Finland?s
SixDegrees
english language magazine
AHMED
HASSAN
Looking out for
Finland-Swedish culture
page 10
Gambling
in finland
Betting on growth
page 12
on a
mission
Women in crises
page 16
Issue 10/2012 www.6d.fi 7.12.2012 - 24.1.2013
10.1-27.2, free entrance
Exhibitions
H e lsinki?s
new creative
food hub
Reflections. Outsider-art by
Killinmäki Taideryhmä Mansikka.
Go to sleep, bird of grass.
Art by Jaana Houessou
and Lotta-Pia Kallio about
dealing with violence.
Erno Launis
Literature
Evening
S
Modern literature and
culture of Latin America.
Guest speaker Tanya
Tynjälä from Peru.
Sat 26.1 at 5 pm,
free entrance
ituated in Kalasatama, the Abattoir (?Teurastamo?
in Finnish) is a fresh addition to the Helsinki?s urban
culture. Located next to the City of Helsinki Wholesale
Market, the redbrick buildings date back to 1933.
Originally serving as an abattoir, this historical area is now being
transformed into a creative food hub.
?There is a new generation of food lovers that want to bring
something new,? explains project manager Vilhelm Relander.
?We try to represent what modern food culture is in Finland at
the moment; it?s changing at a rapid speed, and we try to keep
up with that. During different times of the year new businesses
will open. It?s good to pop in now and then to see what?s on offer.?
One such idea sees the Open Kitchen project at Kellohalli for
one week from 15 December - a restaurant operated by 12
students who have completed a two-week intensive course in
the basics of running an establishment.
Alongside the growing number of small businesses trying their
hand at the Abattoir, the location is planning its second farmer?s
market on 16 December. ?People are really interested in getting
genuine products that are not available in the supermarket,?
Relander continues. ?This is a place to come and meet the farmers
and see what is on offer at this time of year, and do some shopping.?
With development on the site growing daily, Relander is
enthusiastic about the site?s possibilities, pointing to the versatile
yard space available.
?It?s a perfect place to organise any
kinds of event. We are really hungry for
people to come and take over the yard.
This is a place that people should put
some life into.?
The Abattoir
Työpajankatu 2
www.teurastamo.com/en/
Big
Zero
Friction
VIP
16 prepared and motorized
acoustic guitars combined with
live electronics. This audiovisual
work occupies a space
somewhere between a sound
installation and a concert.
Sat 9.2 at 5 pm, free entrance
Breakfast
Folk music from Senegal by
Solo Cissokho and Maarika
Autio. Don?t miss this spell
bounding combination of the
African harp and the West
African percussion.
Sat 16.2, at 8 pm, 5?
Forum
What does immigration mean
to Helsinki and its services?
What is the role of culture
and art for the integration into
Finnish society?
Thu 14.2, at 10 am,
free entrance
Music Station
ert
c
n
o
C
Small
Medium
Tykkää
stoansivu
Gilla
VuotaloTiedotus
Like
caisa.kulttuurikeskus
and
Tykkää
stoansivu
Club
Tykkää
stoansivu
Gilla
International
Gilla
Cultural
Centre
VuotaloTiedotus
Mikonkatu 17 C
www.caisa.fi
VuotaloTiedotus
Like
caisa.kulttuurikeskus
Like
caisa.kulttuurikeskus
Smallest
7 pt teksti
6 ? 12 DECEMBER 2012
HELSINKI TIMES
Mobile services travel along
Smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly
common. People are more frequently surfing the net on the
move, for example while riding the bus.
A ticket is also a suitable gift
HSL?s gift card is a great option if you are looking for a
useful and environmentally
friendly Christmas gift for a
friend or family member. Gift
vouchers for 5, 10 or 20 euros can be purchased from
HSL?s service points. They are
accepted as payment at HSL
service points when you top
up your Travel Card or buy a
day ticket.
Tickets that can be purchased for single-charge
cards also make good gifts
for the occasional visitor, as
the card can be used whenever needed. When you buy a
ticket, you just state how long
of a travel period (1 to 7 days)
you want. The ticket is valid
from the first use.
