Co-creation of the digital magazine for Nicehearts ry as part of the 'Naapuriäidit/Neighbourhood Mothers' project (July 2020).

1. NEIGHBOURHOOD
MOTHERS /
NAAPURIÄITI
NICEHEARTS RY
www.nicehearts.com
2019-2020

3. Welcoming words from NM project manager Liisa....4
About Neighbourhood Mothers....7
Interview with Kamilla Sultanova....9
Words from Helsinki area coordinator Anna....14
Activities in Helsinki....16
Words from intern Caroline....22
Happiness article by Caroline....23
Cultural competence article by Caroline....24
Words from Etelä-Karjala area coordinator Outi....25
Activities in Lappeenranta....26
Words from intern Slafa....28
Words from Vantaa area coordinator Maive....29
Activities in Vantaa....31
Feedback about NM training by Ellada Alieva....36
Online workshops....37
Words from intern Nina....38
Words from Espoo area coordinator Analyn....39
Activities in Espoo....42
’Baby & Me Time’-project interview with Erum....45
Online Neighbourhood Mothers training....47
Career workshop....48
Words from Neighbourhood Mothers....49
Girls’ Space (Tyttöjen Tila)....50
WahvaNainen....52
ItseNaiset....53
Contacts....54
CONTENTS
ME VOIMME TEHDÄ SEN!

4. Hi Liisa, thank you for taking time to share some of your thoughts of
working with our community during this unusual time.
Greetings to all from my home office! When I write this text, it’s been about 1,5
months of these unusual times. I have mostly been here in my home, avoiding
any unnecessary close contact with other people. Luckily the weather has been
most of the time excellent for walking outside. During my free time I have been
in contact with my dear people; speaking with them on the phone and seeing
them in video chats. I am very fortunate to be able to continue my work which I
love, even if I miss so much our lovely team and of course all our dear
Neighborhood Mothers. Our whole team: me, Analyn, Maive, Anna and Outi have
tried to find new ways to reach our women now when we can’t meet in the usual
way. I am so proud of my team, because they have worked hard and adapted
new methods and platforms so fast. I am equally proud of all of you dear
Neighborhood Mothers, you have been very open and had patience to try new
things with us! And how so many of you ladies are thinking about the ways how
to support others in these difficult times. I am so impressed, and I assure you,
that is the spirit that will also raise us from these strange times.
'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS' PROJECT MANAGER
LIISA KULTA
4

5. Can you tell us a bit about how your workday went?
My regular day always starts with a big cup of tea, so it does these days. I work
almost all the time with my computer, we have a lot of meetings via video
connection and we update all the time our knowledge of the situation. My work
is mostly planning, reporting and enabling our team to do their work in the best
way possible. I try to find all the time new ways to develop and root our project.
Sometimes I have a break during the day to go outside, but normally I have a
longer walk in the evening. Fresh air is very important and almost like a therapy
in these times.
Is there a message you would like to give to the Neighbourhood Mothers?
I can’t stop wondering and admiring all you ladies, who have children home with
you at the moment. Home school, home day care, supporting family members,
friends, relatives near and far, acquaintances, elder people in the neighbourhood
and even people that you don’t know. All that is a lot. Everyone has their own
everyday life to maintain, and to everyone it means different things. Some
households have a lot of people around the clock and some are on the contrary
very alone, and everything in between. It is important that we think in an
empathic way about each and every situation. Even if they are all different from
each other, everyone is under a lot of stress now. Sharing our concerns, thoughts
and experiences in a warm and safe surrounding is something that we as
Neighbourhood Mothers team have been trying to offer to all of our lovely ladies,
via video group chats and by telephone. We are here for you, in times of social
distancing as well as any other times.
For some this period has been a possibility to calm down, focus on own well-
being and family time. For some it has been time for constant worry about the
income in the family and an exhausting attempt to support the home school with
endless amount of Wilma messages. Some are trying to cope with loneliness. For
many, it has been all the time changing combination of all these. But for some,
it’s been a nightmare with very unstable situation at home. Tension, arguments
and fights can also end up with violence at home. Violence comes in many forms,
but no matter if it is psychological or physical, it has a long shadow. But I also
want to remind that there are ways to get out of the vicious circle of violence.
There is help and there is support. Don’t hesitate to share your worry with our
team, whether it was the situation of your friend or your own. There is always
hope and new paths, and we don’t have to find them alone.
5

6. Dear Neighbourhood Mothers, I would say these days and days ahead us, you
are needed more than ever. There are many women and families, who need
support and who are not reached by any others. Always take care of your own
well-being first, but if you can, there are many ways to be a supporting
Neighbourhood Mother for others. Feel free to contact our team and together we
will find the best way for you! When it comes to helping others, there is no such
thing as small help. For some it can be calling and asking, how are you? For
some, it can be having a virtual mentoring group. For that, we will also offer a
short training in this spring for all of you who are interested to have an own
mentoring group! But as we always say, there are as many ways of being a
Neighbourhood Mother as there are Neighbourhood Mothers. All the ways are
equally right. But everything starts from your own well-being. We are here for
you, so don’t hesitate to contact us! I hope the best for you all, be kind to
yourself especially in these exceptional times and remember you are important,
and you are not alone. Lots of virtual hugs and warm thoughts!
Yours, Liisa
6

7. NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS
'Neighbourhood Mothers' is the project of Nicehearts aimed at preventing
marginalization and isolation of vulnerable ethnic minority women in their local
communities.
What Neighbourhood Mothers are about
Neighbourhood Mothers are passionate about making a difference. Many of
them have immigrated to Finland as adults and know the feeling of being lost in
a new society. They have managed to learn the language and navigate their way
through unknown systems thereby gaining a foothold in a new country. Now
these Neighbourhood Mothers want to share their knowledge and help other
women in understanding the society so that they too can take advantage of the
opportunities in Finland and find their place in their new community.
7

8. The role of Neighbourhood Mothers
Neighbourhood Mothers are part of a larger effort in a local area; they are the
missing link between vulnerable women and their local services. Because they
live in the same neighbourhood and often speak the same language,
Neighbourhood Mothers create a trusting and equal relationship with vulnerable
women. Alongside their personal experience, Neighbourhood Mothers receive
training on social and procedural matters.
Examples of Neighbourhood Mothers’ activities
*Neighbourhood Mothers can serve as an aid to nurses or caregivers during
home visits
*Neighbourhood Mothers can direct women to different amenities, physical
activities, bureaucratic services or family cafes
*Neighbourhood Mothers can facilitate discussions between schools and ethnic
minority families
The 'Neighbourhood Mothers' program’s main goal is to promote women’s
empowerment and community building processes, at a community level,
intended to prevent marginalization and isolation of vulnerable ethnic minority
women. The program's area of operation includes Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo, and
Lappeenranta.
Visit our website at: https://www.nicehearts.com/naiset/
8

9. KAMILLA SULTANOVA
Can you share a little bit about your background?
I am so happy to be sharing my interview with Nicehearts and all the members, I
truly respect this community. My background is in communications and since
2018 I run my own consulting company on diversity and inclusion with various
training services. I am married and have lived in east Helsinki since 2014. Prior to
Finland, I lived in Denmark for 12 years where I moved at the age of 18 from
Uzbekistan. In short, I always say that I have a long geography.
Over the years through my experiences, volunteering has become a platform for
me to cross-cultural differences. When I moved to Finland, I had to start from the
beginning. I knew this meant I had to take initiative, to get out there and build
trust. It was hard to make friends, so volunteering was instrumental in getting
out there and ensuring that immigrant voices were heard. By helping and lifting
others I lifted myself. I had a lot of doubts. Asking myself why I felt I could do it,
who am I to speak to politicians or directors. But I engaged even though it was
scary, I took initiative, I showed up and yes, empowered myself by helping others
to do the same.
STRATEGIC ADVISER, PUBLIC SPEAKER, CONSULTANT
9

