Courses for refugee groups in Finland

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Right to one's own culture

In those states, in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities or persons of indigenous origin exist, a child belonging to such a minority or who is indigenous shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of his or her group, to enjoy his or her own culture, to profess and practice his or her own religion, or to use his or her own language. (Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 30)

Courses on the native language and culture of the refugee children and young people in Finland are arranged to maintain and strengthen their cultural identity. These courses are held in different parts of the country, and they last around one week. Courses are intended for children between 7 to 14 years of age, and they are organized in collaboration wih the Ministery of Labor. Each year, about three hundred students together with sixty refugee teachers attend these courses.

The Summer High School Association is in charge of the planning, implementation and the supervision of the courses. The association recruits the teachers, and trains them for their task. The program and the content of the course is planned and implemented by the teachers themselves. These courses are financed by Slot Machine Association in Finland (RAY).

Summer High Schools for Immigrants

This summer high school is organized for young people over 15 years of age to learn more about Finnish language, culture and educational & career opportunities. Program also includes native language teaching with the native teachers, and cultural exchange. Study counseling and excursions to different professions will be provided during this ten-day course. This year Afghanistan, Myanmarian, Russian and Bosnian young people are welcomed to apply.

Young people with immigrant background are welcomed to study at any summer high schools organized in Finland or abroad.