Qutomo 2012 - 2013 1 | Page 24

Is Finnish language the key or the lock? What do you do with your professional qualifications if you do not have "enough" Finnish language skills? These were some questions that were raised several times during the previous forums. With a room full of people, the fourth and last forum for the project year 2012 – 2013 started enthusiastically with a panel discussion on different stories of integration, highlighting the challenges and successes of the panel members' own integration process.

The forum continued on with a second panel discussion that centered on the role of Finnish language in the integration process. The debate questioned not only the quantity but most importantly the quality of the Finnish language courses currently offered.

"Stories of integration: Different paths, same destination" panel discussion members:

Auli Halenius, FM

Nancy Veiling

Binita Lammichhare-Järvinen

Urartuhi Hakobyan

Maria Khan

Moderator: Saana Hansen, HELMO project

"Finnish language: the key or the lock? The role of Finnish language in the integration process"

panel discussion members:

Marja Repo, Vantaa Adult Education Center

Ann-Jolin Grüne, Swedish Adult Education Center

Marja-Leena Piispanen, Laurea AMK

Pirkko Saavalainen, Let’s read together network

Bianca Biro, Learning for Integration ry

Moderator: Valisa Krairiksh Sinervo, SAIMIT

project