10. How did you get started volunteering for projects?
I started volunteering in Denmark. I was quite active in school, but it was tough to
be an international student and find new friends. I felt unwelcome in Denmark
with the anti-immigration sentiment. There was injustice and I was told I could
get involved and that it mattered. So, I did.
I applied for a mentoring network for immigrant women to get guidance and
support. My mentor Nana was this amazing person, smiling, hugging, and
encouraging. She advised me to get active about diversity topics to feel welcome
in a society I felt unwanted.
What have been some of your biggest challenges as an immigrant woman in
Finland?
In my experience, it was quite stressful coming to a new country. Moving when
you are 30 is completely different from when you are 18. You know what you like
and dislike, you take fewer risks. I moved here because of my job which I found in
Denmark.
My first two years in Finland are a blur, I was hardly here, I traveled 80 days a
year, then I got sick and decided to leave my job. It was then that I realized I had
really moved. It was hard. I hit rock bottom. I lost my profession and I had to
figure out who I was and what I wanted to do next. It was hard to learn to be a
spouse, accept help, and be vulnerable. I had to gather my lifetime courage to tell
my family, I am taking this big move to Finland to build a family. It was a huge
cultural battle in my own family. Luckily, it all worked out well.
It takes guts to make it anywhere, it takes double guts to make it abroad.
We as immigrant women all have different stories. We have our needs and wants,
education, professional backgrounds, and ambitions when we move to another
country. Some of the challenges I faced were the reserved culture and unique
Finnish family relationships. It was very different from my own culture which is
open, and family-orientated.
I had a lot of doubt inside wondering if I could create a new life in a “cold country”
with another tough language after learning Danish. Not again?! I had signed up
for unemployment benefits. It was strange, I was never able to get it and now I
had a right. Previously I did all sorts of jobs from a cleaner to bartender, from
waitress to market research assistance. All these experiences helped me to
understand the job market and stay humble.
10

11. It’s important to learn the language of the country you are in, so I signed up for
Finnish classes. It wasn’t easy for me but I managed to take them for eight
months. Lastly, it was hard to find time to meet with people to build a network.
To my surprise, social media was an option. I could make a connection on
Facebook or other platforms and for some, it was a sufficient way to stay in
touch. But that is not enough to build trust.
So I insisted on meeting and having lunches or coffees. It takes a LOT of effort to
build a network, but now I know all of the efforts were worth it. In the time of
coronavirus pandemic, social media offers a reverse possibility to stay connected
and has given a complete change of perspective.
How can ‘Neighbourhood Mothers’ use volunteering opportunities to
empower ourselves and affect community or national change?
I think as Neighborhood Mothers, you already know you have many identities in
you. Some identities are shakable especially with moving abroad and some are
permanent. Being a mother, a sister, a spouse, or daughter - no one can take that
away from you. While you build your “Finnish” identity, your community is there
for you. It is tough to be a minority, but it also offers an inborn curiosity and you
can quickly break the barriers, I call it the “discount of a foreigner”. Use it wisely.
You may ask what have you got to give?
I coach students and immigrants and I tell them that they get to give their
international perspective. It’s resilience to struggle, conflict resolution, being
resourceful, and responsible because you take care of your family and children.
By default, your lived experience, everything you’ve been through, your ideas and
perspectives can spur innovation. You get to be a source of creativity and
intercultural understanding in Finnish companies, networks, and society.
11

12. You are a window to the reality of life outside of Finland and offer a shared
understanding of what privilege is. You know how to appreciate Finnish society
and all it offers but you also know the need for empathy towards each other’s
story. They say, as you move, you become nobody - it is harsh but what it really
means is that you suffer a temporary loss of your identity and the social capital
from your home country. But here you have ALL the chances to build it again.
When we dare to ask for help, build a network through friends in school or
through hobby clubs – these all shape and evolve your identity. I have learned
over the years that people, at the bottom of their hearts, have good intentions,
nobody wants you to fail. People may not clap for you when you succeed but
people want you to succeed. As proof, look at a comedian who sang an opera on
a balcony in Finland, nobody clapped but on Facebook and Youtube, he was a
superstar with 41000 likes and over 5000 shares.
To showcase the power of social capital and community, I started my weekly
webcast #riseinunity every Wednesday. We speak about people who found
belonging and spread this culture of community to immigrants and locals across
Nordics. You can tune in here.
Through my experiences, I know that trust and equality belong to all of us and
you CAN build a life with fantastic experiences here with the most amazing
individuals and communities. Because in Finland these things are available and
people by nature are honest and want to be helpful.
Do you have any suggestions of how we can stay active with volunteering
during this time of social distancing?
I would look at various city offers or from Diakonia laitos, Helsinki apu etc. You
can write letters to a local elderly home or your neighbours, and bring your
goodies to them. You can’t imagine how thankful people can be for simple acts of
kindness. Read a book or show your favorite dance move. Whatever you do, it will
show your interest and engagement. Volunteering is giving your time and
enthusiasm for something or someone.
Right now, I am helping to coach students, support fundraising in Uzbekistan, and
put my focus on stopping gender violence in times of COVID. What is it you can
do to help your country or your close community in Finland? I’d invite you to use
the time to build a profile on a social media platform and help share your joy with
people. You can utilize tools to tell your stories, share your recipes, show your
hobbies in an interesting way. Test tools like Facebook Live, Streamyard,
Instagram live, or Tik Tok.
12

13. My message to all is: Your gender and where you are originally from are not
obstacles for living life to the fullest. Because you moved here, you are brave and
able to adapt to new things. We all have inner strength and power, take hold of it,
and use it. After living here, I know that this is a country that offers support,
education, and opportunities to all. You just need to listen and notice what
motivates you to move forward and what you do effortlessly may well be the
passion you deserve to share with the world. Volunteering helps you fully exist!
Do it!
I collected 6 tips to utilize the COVID time and serve yourself:
1. Be visible on social media: share your stories, build your digital profile.
2. Be your own decision-maker. If you come from a country where decisions were
made for you, here you need to make decisions of your own. It can feel truly
liberating!
3. Allow yourself to be the author of your story. Try to write what you want to
read about yourself and what experiences you want to have after COVID.
4. Appreciate little things by practicing gratitude.
5. Cultivate your passion, your culture, your interests – this matters to build your
strong voice, your personal brand, and friendships.
6. Experiment unknown and unknown in volunteering, work, hobbies. The future
belongs to the daring! ☺
13

14. ANNA LENKEWITZ-SALMINEN
How can a little virus influence so much in such a short time that services, the
economy and activities are being stopped almost immediately? So, my first two
working weeks were mostly about the question: How can we keep in touch with
our ladies and how can we support them in these exceptional times? We started
by sharing reliable information in our groups and on social media and, most
importantly, we began to call our ladies, asked them how they are and if they
need something from us.
For Helsinki, my feeling now is that I am even closer to our Neighbourhood
Mothers than ever before. It is so great to see how the community stands
together. During the last weeks, we have organized online coffee meetings and a
career workshop. I followed up with our Neighbourhood Mothers via phone calls,
via Whatsapp and Facebook. If I had to describe my most important work task,
then I would say that it was to spread positive vibes and the feeling that our
Neighbourhood Mothers can come to me whenever they need support, help,
information or just someone to talk to.
And with all the downsides social media can have, I am truly thankful that we can
use that technology now to stay in touch with each other. Of course, it will never
replace the feeling of really being with a person, but it sure is better than
nothing. From my follow-up calls with the Neighbourhood Mothers, but also from
personal experience, I know how much it means to hear the voice of a friend, to
see the smile on a person’s face or to sometimes just send virtual hugs and
kisses. It helps to remain positive and strong!
HELSINKI AREA COORDINATOR
Hello lovely ladies!
I am Anna, the area-coordinator for
the 'Neighbourhood Mothers’
project in Helsinki. Huh, these
weeks are truly exceptional for all
of us, right? When the Covid19
started here in Finland with all its
regulations, it was a shock!
14

