Finnish Language Says Welcome: social inclusion of newcomers through language learning

I produced a short film for the Finnish Language Says Welcome project, a collaborative initiative by Finn Church Aid, Teachers Without Borders, and the University of Helsinki. 

It features impactful messages from role models Funda, Nasima, Paco, Brigita, Muhis, and Habiba, who emphasize the importance of participation in society. Funda Demiri, deputy councilor of Vantaa, states, "You belong in this society. You have a voice and the opportunity to make an impact." 

Through the principles of democracy, the video encourages viewers to influence their surroundings, express their opinions, and let their voices be heard. The Finnish Language Says Welcome project champions the social inclusion of newcomers through language learning and active participation in democracy.

This project enhances language teaching in reception centers across Finland, utilizing a specialized method tailored for vulnerable learners and volunteer instructors.

The film is part of the Learning the Language of Participation program, which aims to promote the linguistic and societal integration of asylum seekers and immigrants who face marginalization. That time, the project was developing language-aware teaching materials focused on democracy education to benefit both asylum holders and local actors within integration and multicultural services.

The short film premiered on Facebook on December 2, 2020.