Love brought her to Finland, just like many
other foreigners! In 2003, Michelle Kaila,
moved from Toronto, Canada, to live with
her husband in his country. She remembers
how the Finnish authorities were initially
very skeptical and did not believe that their
marriage was for real. Many more meetings,
tears and frustration, then the authorities
announced that she was to be deported
back to Canada. The deportation was
canceled only after her father-in-law phoned
the police officer responsible for her case.
Recounting the event, Michelle said, “Of
course, I was glad that it worked out well!
However, I cannot help but feel sad for
others who may be wrongly charged or
might not have someone to speak for them.”
According to Michelle, much too often,
people consider integration “as something
that is more akin to assimilation.” But,
Michelle believes, “There can be so much
richness in the sharing of cultures,
traditions, foods, music, art, attitudes, and
ways of understanding, to name a few. If we
are willing to step outside our comfort zones
and let go of ignorance and the fear of
unfamiliarity, we could have a beautiful
cultural exchange and gain a lot more.”
Good experiences
Michelle remembers traveling by car from
Helsinki all the way to Rovaniemi, near the
Arctic Circle in Lapland. It was special as she
saw Finnish nature in a different setting and
thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience.
Michelle attributes many of her good
experiences in Finland to having family and
friends. She is also glad to have worked
with a lot of great people in different NGOs,
and says, “They have helped me believe in
myself and reach my potential.” Michelle
considers herself fortunate to have had the
opportunity to study Social Services in
Finland with a group of wonderful,
international students.
Neighbourhood Mothers’ training
During an internship interview at
Nicehearts, Michelle first heard about the
Neighbourhood Mothers’ project from the
Training Coordinator, Meg Sakilayan-
Latvala. Michelle smiles and recounts that
day, “As soon as Meg told me about the
project and offered me an opportunity to
participate in the training, I immediately
asked if I could participate right away,
even though my internship was to begin
many months later!” Michelle remembers
having to juggle many things: home, her
Social Services study program and the
training. But, she made the
Neighbourhood Mothers’ training a
priority. She is glad that she did, because
she found the training interesting,
enjoyable and learned a lot from it.
Takeaways from the training
Michelle says, “Most of the work that I had
done at various NGOs was with immigrants
and refugees. In fact, even before
beginning my formal studies, I was always
keen on working with immigrants and
refugees. So, the training and experience
as a Neighbourhood Mother greatly
benefited and enhanced my work.”
Michelle commented that the positive and
encouraging attitude of the project
workers involved in the Neighbourhood
Mothers’ program helps participants
believe in themselves and in their own
potential. She also believes that each
woman has valuable skills, knowledge
and experience. “The unique aspect of the
Neighbourhood Mothers’ project is that it
helps each woman recognize her own
resources. Each woman then realizes the
power she has in effecting positive
changes in society.”