15. The biggest change was, I think, that we had to be and work from home every
day. The first days were exciting and nice and easy, but, of course, the longer the
remote work took, the harder it was. I started to miss my colleagues, the
Neighbourhood Mothers, going out of the house in the morning. And sadly,
relaxing on the couch wasn’t as rewarding anymore as it was before!
However, as my husband works from home too, we established a pretty regular
timetable for us: Getting up around 7.30, having breakfast together, working until
lunch break, sometimes having a bit own time in the afternoon and finishing the
work day at around 18.00 (depending on how long the afternoon break was). It
helped me a lot to stay focused. A second thing was that I figured that working
online the whole day can be very exhausting. In the beginning, I tried to do as
many meetings, for example, as before, but very soon my eyes and head started
to hurt a lot and I couldn’t focus anymore. So, I tried to find other ways to keep
myself busy (e.g. writing things by hand, using the phone more often instead of
zoom) and I tried to schedule meetings in a way that there are not too many per
day.
A very big “Thank you” goes to my team and to the whole Nicehearts’ work
community who was and is always there when I need it. We have regular team
and work meetings, meetings as area-coordinators where we talk about how we
feel and how we can keep the spirit up for our ladies. Our boss reminded us
almost daily of taking enough breaks, going for walks and taking time to reflect
and relax the eyes from staring on to the screen. It helped a lot to keep
motivated and to survive the time of being at home all the time. While I am
certain that I am not a forest person who likes to walk there to relax, I figured out
that I like to do things in our garden like creating fairy gardens and planting
flowers.
Last but not least, I want to say that I am very thankful for so many things that I
haven’t really thought about before. Exceptional times, as hard as they are, can
also help us to reflect on our lives, can help us to refocus, can inspire us to try
new things and to set priorities differently. I am very thankful for being a part of
Neighbourhood Mothers as I feel I am not alone. I miss my family and friends in
Germany, but, now more than ever, I know I have a huge group of inspiring and
lovely women here who allow me to be part of their lives and that is what keeps
me going every day!
Yours, Anna
15

16. 'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS'
ACTIVITIES IN HELSINKI
08-08-19 Dinner under the Maunula sky / Illallinen Maunulan taivaan alla
19-08-19 Helsinki theme evening: Challenges of living in Finland /
Helsingin teemailta: Asumisen haasteet Suomessa
16-09-19 Helsinki theme evening: Come to meet The Adult Education Centre /
Helsingin teemailta: Tule tutustumaan Helsingin työväenopistoon
09-10-19 Visit to The Helsinki Skills Center /
Vierailu Helsingin osaamiskeskuksessa
10-10-19 OSBU-Participatory Budget Voting 2019 (Stoa Itäkeskus)
14-10-19 Helsinki theme evening: Come and learn about Helsinki /
Helsingin teemailta: Tule tutustumaan Helsinkiin
17-10-19 OSBU-Participatory Budget Voting 2019 (Töölö Library)
11-11-19 Helsinki theme evening: Home and fire safety training /
Helsingin teemailta: Kodin turvallisuuskoulutus
18-11-19 Origami workshop for beginners (Oodi Central Library)
21-11-19 'Feel Your Cycle' workshop (Töölö Library)
25-11-19 Reorganizing Household Chores: Lessons from Seikatsu Kaizen
(Mylläri Community Centre, Myllypuro)
30-11-19 Helsinki Family Day (Cable Factory, Theatre Museum) /
Helsingin Perhepäivä (Kaapelitehdas, Teatterimuseo)
04-12-19 Pre-Christmas party with The Adult Education Center /
Naapuriäitien Pikkujoulu Helsingin työväenopistossa
16-12-19 ‘Christmas cards for the elderly’ decoration workshop /
Joulukorttien koristelu senioreille
14-02-20 Pitäjänmäki Friends’ Day (Pitäjänmäki Youth Centre) /
Pitäjänmäen Ystävänpäivä (Pitäjänmäen Nuorisotalo)
08-03-20 International Women’s Day (Kalliola Settlement) /
Hyvän mielen naistenpäivä (Kalliolan Setlementtitalo)
16

17. DINNER UNDER THE MAUNULA SKY
AUGUST 8, 2019 / MAUNULA
ORIGAMI WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
NOVEMBER 18, 2019 / OODI CENTRAL LIBRARY
17

18. HELSINKI FAMILY DAY
First Family Day in Helsinki took place on Saturday, 30th November 2019.
Neighbourhood Mothers went together with their family members to the Cable
Factory (Kaapelitehdas) to see the show of Winter Circus BAU. Combining circus,
dance and video art, the Winter Circus is a warm-spirited contemporary show
which is suited for people of all ages.
NOVEMBER 30, 2019 / CABLE FACTORY
XMAS CARDS FOR THE ELDERLY WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 16, 2019 / KALASATAMA
Our handmade Christmas cards were given to the residents of the Attendo
Hedvig Sofia nursing home.
18

19. PITÄJÄNMÄKI FRIENDS’ DAY
FEBRUARY 14, 2020 / PITÄJÄNMÄKI YOUTH CENTRE
19

20. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
MARCH 8, 2020 / KALLIOLA SETTLEMENT
20

21. WORKSHOP SERIES ‘MAXIMISE YOUR POTENTIAL’
An event series, created by our Neighbourhood Mother Amy Arsenie, was
designed to boost self-confidence & raise self-awareness through interactive
workshops and discussions with a bunch of amazing experts.
26.09.2019-28.11.2019 / IHANA ELÄMYS KALASATAMA
FREE YOGA CLASSES 'PLAY JOOGA KERHO'
Free yoga classes from our Neighbourhood Mothers Natalia Mozovko, Tanja
Grabchak and Svetlana Kuoza.
21

22. CAROLINE NAMAE
'Neighbourhood Mothers' is a platform that helps women become independent,
a place where every woman can feel safe and am forever grateful to have been
part of it. I learned what it is like to work in the Finnish Working life as that was
the main objective of my internship.
The other intern I worked with was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The
NM team members worked hard to engage us in all the NM activities by allowing
us to attend all meetings and work on our personalized tasks. The team
members were very invested in us and wanted all of us to get the best
experience possible. This internship was a very good experience, unbelievable
and eye opening. It is a very unique experience to see how different people,
more so women, from different backgrounds, cultures, traditions come together
to share and discuss different topics and to see how the NM is linked or
connected with other different projects and government agencies that have the
same aims and goals.
I participated in the team meetings, worked on the NM online magazine with the
other internee and other ladies from NM, worked on the morning coffee flyers
that I presented to the NM ladies, wrote part of the articles from my coffee
meetings for the online magazine, had a meeting with Sanna and Maisa to
discuss more and get to know their projects. My time with NM strengthened my
communication skills, interpersonal skills, time management skills, improved my
basic Finnish Language skills which I know I will be able to transfer into future
career.
I made new friends too and overall, I had a very positive internship experience
with 'Neighborhood Mothers’. My special thanks go to Liisa, Anna, Maive, Outi,
Analyn and all the NM ladies and team. YOU’RE AWESOME!
'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS' INTERN
Hello / Moi!
I’m Caroline, a Social Service degree student from
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. I had my
six weeks internship with 'Neighbourhood
Mothers’ from 16th March till 24th April 2020.
Unfortunately, everything was changed to
distance working or working from online due to
the corona virus situation. However, it was
amazing to do tasks online, for example, through
the Teams and Zoom apps. To be honest, it was
quite challenging but I adapted during my second
week.
22

23. HAPPINESS
In this situation of coronavirus, it’s important for us all to stay positive and think
about happiness. Happiness has three categories: a happy moment, a happy day
and a happy life.
Happiness is an enduring state of mind consisting of joy, contentment and other
positive emotions; the sense that one’s life has meaning and value. Happiness
can as well be a state of well-being but it has more to do with a person’s values
and personality. Only you can tell yourself more about what happiness means.
When asked about happiness, many people can emphasize different aspects
related to it. Happiness is a little ambiguous and can be defined from different
perspectives. Those who are committed to their religious faith may view
happiness in ways that emphasize virtuosity, spirituality and reverence. Others
can see happiness as a contentment of inner peace and joy that comes from
deep satisfactions with one’s environments, relationship with others;
accomplishments and one’s self. And others could view happiness as a
pleasurable engagement with their personal surrounding, having a career and
hobbies that are rewarding, meaningful, engaging and existing. Their views differ
in many ways and anyone can agree that each of these views in some respects
captures the essence of happiness.
Yellow is a colour I can use to relate to happiness because it’s associated with
sunshine and happiness, hence, symbolizing clarity and happiness in all
perspectives. Three important requirements for happiness to me are:
- being honest with myself and those around me;
- a feeling that I have done my best in my personal life, work and school life;
- the ability to love, respect and have empathy for others.
QUIZ
1. What is happiness for you?
2. What colour defines happiness to you?
3. What activity or hobby do you feel happy doing? What makes you happy?
4. What are the three important requirements for happiness to you?
Caroline Namae,
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
BY CAROLINE NAMAE
23

