Neighbourhood mothers 2017 Neighborhood mothers: Community change agents | Page 2

CONTENTS 3 An unique network of women: A message from our Executive Director Johanna Sjöholm 4 Neighbourhood Mothers as community change agents: A message from our program director Jenni Selosmaa 6 "I also learned that I was not alone in my situation." - An interview with Mariia Kostiainen 9 A round-up of our events in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Lappeenranta 13 Building change-agents in Germany and Finland: The German Neighbourhood Mothers’ project and its origins 18 "Volunteering is my way of contributing towards making this world a better place for everyone." - An interview with Karima Mhamdi Publisher: Nicehearts Ry Chief editor: Meg Sakilayan-Latvala Texts and interviews: Aleena Baniya, Mary Ann Alexander, Ella Ruokoniemi, Anna Lenkewitz-Salminen Translations and editing: Ella Ruokoniemi, Mary Ann Alexander Design: Anna Lenkewitz-Salminen 20 "The training and experience as a Neighbourhood Mother has greatly benefited and enhanced my work!" - An interview with Michelle Kaila 23 "I learned how important it was to make sure that I took care of myself or I wouldn't have been able to help others." - An interview with Mihraban Namiq 26 "People do not always need help. It is important that there is someone who can just listen and be supportive." - An interview with Taimi Ivask 28 "It would be good to have continuous training that could then be carried into social or professional life." - An Interview with Hava