Even if you are a resilient 15 year-old
teenager, it can be challenging if you are
forced to leave your home because of war. In
addition to the trauma of war, if one also has
to deal with moving from a sunny, warm
country to one with dark, cold, snowy
winters, where everyone spoke a language
that you had never heard before, you would
certainly require courage. Hava arrived in
Finland as a refugee from Somalia in 2004.
Adapting to life in Finland was not easy, but
Hava used her inner resilience and
determination to overcome the obstacles she
faced. The strength and experiences she
gained whilst navigating the Finnish system
made her a natural Neighbourhood Mother.
Neighbourhood Mothers’ training
Hava first heard of the Neighbourhood
Mothers’ project from a friend who told her
there was “some kind” of program for women
being held in the local residents’ meeting
hall. She was not sure what the project was
all about, but decided to attend the first
meeting anyway. She was sold and signed
up for the training program! “I was already
functioning as a neighbourhood mother
because of my helpful nature and outgoing
personality. But, attending a formal training
gave me clear ideas about how to help
people efficiently. We were also given a lot of
very useful information that could be used in
encounters with other immigrant women. I
thoroughly enjoyed the training. It was a rush
because I had to manage the kids, home,
and attend trainings. But, was so worth it!”
says Hava, with a reminiscent smile.
Chance encounters with women in the
local shopping mall or while waiting for a
bus, lead to conversations, which, over
time have led to friendships. And through
those friendships, Hava has been able to
provide advice, and disseminate
information about services that are
available for immigrant women and
families. A helpful, resourceful person in a
community or locality is soon well-known.
Often, by word of mouth, she gets calls
from friends of friends of friends! From
lending a listening ear or translating an
official document, to standing her ground
and insisting on a service for another
immigrant, our Neighbourhood Mother,
Hava has helped many women.
Hava’s suggestions
A Neighbourhood Mother in action Hava misses the days of training and says,
“It would be good to have continuous
training at different levels that could then
be carried into social or professional life.”
For example, Hava suggests having small
group conversation classes where each
woman could develop her presentation
skills. Hava also thinks a “hygiene pass” -
preparatory course would enable women
pass the test for the hygiene passport
(hygiene passi, in Finnish). The hygiene
passport is mandatorily required for work
in the Finnish food industry. Hava says,
“Obtaining the hygiene passport would
enable women enter the job market either
as entrepreneurs or as employees, whilst
also gaining useful information about food
hygiene standards at home.”
Even though Hava is outgoing and friendly
by nature, she never forces her help or
imposes with suggestions. She believes in
first developing a friendship and trust, and is
always available to offer help, should the
need arise. Thanks Hava, we appreciate that you have
been with us ever since our initial days
and truly value your suggestions.
Tsemppiä! Continue to march on bravely
forward as an active Neighbourhood
Mother!