24. CULTURAL COMPETENCE
Understanding culture can help us to prevent racial and ethnic divisions. Culture
is a strong part of any one’s life and it has an influence on their values, views,
fears, worries, hopes, loyalties and so much more. While encountering people
and building relationships, it’s very important to have an understanding and
perception of their unique cultures.
Culture can refer to dimensions of meaningful collective existences. It can as well
be patterns of learned and shared behaviors and beliefs of particular social,
ethnic or age groups. Diversity and change are the two main themes of culture.
One’s upbringing, the environment and culture is what makes them diverse from
other cultures and one’s changing needs within their culture are different from
other cultures.
Cultural competence is a set of skills, principles and values that acknowledge,
respect and work towards good interactions among individuals and various
cultural and ethnic groups that a person may meet. It’s the ability to identify,
recognize and adapt to cultural differences and similarities.
For us to be able to understand cultural competence, it requires us to first be
aware of our own cultural practices, values, experiences and to be able to read,
interpret and respond to others’ cultures. Effective communication is the key for
mutual respect and empathy in cultural competence, hence, linking it to diversity
because it encourages acknowledgement and acceptance of differences in
appearance, behavior and culture.
We should always remember that everyone, no matter what our cultural
backgrounds are or how our different opinions, habits and ways of life are, it’s
good to accept that everyone is different which can make it easier to understand
and embrace cultural differences. We are culturally different with diverse
opinions: ‘we are all unique, and that’s what makes us all the same‘.
QUIZ
1. What is Culture?
2. Why is Culture important?
3. What is Cultural Competence?
4. Why is it important to understand Cultural Competence?
Caroline Namae,
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
BY CAROLINE NAMAE
24

25. OUTI KARREINEN
Vapaaehtoisten auttamishalu ja yhteisöllisyys ovat työni suola. Meillä on myös
aivan mahtava TIIMI, joka kantaa niin vaikeina, kuin hyvinäkin hetkinä.
Juuri nyt keväällä 2020, elämme erikoista aikaa. Olemme yhdessä miettineet,
kuinka säilytämme yhteyden Naapuriäiteihin koronarajoituksista huolimatta.
Uusia keinoja ovat virtuaaliset tapaamiset. Etelä-Karjalan alueella se ei
kuitenkaan tavoita kovin isoa joukkoa. Perinteinen puhelu on selkeästi parempi
vaihtoehto. Odotan vielä, että joku Naapuriäiti aloittaa ryhmätoiminnan.
Oma työni siirtyi Me-talo Lappeenrannan tiloista kotiin ja tänne siirtyi myös
etäkoulu ja päivähoito. Kaksi poikaani huolehtivat työn tauoista tehokkaasti.
(Olen muuten joskus miettinyt opettajan ammattia. Nyt huomaan, että se ei
todellakaan ole minun juttuni.) Tällä hetkellä viikossa on yksi virtuaalitapaaminen
Naapuriäitien kanssa. Se on useimmiten ihan vertaistuellista kohtaamista, mutta
toisinaan on jokin teema. Normaaliin päivään mahtuu yleensä pari palaveria ja
viesteillä ohjaamista, neuvontaa ja asioiden selvittelyä. Työkokeilijamme kanssa
olemme myös sähköisesti yhteydessä useasti päivässä.
Uuden suunnittelu on hieman haastavaa, koska normaali arki on jatkuvassa
muutoksessa. Välillä tuntuu, että juuri kun ehtii reagoida ja sopeutua johonkin,
se muuttuu. Tämä koskee meitä kaikkia, työntekijöitä sekä Naapuriäitejä. Silloin
on oikein hyvä ihmetellä asioita yhdessä ja todeta, että katsotaan mitä tapahtuu.
Juuri nyt on näin. Kesää ja ihmisten tapaamista odottaen!
ETELÄ-KARJALA AREA COORDINATOR
Yours, Outi
Olen Outi Karreinen ja teen töitä Etelä-
Karjalan Naapuriäiti aluekoordinaatto-
rina.
Pääasiassa olen Me-talo Lappeenrannan
tiloissa ja jonkin verran myös Imatralla.
Aloitin Nicehearts ry:llä 2017 ja matkan
varrella olen tutustunut ihaniin ihmisiin
ja olen saanut oppia Naapuriäideiltä
aivan hurjasti uusia näkökulmia tuttuihin
asioihin.
25

26. 'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS'
ACTIVITIES IN LAPPEENRANTA
Yhdessä Me-talo, Tyttöjen tila ja Naapuriäiti-toiminta. Mukava naisten juhla, jossa
oli kakkukilpailu ja kahvittelua. Kävijöitä tuli ihan uusia ja vanhoja tuttuja. Pieni
esittely Niceheartsista ja sen toiminnoista ja Me-talo Lappeenrannasta. Ihmisillä
riitti juteltavaa keskenään ja herkut maistuivat. Kakkukilpailun voitti Dalal ruusu-
kakullaan ja sai palkinnoksi kaksi elokuvalippua. Myös arpajaiset kiinnostivat ja
kaikki palkinnot saatiin jaetuksi, ja vähän varainhankintaa Niceheartsillekin.
NAISTENPÄIVÄN JUHLA
MARCH 6, 2020 / ME-TALO LAPPEENRANTA
26

27. Yhdessä LPR kaupunki, Eksote ja Nicehearts, sekä paikallisia maahan
muuttaneiden yhdistyksiä. Tapahtumassa oli leikkien varjolla ystäväksi tulemista
ja kohtaamista. Myös tietoa kaupungin tarjoamista palveluista yhdistyksille ja
yhdistysten esittelyä. Kuvassa 4 Lappeenrannan kaupungin hyvinvointipalvelujen
kehityspäällikkö Sanna Natunen kertoo kaupungin palveluista. Muissa kuvissa
juhlahumua. Osallistujia n. 120 ja Naapuriäitejä mukana n. 12. Osallistujina ja
myös auttamassa järjestelyissä.
YSTÄVÄNPÄIVÄN 'GET TOGETHER'
FEBRUARY 14, 2020 / ME-TALO LAPPEENRANTA
27

28. SLAFA SMOO
Olen Slafa Smoo, olen asunut Suomessa n. 4.5v. Tulin pakolaisena, opiskelin
Syyriassan laki, mutta työskentelin opettaja. Haluasin osallistua NÄ koulutukseen
koska se on uusi ja hyvää idea ja sain tosi hyvää asia, esimerki tutustuin uusia
ihmisinja autaa paljon ihmisiä ja viela osalistuin kokemusasiantutunlija koulutus
tykkää autamisesta uusin ihmisen ja parantamisesti kieli taitoa. Haluan vielä
osallistua kaikki koulutukseet joissa on paljon ja uusia asioita tai tehtävia.
'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS' INTERN
28

