INVOLVIM Project's First Stakeholder Meeting, Finland

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the hybrid event brought together representatives from key organizations across the region, including: Immigrant’s Advisory and Guidance service MONI-info (City of Seinäjoki), Centre for Economic Development, Transport and Environment of South Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce, Järvi-Pohjanmaan Yrityspalvelu, The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Immigration Institute, Vuoksi Immigration Services, South Ostrobothnia Work Integration for Immigrants Service (WIISE ry), and City of Seinäjoki Employment Services.

Key Insights from the Stakeholder Meeting
The INVOLVIM project’s first stakeholder meeting covered an overview of the Interreg funding programmes and the INVOLVIM project’s main goals and activities. A wide range of critical topics related to immigration and integration in the South Ostrobothnia region were also discussed. Here are some key points:

International projects drive insightful collaboration: Participants highlighted how international projects, particularly those that include study visits, have provided valuable insights and opened doors for cross-border collaboration in the field of integration.

Businesses play a crucial role in integration: The role of businesses in helping immigrants integrate into Finnish society was emphasized. Companies are increasingly seen as key players in providing employment opportunities and promoting social inclusion.

Language training for employees is lacking: While essential for integration, employer-provided language training remains limited in the area. This gap was highlighted as an opportunity for improvement.

Discussions on the impact of the employment zone reforms: The meeting highlighted the upcoming employment zone reforms, which will bring services closer to local communities, thereby improving their alignment with regional needs and better supporting immigrant integration strategies.

Stakeholder roles in INVOLVIM: The stakeholders also discussed their roles in the INVOLVIM project, with an emphasis on analysing local services, identifying needs, and sharing best practices.

Next Steps:
The next stakeholder meeting is planned for early 2025, focusing on an in-depth analysis of regional services, needs, and best practices.

Stay tuned for further updates and insights from the INVOLVIM project as we work together to improve services for immigrants in South Ostrobothnia and beyond.