entire refugee reception system.

Project goals

1. Quota refugees are aware of activity opportunities and participate in activities. They feel that they are welcome in the activities. Contacts with local residents increase, the social network expands and feelings of belonging and inclusion are generated. The training offers new alternatives to the integration path and increases competence.
   
   
2. The community sponsors recognise their tasks and have clear roles. They develop the activities in ways that are fitting for the municipality. They are motivated and satisfied with the activities. They receive any support and training they need from the project staff and the authorities in charge.
   
   
3. Community-sponsored integration practices and models provide experience from different locations. Cooperation parties and stakeholders actively participate in the development of the model. In the development work, target group members are activated to provide feedback and development proposals. A guide on community sponsor activities will be completed.
   
   

The Finnish Red Cross headquarters is the main organiser of the project. The project partners are the Humak University of Applied Sciences, the Church Council and four Red Cross district offices: the Oulu district, the Western Finland district, the Southwest Finland district and the Southeast Finland district.