29. MAIVE SAAR
Olen ollut harjoittelija, vapaaehtoinen Naapuriäidi ja työntekijänä. Naapuriäidi
hankkeessa aloitin aluekoordinaattorina vuodella 2019. Tämä aikaa on ollut
inspiroiva. Olen opiskellut paljon itsestä ja tutustunut tosi paljon mahtavien naisiin.
Olen nauttinut sitä aikaa kovasti. Tykkään tehdä töitä naisten kanssa ja auttaa heillä
löytämään oma paikka yhteisössä.
Meillä kaikilla on ollut nyt vaikea aikaa ja kaikki on tosi epävarma. Mutta me
ollaan aina tueksi naisille, jos ei onnistu naamasta naaman, sitten tehdään sitä
verkon välityksellä. Viikkojen varrella kokeilimme eri tapoja, mitä ja milloin
voisimme tehdä jotain yhdessä. Joka viikko tavattiin Zoomissa aamukahvilla tai
iltapäiväteellä, että jakaa omia tunteita ja huolia. Tärkeä oli, että meillä on
yhteinen aikaa ja jokainen kuka halusi keskustella, oli siihen mahdollisuus.
Keskustelimme siellä eri teemoista. Esimerkiksi askartelusta, vapaan ajan
viettämisestä ja päivän tekemisistä. Oli noin ihana nähdä naisten tekemä
maalauksia, piirroksia ja erilaisia askarteluja. Hyvä että jokainen oli löytänyt sen
mitä halua tekee ja yleensä tavallisesti ei ole riittävästi aikaa siihen. Minä itse
aloitin värimään aikuisten värikirjat. Se auttoi jotenkin ajatuksia selviämään ja
rentoutua. Sitten aloitimme Naapuriäidien kanssa myös Zoomin kautta yhdessä
leipomista. Joka viikko kerran leivottiin jotain hyvä. Sekä suolaista että makeaa
ruokaa. Myös järjestetään Naapurin Äidin koulutus Zoomissa loppuun. Puolet
osallistujista osallistui koulutuksen verkossa. Se on tosi mahtava. Ja kenellä ei
onnistunut osallistua, teemme sitä syksyllä.
VANTAA AREA COORDINATOR
Hei kaikille,
Olen Maive ja työskentelen Vantaalla
Naapuriäidit aluekoordinaattorina. Olen
ollut Niceheartsissa tekemisissä jo yli 4
vuotta.
29

30. Kyllä se aikaa ja tilanne on kaikille vaikea, mutta se myös näyttä, että kaikki on
mahdollista ja että aina lyöty keino olla yhdessä ja tukea toisiaan. Meillä on mahtavat
naiset ja tosi mahtava Tiimi! Me pystymme tekemään kaikkea, jos ollaan yhdessä!
Hyvä että voimme käyttää puhelinta ja tietokonetta työntekoon ja
ystävien ja perheen kanssa kommunikoimiseen.
Minun työni siirtyy toimistolta kotiin. Se oli itsellekin iso muutos. Kotona on poika
kuka opiskele toisella luokalla, ja hän on sama aikaa myös etäkoulussa. Se aikaa on
ollut meille molemmille haastava. Mutta selvittiin. Mutta molemmat opiskelimme
paljon. Olen vielä enempää kiitollinen hänen opettajillensa, kuka tekee joka päivä
tosi mahtava työtä lasten kanssa. Kotona voi olla joskus vaikea motivoida lasta ja
myös itsekin. Virtuaalisia tapaamisia ja palavereja on riittävästi viikossa ja puhelimen
käytän paljon enempää, jos tavallisesti. Uskon että se aikaa on ollut kaikille tosi
emotionaalinen ja haastava. Myös verkon käyttö ehkä ei ole kaikille niin tuttu.
Naapuriäideillä on tosi tärkeä olla yhteensä ja nähdä toinen toista, mutta yleensä
tapahtuu se toimistossani. Sitten kaikki on nauttinut sitä omaa aikaa, mitä kotona
ehkä ei ole mahdollista ottaa. Mutta toivottavasti se aikaa muuttuu kohta ja nähdään
taas paikan päälle!
Nyt voin ihan rehellisesti sanoa, että minulla on ikävää työkaveria, ihmisiä yleisesti ja
Naapuriäideja. Odotan innolla kesä ja että tilanne muuttuisi uuteen normaaleihin.
Toivon kaikille joustavuutta, rauha ja että voimme kaikki nauttia ja arvoa enemmän
siitä, mitä meillä on nyt. Toivottavasti se aika on teidän perheettä tehnyt vielä
läheisimmäksi.
Yours, Maive
30

31. 'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS'
ACTIVITIES IN VANTAA
28.11.19 pidettiin Vantaalla ensimmäinen Naapuriäitien perhepäivä Fazerin
Vierailukeskuksessa. Tapahtumalla osallistui 16 Naapuriäidi oman perheen
kanssa, yhteensä 47 ihmistä! Kiitos kaikille! Oli ihana olla teidän kanssanne!
PERHEPÄIVÄ (FAMILY DAY)
NOVEMBER 28, 2019 / FAZER EXPERIENCE VISITOR CENTRE
31

32. 10.12 oli meillä Vantaalla tosi
ihana piparkakkujen koristelu
työpaja mahtavan Inkun
Ideapajan kanssa.
PIPARKAKKUJEN KORISTELU TYÖPAJA
DECEMBER 10, 2019 / NICEHEARTS VANTAA OFFICE
32

33. 4.3.20 – Keskustelutilaisuus työelämän moninaisuuden lisäämisestä Musiikitalon
ravintolassa. Vantaan aluekoordinaattori Maive Saar panelistina.
Naisjärjestöjen Keskusliitto, Tasa-arvoteoilla vaikuttavuutta -hanke ja Monika-
Naiset liitto yhteistyössä Moninaisesti parempi -hankkeen kanssa järjestämässä.
Näkökulmana on maahan muuttaneiden naisten työllistymisen tukeminen.Liki
150 osallistujaa kokoontui Musiikkitalolle keskustelemaan MoniNainen työelämä -
tilaisuuteen yhdenvertaisuudesta ja tasa-arvosta työelämässä. Teemaa
tarkasteltiin ilahduttavan monesta näkökulmasta ja monta tärkeää ajatusta nousi
esiin. Tilaisuudessa puhujina oli viranomaisten, järjestöjen ja yritysmaailman
edustajia sekä tutkijoita.Nicehearts ry:n Maive Saar toi puheenvuorossa esiin, että
järjestöissä tehty vapaaehtoistyö pitäisi paremmin tunnistaa rekrytoinneissa
työkokemuksena. Tämä vahvistaisi maahanmuuttajataustaisten naisten
osaamisen tunnistamista ja työllistymistä
MONINAINEN TYÖELÄMÄ -KESKUSTELUTILAISUUS
MARCH 4, 2020 / HELSINKI MUSIC CENTRE (MUSIIKKITALO)
33

34. Naisia osallistui tapahtumassa noin 30. Teemana oli erittäin tärkeä aihe
lähisuhdeväkivalta. Teimme yhteistyötä Vantaa turvakoti ry:n kanssa. Koivulan
yksiköstä oli tullut työntekijöitä, jotka pitivät keskusteluhetken
lähisuhdeväkivallasta ja sen eri muodoista. Järjestimme myös erilaisia
toimipisteitä. korupisteessä asiakkaat tekivät korvakoruja, käsikoruja ja
kaulakoruja. Askartelupisteessä tehtiin aarrekartta. Maalauspisteessä sai maalata
vapaasti. Päivä oli naisille tärkeä ja he olivat kiinnostuneita kaikesta. Tunnelma oli
erittäin hyvä ja lämmin. Naiset pitivät yhdessäolosta ja keskustelemisesta.
Tapahtuma oli todellakin onnistunut sekä työntekijöiden, että asiakkaiden
mielestä. Kiitos Koivula, Tikkurilan seurakunta, Tikkurilan asukastila ja kaikki muut
järjestäjät.
'MINÄ OLEN TÄRKEÄ!' NAISTENPÄIVÄN TYÖPAJA
MARCH 5, 2020 / NICEHEARTS VANTAA OFFICE
34

35. Vantaan Perhekoutsit osallistuivat vierailijana. Koska tilanne muuttui, jäi koulutus
puoli väliin. 5 naista osallistui Zoomissa koulutukseen loppuun asti. Mutta heti jos
tilanne muuttuu ja on mahdollista järjestää taas toiminta, lopetetaan koulutus
niiden kanssa, kenellä ei ollut mahdollisuus osallistua verkossa.
NAAPURIÄITI-KOULUTUS (VANTAA)
25.02.20 – INFOTILAISUUS
03.03.20 – MODUULI 1
10.03.20 - MODUULI 2 LAPSIPERHE - SOSIAALIPALVELUT
KORONAAIKANA TAPAHTUNUT VANTAALLA:
27.03.20 NÄ Zoom aamukahvi. Osallistui 8 naista. Keskusteltiin corona tilanneesta
ja naisten ajatuksista ja huolenaiheista.
31.03.20 NÄ Zoom koulutus – Moduuli 4 Terveys- ja hyvinvointi. Meillä oli
Vierailija Sporttia Kaikille hanke työntekijä.
02.04.20 NÄ Zoom koulutus – Moduuli 3 Työelämätaidot
07.04.20 NÄ Zoom koulutus – Moduuli 5 Demokratiakasvatus vierailijaksi Liisa
Kulta
08.04.20 NÄ Zoom virtuaalikahvi – Ninan esittely. Osallistujia 4. Yhdellä
osallistujista oli verkko ongelmia ja valitettavasti ei pystynyt kunnolla
osallistumaan.
09.04.20 NÄ Zoom koulutus – Moduuli 6 Lähiö- ja kansalaistoiminta –
Verkkokoulutuksella osallistui 5 naista ja saivat todistuksen.
35

