Our Finnish member Oulu Deaconess Institute has launched a new project named MAPPI to support migrant women. MAPPI aims to support the new residents in a number of ways to ensure they continue their education and strengthen their employability.

As part of the project, the women are provided with parenting advice and assistance. Migrant mothers are given the opportunity to discuss Finnish parenting practices, methods for balancing work and family life, the day-care system of the host country and how to make the most of it. Notably, ODI conducts these counselling sessions with full view of the individual backgrounds and personalities of the users and with consideration of their cultural backgrounds.

The second goal of MAPPI is to provide migrant women with job coaching to help them further integrate into Finnish society.

Additionally, the project aims to encourage women to interact with the locals with whom to engage in cultural exchange and recreational activities thus increasing the overall happiness of the newcomers and the quality of their lives.

Last but not least, participants in the project are encouraged to join sports activities to improve their overall physical health which is known to have significant impact on psychological health and mental well-being.

The ultimate purpose of the initiative, in the words of its organisers from ODI, is to provide local and foreign residents with an opportunity for human encounters.

For more information on the project, please visit our member’s website.