HSL?s service points are located in the Central Railway
Station?s underground level, the Itäkeskus metro station and in Pasila. The Pasila
service point has been serving all customers since last
spring. Before that, it was only for business customers.
The service point is located at
a short walking distance from
the Pasila station, at Opastinsilta 6, and is open Monday to
Friday from 8.30 to 16.00.
HSL?s most important services, such as the Journey Planner, My Departures and Disruption Info are available in mobile
format at m.hsl.fi. In mobile format, the pages are optimised
for a mobile phone screen, and
load quickly. The presentation
is simplified and clear.
?Thanks to mobile services, route and schedule information is available anywhere,
anytime,? says HSL?s information services project manager Jari Honkonen.
The timetable and route
services are being updated
and will merge in the near future. For example, after the
renewal, the Line Search and
My Departures can be found
under the Journey Planner.
?The usability of mobile
services will be improved.
Location services will be utilised in route planning. In the
future, your own routes and
stops can also be saved in
the mobile version.?
9
Services will
be based on open data
?HSL provides services for
everyone. Others can develop applications for different
platforms, and smaller user
groups,? Honkonen says.
Developers are free to utilise HSL?s open data, such as
the schedules on the Journey
Planner.
?Spreading information can
only be a good thing, as it promotes the use of public transport.?
A number of applications
have been built based on
schedule information, and
more are on the way. This
year HSL is taking part in the
Apps4Finland contest, which
specifically encourages the
development of a variety of
services that use open data.
The existing applications
have been assembled on
www.hsl.fi, where they can
be found under the Timetables and routes link.
Additional
Extra night
buses to
services during the
Christmas events
Christmas party season
A Christmas Path will be organized
in Uutela, Vuosaari, on Sunday, 9
December from 13.00 to 17.00. The
tour starts from Aurinkolahti, at
the café at the beginning of Uutelantie.
An additional bus service 78X
will operate roughly from 12.15 to
17.00 between the Vuosaari metro
station and Aurinkolahti. The bus
runs every 10 minutes with the exception of a one-hour break, which
starts at about 14.00.
The traditional Christmas walk in
Seurasaari is held on Sunday, 16 December from 13.00 to 17.00. An additional bus service 24S operates
between Erottaja and Seurasaari.
The bus will not drive through Hietaniemi, but directly along Mechelininkatu. The first departure from
Erottaja is at 12.21, and the last departure from Seurasaari at 17.35.
The Christmas party season is underway, and weekend night services will
have additional departures until December 15. Additional buses will operate on several Helsinki internal bus
services, and on a few regional services on the nights between Friday and
Saturday, and Saturday and Sunday.
Additional buses will also operate on the night of the eve of Independence Day, on Wednesday 16 December.
The night fares are in effect from
2.00 to 4.30. For example, a Helsinki
night fare ticket purchased from the
driver costs 4 euros.
Season tickets are not valid during night fare hours, with the exception of free tickets and direct debit season tickets. Those traveling on
a season ticket will only be exempt
from the night fares from the beginning of 2013.
Robert?s Coffee JÄÄPUISTO opens in the Railway
Station Square Icepark in the end of November!
In Robert?s Coffee you can enjoy warm winter drinks,
fresh baked goods and enjoy the bustling city!
- Also available for private occasions
- Full liquor license after 4 PM
- Entry is free, no need to buy a skating ticket
Roberts Coffee JÄÄPUISTO aukeaa rautatientorille marraskuun lopussa!
Kahvilassa voit nauttia lämpöisiä juomia, paikanpäällä paistettuja leivonnaisia ja samalla ihastella kaupungin vilinää.
- Tilan voi vuokrata myös yksityiskäyttöön
- Kahvilassa klo 16 jälkeen a-oikeudet
- Kahvilaan pääsy ei edellytä luistelulippua
Winter Season s Drink 3,
60
Talvikauden Drinkki
?