36. ELLADA ALIEVA
Minä päätin osallistumisesta Naapuriäidit- koulutukseen nähtyä ilmoitusta
Facebook- ryhmästä. Minä mietin, että se sopisi minulle, koska minä voisin olla
hyödyksi jonkun verran muille ihmisille, oppia jotain uutta omasta nykyelämästä
tai tulevaisuudesta, sekä se oli minulle hyvä mahdollisuus käyttää ja harjoitella
suomen kieltä. Koulutus on loppunut ja minä haluaisin kuvailla, miten se meni ja
mikä on minun mielipide tästä.
Ensimmäiseksi ilmapiiri oli todella hieno ja minä tunsin koko ajan, että saa olla
itsesi vertaistapaamisissa ja esittää mitä oikeasti ajattelee jostakin aiheesta.
Ryhmä koostui ihmisistä, joilla on erilaset taustat, taidot, elämäkokemus, ikä,
perhetilanne, uskonto jne. Se tekee ne tapahtumat kiinnostavammaksi, koska on
mahdollisuus kuunnella ja jakaa omia kokemuksia, mielipiteitä ja tuoda erilaiset
näkökulmat keskusteluun.
Toiseksi haluaisin tuoda esille, että keskustellut aiheet olivat tärkeitä ja haluaisin
kiittää erityisesti tulleet asiantuntijat, jotka löysivät aikaa kertomaan
merkittävistä asioista lasten suojelusta, terveydestä ja politiikasta.
Lisäksi haluaisin mainita, että koulutuksen keskellä meidän pitäisi siirtyä online-
alustaan, joka oli täysin eri kokemus minulle. On kyllä aika haastavampaa pitää
sellaiset palaverit etäisyydellä. Mutta se on sujunut ihan hyvin ja näytti, että me
ollaan joustavia ja mukautetaan eri tilanteihin helposti. Meidän ohjaaja sanoo,
että ei ollut tapahtunut sitä haastetta vielä aiemmin, että ei pysty kokoontumaan
kasvokkain, mutta se esiintyi ihanana kokemuksena minun mielestäni. Kiitokset
Maivelle hyvästä järjestämisestä missä tahansa olosuhteissa.
Olen onnellinen, että pääsin mukaan tähän ryhmään ja odotan innolla, että voin
jatkaa toimintaa seuraavalla tasolla, jossa voisin harjoitella minun taitoja
auttamalla muita ihmisiä.
FEEDBACK ABOUT 'NEIGHBOURHOOD
MOTHERS' TRAINING
36

37. Leivottiin yhdessä Zuumissa omenapiirakka, kanapiirakka, munkkeja, Pasta-
juusto muffineja.
'LEIVOTAAN YHDESSÄ' ONLINE WORKSHOPS
APRIL 16,23,30, MAY 6, 2020 / ZOOM (ONLINE)
ILTAPÄIVÄ KESKUSTELU ZOOMISSA
37

38. NINA ALEXANDER
I got my first job in an international kindergarten here in Helsinki where I worked
as a teaching assistant, this got me interested in teaching as a career as I found
out that I love the aspect of teaching children to love learning for the reward of
learning itself. I got a job in an international school in Shanghai, I worked there
for six years and loved the multicultural setting. These experiences taught me
that dignity for the individual, mutual respect and equality are vital factors in
providing support for children and their families. I then moved to Malaysia,
where I lived for 6 years. I worked for a small private Early Years school in which
children came to be taught in English using a variety of learning methods which
once again were created to suit each child’s learning style. After many years of
teaching in early childhood education, I was looking for a way to challenge myself
and I missed my family who were living here. I applied for this degree course and
took a quick trip to Finland to do the entrance exam. I was delighted and a bit
scared when I was accepted, as this would be a big change. It had been 13 years
since I had lived in Finland. I took the plunge and moved here; it has not always
been easy but has been worth it.
Even though I am half Finnish, I feel my ‘otherness’ keenly, so in some way I am
an immigrant wherever I go. I have learned to use this as a strength, it gives me
courage to ask for help when I need it, willingness to always learn from those I
encounter and lastly but by no means least, a rich and diverse love of food, a
lifetime keepsake of all the places I have lived. I can recreate my experiences
through food when I miss the places I have lived.
I would like to give a big thank you to the Neighborhood Mothers team for being
so supportive and I am so glad to have found a community to be part of.
'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS' INTERN
Hi, my name is Nina. I am studying in Metropolia
for a socionomi degree. I am currently doing my
second internship at Neighborhood Mothers,
Vantaa, it has been a wonderful opportunity and
even through this unusual time I have learned so
much from this experience.
My interest in appreciating diversity and other
cultures began at a very young age as my parents
moved to India as volunteer workers when I was
three and I spent my formative years there. From
early on, respect of the individual no matter the
age, walk of life or religion was instilled in me. I
lived in many different places accompanying my
parents to the places they were needed.
38

39. ANALYN WAGAS
Students around the globe attend classes virtually and suddenly parents become
innovative teachers. When we started social isolation, unfortunately all of our
activities and events were cancelled. But I decided to go on and continue our
training virtually,with the help of zoom, teams and whatsapp, we finished the
Neighbourhood Mothers training.
Our team also focused on supporting women and letting them know that we are
here for them. I facilitated a virtual cafe in zoom once a week to gather our
women together to exchange thoughts, fears, opinions and together we lifted
our spirits and encouraged everyone to stay positive! I want our women to know
that we are all in this together and we are here for them.
Neighbourhood Mothers have become way more active than before. One day I
woke up and checked my phone filled with massive amounts of messages. It felt
positively overwhelming! But there are days I have tried to avoid too many
gadgets and just focus on my thoughts to recharge myself. I am so thankful for
my very supportive team for being there when I need them. We support each
other and have adapted to the new virtual working world. But despite seeing
each other virtually,regularly communicating through emails and whatsapp, I still
do miss seeing them. We keep a physical and social distance, but emotionally we
stick together!
ESPOO AREA COORDINATOR
Technologies brings us closer
together
The coronavirus pandemic has brought
chaos to lives and economies around the
world. The stock market plummets,
businesses are facing bankruptcy,
thousands of people are out of jobs, and
families are being ordered to stay home
to take measures to curb spreading the
virus.
39

40. Balancing Family, work and leisure time
About a week before the quarantine time, I set-up a working space (painting
area) for myself at home. I decorated it with a lot of flowers to feel like it's a
tropical room. Little did I know that it would be my home office until June. The
first 2 weeks of working from home and at the same time as a teacher for my 1st
grade daughter was tough for me. I was struggling to get myself motivated to be
an efficient remote worker, as well as keeping myself sane. But 1 and a half
months later, life at home has become normal for me. I call my daughter and
husband my ‘home colleagues’ , we are all in this together as a team.
I read a lot of articles from experts on tips about working from home while
homeschooling. And I thought that I should start my day with strict daily
routines, so I decided to follow the same daily routines as my daughter for peace
of mind and efficiency. I made a rule for my daughter that when it's her school
time from 8.15-14, she is not allowed to use her phone, unless she has to contact
her teacher and it has worked well. She was motivated and finished her school
tasks ahead of schedule. Combining work and home schooling can be
exhausting, once my daughter broke our rule, her friend called and she was
talking with her on the phone while she was in the middle of her studies and I
was in a zoom meeting. I was so mad when I noticed it,she ended up spending
the whole day without gadgets as a punishment. Later that day, while I was in
meetings, she was bored. She just sat down beside me and decided to ask me
every 5 minutes the same question- ”Are you done working yet mommy?” with
many sighs and staring at the wall or windows, it went on for two hours, I finally
gave up and closed my laptop at 3pm. To me, her actions said ”deal with it mom,
if I can't have my phone back, you can't have peace”. My frustrations turned into
laughter, when I turned around at her and saw her face light up when I asked if
she wanted to play with me outside. Just like that, our frustrations vanished into
thin air!
As we start our day in quarantine time, me and my daughter normally dress just
like we are going to work and school. At the breakfast table, with a warm cup of
coffee in my hand while enjoying our family breakfast, we quickly go through our
schedules for the day- what it needs to be done and when we are going out for a
walk in the forest or do some gardening in the yard. I realized that this is a luxury
for us,spending quality time together early in the morning on weekdays doesn’t
usually happen. Normally, my daughter gets to eat breakfast and then off to
school, while me rushing to work with an empty stomach.
40

