Kalyna’s Visit to Finland: Cross-Border Learning and Shared Challenges

In early April, House of Helsinki had the honour of hosting representatives from the Czech organisation  Kalyna – Komunitní uprchlické centrum  during their Erasmus+-funded study visit to Finland. A six-member delegation from the city of Pardubice came to explore Finnish practices in immigrant integration, employment, and service guidance, with a particular focus on Ukrainian refugees.

The visit was planned collaboratively, and it led to meaningful discussions, new ideas, and a warm connection between two organisations operating in different countries. Although Kalyna works in the Czech Republic and House of Helsinki in Finland, both face similar challenges – such as uncertain future funding, the coordination of volunteer work, and the administrative burden of social impact work.

Learning, Experiences, and Points of Comparison

At the beginning of the visit, both organisations had the opportunity to present their work, values, and practical approaches to supporting immigrants. A shared language quickly emerged – built on compassion, inclusion, and humanity.

The guests were introduced to the City of Vantaa’s immigrant and employment services, which sparked great interest and provided a broad understanding of how integration is structured within Finnish municipalities. A visit to Careeria vocational institute also left a strong impression – Kalyna’s team was able to visit Finnish language classes and engage in direct discussions with students.

At the Russian Club of Vantaa, we learned about the wide range of services the club provides for Russian-speaking immigrants. The role of community in supporting integration raised important insights.

A visit to the reception centre in Espoo, operated by Luona Oy, offered a concrete look into the everyday life of people who have fled war and are living in long-term reception housing. Conversations highlighted both functioning practices and ongoing challenges. The warm and open atmosphere made a lasting impact on the visitors.

At the Hello Espoo Info Point, the delegation received a comprehensive overview of the services offered by the City of Espoo for newcomers. It was inspiring to hear how the initiative, which began as a temporary project, has become a permanent and official part of Espoo’s public service infrastructure.

To conclude the week, we visited Startup Refugees – an innovative and energetic organisation whose entrepreneurial approach to integration impressed both the guests and the Refufin team. Their model provided concrete tools to support immigrants in employment, based on their individual strengths and aspirations.

Reflections and Differences

The visit also led to engaging discussions about the differences between the Czech and Finnish systems. In the Czech Republic, it is often easier for Ukrainians to find employment – due to linguistic similarities, they tend to learn the local language faster, and starting a business or working as a freelancer is more straightforward than in Finland. These comparisons raised important questions about structural flexibility and possible barriers within the Finnish system.

Despite the differences, there were more unifying themes than separating ones: limited resources, administrative complexity, and the ongoing need to find new ways to engage volunteers – challenges that transcend borders.

Looking Ahead

The visit offered concrete learning, new perspectives, and most importantly, hope that international cooperation can strengthen integration efforts across Europe. The Kalyna team warmly invited House of Helsinki for a return visit to the Czech Republic – and there is a shared sense that this was just the first step in a long-term partnership.

REFUFIN team and Kalyna organisation delegates on a tour of Helsinki, including a visit to Suomenlinna fortress. Luckily, the weather was really warm at the time!