WinterD
Roberts Coffee Jääpuisto
Rautatientori
p. 044-7388872
jaapuisto@robertscoffee.com
Kauden 2012-2013 aukioloajat:
Arkisin klo 12-21
Lauantaisin klo 10-21
Sunnuntaisin klo 10-19
WinterDream: Cappuccino with white chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
ream
Starters
6
Issue 10 2012
Top 5
Marco Bevilacqua
things on our
mind this month...
Pre-Xmas parties in full swing
?Pikkujoulut? means the pre-Christmas party of
work communities, hobby groups or circles of
friends. Everybody is trying to look presentable,
until booze proves them wrong, and many
intra-squad pressures will be vented by way of
aggressive discourse or sexual intercourse.
Measures against slips and falls
?Break a leg? is a great send-off to an actor headed
for the stage, less so otherwise. Remember that
there is equipment such as studded anti-slip
heel pads available to help you avoid slipping
and falling on icy streets; good ones are easy to
attach and detach and serve their purpose well.
At least try and avoid wearing slick-soled shoes
when it?s slippery outside.
Pay cuts required for a competitive edge?
Finland has conventionally relied on centralised
salary solutions, but some experts reckon that
more leeway should be allowed in the future for
different industries to agree on salaries and wages
on the basis of industry-specific parameters.
Small-income employees have not been reported
to plan a victory parade.
A year in the life of Finland
Nick Barlow
When will the world end?
Some people were looking into 2012 as the year
when the world ends ? supposedly based on the
ancient Mayan calendar. Some scientists bailed
them out by re-interpreting the calendar, but
?prophets of doom should not give up hope; there
are still many glorious weeks left. Those of us
looking to wake up in 2013 may want to ponder
upon the question, ?Why are apocalyptic notions
so fascinating to men??
Don?t let anyone steal the ?X? from your
Xmas!
No matter what, let?s all try and stay out of that
Ebenezer Scrooge pattern during the holidays:
don?t paint your tree into a corner so that you
can?t dance around it.
Mika Oksanen
.
.
.
o
t
How
make the most of
pikkujoulu this year?
I would like to spend time with my
co-workers.
Ahmed Hassan, Helsinki District Chairman
of Svenska Ungdom
JANUARY
Internet provider Elisa become the first Finnish company
to prevent their customers from accessing The Pirate Bay.
The move was instigated by entertainment companies and
anti-piracy organisations desperately attempting to secure
their stable doors while their prize fillies disappeared over the
horizon in a cloud of dust.
FEBRUARY
Finally, we had our new president as Sauli Niinistö, er, beat
off Pekka Haavisto by an impressive margin. But the funniest
thing in politics was Finns MP Teuvo Hakkarainen in the news
for going to a bike gang?s after party, reportedly being offered
sex with a prostitute, refusing and then giving the lady in question 100 euros anyway ?out of pity?. ?I asked for it back, but she
wouldn?t give it to me,? he said later.
MARCH
Finnish parliament speaker Eero Heinäluoma complains that
MPs are drunk during working hours, while two MPs from
Hakkarainen?s party are invited to North Korea after making
facetious comments about the death of that country?s president.
Are the two events related?
APRIL
The Angry Birds theme park opened at Särkänniemi in
Tampere. The Gods wept.
MAY
Finally, someone made the decision to say ?thanks but no
thanks? to the ridiculous vanity project that was the Helsinki
Guggenheim museum. Well done, Helsinki City Council!
JUNE
The hard-rockin? Sonisphere opened the Finnish festival season
along with 47,000 Metallica fans, showcasing bands such as
Amorphis and Machine Head. A few years ago you could barely
find any large-scale events, these days they?re everywhere.
JULY
Finland was closed. Also, Gangnam Style ? WTF?
AUGUST
The Olympics! A fantastic celebration of human endeavour
and sportsmanship spoiled only by the fact that Finland
won almost nothing. Seriously, we really sucked. Plus
humankind landed on Mars, which was a significantly
cooler thing.