41. There are people who are lucky enough to keep their job and I am one of them. I
woke up each morning with thankful thoughts that my family has a permanent
income monthly that even if the world stops functioning normally, we could
afford to pay our bills, buy decent food and most importantly a safe home. Being
together with my family whom I love, is in fact, worth more than anything in the
world.
My heroes
Unfortunately, even though I am trying to maintain my positive outlook in life, I
do also have down days, days when all the negativities around me consume my
thoughts and energies. The news on tv is overwhelming and social media is full
of negative comments and opinions on how badly their governments are
handling the situation.
Life isn't the same for all of us in this situation. We are being asked to stay at
home to save lives, there are a lot of women out there who are walking in
eggshells and children who are NOT safe at their own homes. Since the lock
down began, the numbers of domestic violence and child abuse has increased.
This makes me feel very sad. I have asked myself many times, what can I do for
them? Then I realized that I do as much as I can to the best of my ability!I am
truly grateful and proud of my colleagues who are doing their best to devote
their time to going to the office bravely and meeting those who are in need of
help face to face, without fear of getting infected by this virus.
I am very proud of our Neighbourhood Mothers for continuously helping other
people while dealing with this invisible enemy. And to all the people who risk
their lives to fight coronavirus, you are all my heroes. I wish you all the strength
and health! If we stick together, we will all beat this pandemic.
Yours, Analyn
41

42. 'NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS'
ACTIVITIES IN ESPOO
09.09.19 NÄ-teemailta: Kodin paloturvallisuus koulutus
(Länsi-uudenmaanpelastuslaitos)
26.10.19 Espoon mahdollisuuksien tori, Isossa Omenassa
11.11.19 Prevent it workshop, NÄ-Valena
12.11.19 Helinä Rautavaaran museoretki
18.11.19 NÄ-teemailta: Ensiapu auttajakurssi, Suomen Punainen Risti
30.11.19 NÄ-Perhepäivä osa 1, Hevosenkenkä Museossa
11.12.19 NÄ-Perhepäivä osa 2, Joulujuhlat Me-talolla TASSU
(TASA-ARVO JA YHDENVERTAISUUS) PALKINTO ESPOON KAUPUNGILTA
28.01.20 Analynin kommenttipuheenvuoroa
(Lasten koulunkiusaamista) Oikeusministeriössä
29.01.20 NÄ-Kevään aloitusjuhlat, Kylämaja Matinkylä
12.02.20 NÄ-Laylan ystävänpäivän juhla, Chapple Iso Omenassa
13.02.20 Perhekeskus tapahtuma, (moninaiset perheet työpaja)
06.03.20 Naistenpäivän juhlat, Me-talolla
08.03.20 Espoon kulttuurikeskus, MIMMIT Musapati konsertti
09.03.20 Kaikukorttien jako, vieraana Saara Lippunen Espoon kaupungilta
18.03.20 Virtual Cafe: Matinkylä group
19.03.20 Virtual Cafe: Espoon Naapuriäidit
25.03.20 Virtual Cafe: Espoon Naapuriäidit
26.03.20 Virtual Cafe: Matinkylä group, Spanish class
31.03.20 Virtual Cafe: Espoon Naapuriäidit
01.04.20 Virtual Cafe: Matinkylä group
02.04.20 Espoon valikkoryhmä: koordinaattorien kahvitauko
07.04.20 Virtual Cafe: Naapuriäidit
08.04.20 Virtual Cafe: Matinkylä ryhmä
09.04.20 TEL-Q: Espoon puhelinpalvelu neuvonta,
Analyn osallistuu 2 tuntia viikossa
42

43. PERHEKESKUS TYÖPAJA MONINAISET PERHEET
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
43

44. ENSIAPU AUTTAJAKURSSILLA
NOVEMBER 18, 2019 / ME-TALO ESPOO
Kouluttajana Juhana Päivärinta Suomen Punainen Ristin ensiapuryhmän johtaja.
Lastenhoito järjestyy kurssin ajaksi. Kahvitarjoilut!
Koulutuksessa hankitaan henkeä pelastavia ensiaputaitoja harjoituksen avulla! Suuri
kiitos vielä kerran Juhana Päivärinta & co. opetuksesta! ❤ 😊
44

45. 'BABY & ME TIME' -PROJECT
Tell us about your workshop and how you organised it?
I could not find any baby activities along with the mother/caregiver especially in
English language in my area of residence, so I had this idea of conducting a "Baby
& Me Time" in English. After completing my Neighborhood Mothers' training, I
started planning the workshop in order to bring the idea into reality with support
from Nicehearts. I chose the location in Iso Omena Library.
'Neighborhood Mothers' facebook page shared the ad online and I had the ad
poster placed in the library as well. Initially I ended up organizing 4 classes from
the end of November 2019 to mid January 2020. The response was
overwhelming! Which made me continue with the workshop classes and I lined
up 5 more classes till the end of March 2020. This time along with
'Neighborhood Mothers' facebook page, Espoon Neuvola, MONIKU palvelu and
many other pages shared the workshop ad. I had double the participants
registered! There were caregivers coming in not just from nearby areas but all
the way from Helsinki. The response of the caregivers and their appreciation has
been wonderful and I decided to keep the classes going on. Sadly, we had to
cancel our classes due to the covid-19 crisis. The thought of conducting the
classes online during this lock-down did cross my mind but it was not feasible as
the "Baby & Me Time" classes are more hands-on activities with babies and doing
that on screen is a bit challenging along with a baby. Hopefully once the covid-19
situation settles down I can resume with the workshop classes again.
Any advice for other Neighbourhood Mothers who would like to use
expertise to organize their own workshops?
My advice for the NMs is that if you have an idea and see that the community
needs it and can benefit from it, then definitely try to organize your workshop.
Nicehearts is there to support such ideas along with networking. Organizing your
own workshop not only gives you the confidence but also a sense of a good
feeling inside.
INTERVIEW WITH ERUM BALOCH
45

46. 'BABY & ME TIME' -PROJECT
46

47. ONLINE PROJECTS
MAY 13-JUNE 16, 2020 / ZOOM (ONLINE)
NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS TRAINING
47

48. ONLINE PROJECTS
We at 'Neighbourhood Mothers' believe that this difficult period of social
distancing might be the perfect time to concentrate on your personal well-being
and self-development. Our Neighbourhood Mother Giulnara has designed a
series of interactive online workshops to help you start developing your future
career in Finland.
Our first workshop was open to all women wishing to find a job in the social or
cultural fields. The workshop consisted of 3 online sessions held in English.
During the workshop we covered general information and advice on job search,
analyzed real job openings and discussed the aspects which should be paid
attention to when applying for a job. Moreover, each participant was asked to
choose a desirable job vacancy / job position and was given useful tips on how to
proceed with job application (CV, cover letter).
Our workshop instructor was a passionate educator and community organizer in
the non-profit sector in Finland - Meg Sakilayan-Latvala, a former Project
Coordinator for 'Neighbourhood Mothers' project and Training Coordinator for
Nicehearts ry, currently a lecturer at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.
MAY 7-14-20, 2020 / ZOOM (ONLINE)
CAREER WORKSHOP
48

49. WORDS FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS
MONIREH HAGHROYAN
GIULNARA CHINAKAEVA
Moi, Naapuriäidin pitää tukea toisia naisia tai ihmisiä,
auttaa. Pitää olla auttaminen ja tukeminen sydämessä
ja pitää kunnioittaa toisia. Kuuntelemme. Voi oppia
toisen kulttuuria ja samalla kunnioittaa. Voi antaa
tietoja. Kun minulla on ollut iranilaisten naisten ryhmä,
olin iloinen kun naiset tarvitsevat apua ja tietoja. Minä
olen antanut heille niitä ja etsinyt vastauksia. Joskus
vain kuuntelin, mutta heitä helpotti kun saivat puhua.
Hi all :)
My name is Giulnara. I came to Finland almost 5 years
ago to study Cultural Policy at the University of Jyväskylä.
After my graduation last summer, I focused on learning
Finnish language more actively and on developing my
skills in the areas of cultural management, intercultural
communication and digital marketing. I got to know Anna,
Helsinki area coordinator, couple of years ago, and she
invited me to NM-training.
I finished the training in September 2019, and from my first days with
Neighbourhood Mothers I've always felt great support to my ideas or problems. I
was welcome to participate in various projects and was encouraged to organize
my own activities. In December I organized a workshop where we made Christmas
cards for the elderly. That was really nice to be creative and to share good
feelings with other people! We also held 'Create your own card' workshops during
Pitäjänmäen Ystävänpäivä and Hyvän Mielen Naistenpäivä events.
Situation with the coronavirus pandemic was unexpected and difficult for many of
us, but I always try to think positively: challenges create new opportunities. Last
month I organized a career workshop with the help of our Helsinki area
coordinator Anna. During three online sessions we discussed how to look for a
job in social and cultural fields, and our participants got valuable individual career
advice. I really appreciate that I got an opportunity to develop the current issue of
NM digital magazine together with the project interns Nina, Caroline and Slafa.
I would like to thank Neighbourhood Mothers for always being so supportive and
for creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere around. I wish everyone a
wonderful summer and to return after summer holidays with lots of energy and
new ideas! Mukavaa kesää kaikille! :)
49

50. OTHER NICEHEARTS PROJECTS
Do you have a teenage daughter?
One of the main services that Nicehearts provides is the "Girls' Space" meetings
places in Vantaa and Lappeenranta. The main goal of the Girls’ Space is to
provide a safer space where we support the growth and identity of young girls
and women, as well as non-binary youth, and help them become who they want
to be in an atmosphere that respects the sense of community, diversity and
womanhood. We aim at encouraging girls and young women to listen to and
respect themselves and others, as well as offer a place for meeting new friends,
building a community, having the support of adults and their peers and having a
hobby that brings them joy and support for their daily life. You can find more
information about the activities in our social media channels on Facebook
(Vantaa Tyttöjen Tila, Lappeenranta Tyttöjen Tila) and on Instagram
(vantaantyttojentila, tyttojentilalpr).
Contact information:
Sanna Heikkinen
Tyttöjen Tilan johtaja, Vantaa ja Lappeenranta
sanna.heikkinen@nicehearts.com, 050 366 7994
TYTTÖJEN TILA
GIRLS' SPACE
50

51. TYTTÖJEN TILA
Onko teillä teini-ikäinen tytär ?
Yksi Nicehearts:in tarjoamista palveluista on ”Tyttöjen Tila” tapaamispaikat
Vantaalla ja Lappeenrannassa. ”Tyttöjen Tilan” päätavoite on tuottaa turvallinen
tila jossa tuemme tyttöjen ja nuorten naisten kasvua ja identiteettiä, samoin
muunsukupuolisten, ja autamme heitä tulemaan siksi mitä haluavat olla
ympäristössä joka kunnioittaa yhteisöllisyyttä, monimuotoisuutta ja naiseutta.
Tavoitteenamme on rohkaista tyttöjä ja nuoria naisia kuuntelemaan ja
kunnioittamaan itseään ja toisia, tarjota paikka jossa voi tavata uusia ystäviä,
rakentaa yhteisöä, aikuisten ja vertaisten tuella ja saada harrastus joka tuo heille
iloa ja tukee heidän arkea. Lisätietoa aktiviteeteista löydät meidän sosiaalisen
median kanavista Facebook:ssa (Vantaa Tyttöjen Tila, Lappeenranta Tyttöjen Tila)
ja Instagram:ssa (vantaantyttojentila, tyttojentilalpr). them joy and support for
their daily life. You can find more information about the activities in our social
media channels on Facebook (Vantaa Tyttöjen Tila, Lappeenranta Tyttöjen Tila)
and on Instagram (vantaantyttojentila, tyttojentilalpr).
Yhteystiedot:
Sanna Heikkinen
Tyttöjen Tilan johtaja, Vantaa ja Lappeenranta
sanna.heikkinen@nicehearts.com, 050 366 7994
GIRLS' SPACE
51

52. WAHWA NAINEN
What is WahvaNainen?
'Wahva naiset' means strong women, and WahvaNainen is a project that helps
ladies with life situations or problems, for example, how to read and write social
affairs like Kela etc. It’s a project for women above 30 years, most women who
participate are young women with children. The project is in both cities of Vantaa
and Espoo.
What is the main focus of the project?
The language used is mainly Finnish, so any volunteers, workers or internees
interested in working within the project and with the women must speak and
know Finnish. We encourage women make their own decisions in everyday life
and offer support to facilitate this.
What are the activities of the project?
-Open group activities every Wednesday;
-Private meetings for those needing one to one support;
-Handcraft activities;
-Support for illiteracy;
-Help and support for women in difficult situations;
-Counselling and guidance services and activities.
What are the objectives of WahvaNaiset?
-to help women to find networks with others to prevent loneliness;
-to empower women to take care of themselves;
-to teach and train women how to handle situations connected to money and to
know their rights in Finland.
Contact information
Vantaa: Lummetie 2B, A-rappu, 4 krs., Tikkurila
Espoo: Me-talo, Terveyskuja 2 B, Espoon keskus
WahvaNainen Facebook
52

53. ItseNaiset – kotiäitiydestä kohti opiskelua ja työelämää!
Hankkeen ensisijaisena tavoitteena on joustavalla, henkilökohtaisella
yksilöohjauksella ja ryhmätoiminnalla osallistaa maahanmuuttajataustaisia,
työelämän ulkopuolella olevia naisia, erityisesti kotiäitejä hankkeen tuottamaan
toimintaan ja mahdollistaa opiskelu- ja työelämään siirtyminen oikea-aikaisesti ja
siten ennaltaehkäistä syrjäytymistä ja pitkäaikaistyöttömyyttä yhteiskunnasta.
Hankkeessa kehitetään innovatiivinen ura- ja palveluohjauksen toimintamalli
maahanmuuttajataustaisille naisille Vantaalla, Espoossa ja Helsingissä.
Tavoitteena on osaamisen tunnistaminen, osaamisen lisääminen,
voimaantumisen prosessit ja itsetunnon ja -tuntemuksen ja
pystyvyysuskomusten kasvattaminen.
Haluatko kuulla toiminnasta lisää? Ota rohkeasti yhteyttä..
Contact information
Matleena Anttila, projektipäällikkö:
matleena.anttila@nicehearts.com
ItseNaiset Facebook
ITSENAISET
53

54. Helsinki
044 0137 136
Asukastalo Ankkuri, Paasivaarankatu 6,
00810 Helsinki
anna.lenkewitz@nicehearts.com
Lappeenranta
044 760 7843
Oprin kauppakeskus 2.krs, Valtakatu 30,
53100 L-RANTA
niina.kupiainen@nicehearts.com
Vantaa
044 572 0069
Lummetie 2b, A-rappu,
01300 Vantaa
info@nicehearts.com
Espoo
050 462 1771
Terveyskuja 2 B,
02770 Espoo
jannica.wiik@nicehearts.com
CONTACTS
54

55. ME VOIMME TEHDÄ SEN!
www.nicehearts.com
NEIGHBOURHOOD MOTHERS (2020)
Worked on the current issue of the online magazine:
Nina Alexander
Giulnara Chinakaeva
Caroline Namae
Slafa Smoo
54

56. www.nicehearts.com