SEPTEMBER
An anti-Muslim film made by fools and which has only actually
been seen by ten people ignites the ire of select members of
the global Muslim community, leading to riots, looting and
murder. The rest of us condemn both the movie and the excess
that followed it.
OCTOBER
Felix Baumgartner became the world?s least-flappable human
being as he skydived from the edge of space, 39 kilometres up.
General opinion was that it was deeply awesome. Not strictly to
do with Finland, but I don?t care.
NOVEMBER
The world was saved when Barack Obama was re-elected as
President of the US of A. The American populace must have
got our memo.
DECEMBER
Apparently, the world will end on the 21 December 2012. It?s
already ended for Nokia. Byeee!
Finnish After Dark
Learning the Finnish they don?t teach in school
By plugging off Facebook, Twitter and
emails for the whole period until xmas
holiday begins. You will realise you have
moved to a new country you have not visited
for a long time. A cheap and brilliant ticket.
Umayya Abu-Hanna, author
Christmas work parties are for breaking
barriers. There is no longer the enforced
authority that comes within a work place
and the hierarchy structure does not exist. If
you make a fool of yourself, it doesn?t matter
? it?s the Christmas party!
Marco Bevilaqua, illustrator
David Brown and Mimmu Takalo
Finnish: Tuparit
English: Housewarming
While Finns may not always invite people to their homes very often, the housewarming party is a notable exception. The best ones
are loud, wild...and include free drinks and cake. It?s a great opportunity to praise the hosts taste in decor, marvel over the low rent,
and then spend the rest of the evening spilling red wine on their carpets and infuriating their neighbours by playing the White Stripes
at full volume.
?
?
?
Jarilla on tuparit siellä poikamiesboksissa lauantaina. Oot sä menossa?
Ehkä. Mä en oo keksiny mitään hyvää tuparilahjaa.
No, hei! Vie kilo suolaa, jälkiuunileipä ja kossupullo. Kyllä ne sinkkumiehelle kelpaa.
?
?
?
Jari has having his housewarming at his bachelor pad Saturday. Are you going?
Maybe. I don?t know what to bring, though.
Bring the usual bread and salt ? and koskenkorva. There are sure to be lot of single men there!
Starters
Tell me about your
city...
?
Ibadan
Free to air
The
Finnexia
mystery
Have you had your
Finnish tablet today?
Beth Morton
SURROUNDED by hoards of diverse and varied advertising campaigns vying for public attention, we can easily find ourselves
falling into the consumerist black hole of today. There is no
escape; ads are every which way we turn and, avoid as we might
to being sucked into ad campaigns, every once in a while there
comes a product that hooks us in and makes us beg for more.
Finnexia?s mysterious marketing campaign has been steeped in
much speculation around Helsinki lately, even being a popular
social networking topic, causing a riot of confusion and doubt.
So, if you?ve been handed a flyer, seen the website, or been witness
to the marketing stunt in the west wing of the train station in
September, you will know all about Finnexia ? the so-called super
drug that will help you learn Finnish. Advertised as the first of its
kind, this 40 mg linguocitine tablet lowers anxiety, enhances cognitive activity in the brain, and acts as speech therapy that will have
you speaking Finnish in no time. Also apparently available without
prescription, and specific to a Finno-Ugric language deficiency, it
will appeal to anyone wanting or needing to learn Finnish fast.
A tablet that gives you the power to speak Finnish ? surely this
can?t be for real, right?.....Right! This clever marketing strategy
has succeeded in drawing the attention it needs to aid the doctoral research of Lisa Erdman in the art department at Aalto
University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Leading up
to the marketing installations back in September, which were
actually ?performances? run by actors, the hook of Finnexia was
fabricated to encourage dialogue for members of the passing
immigrant public about cultural integration in Finland and the
role that language has to play in this process.
Also sparking more intrigue and speculation about Finnexia,
the performances contributed to another arm of this research: the
artistic context supporting the phantom drug is also concerned
with exploring the over medicated society in which we live and
the obsessive reliability of this pill-popping culture. Satirising
the seeming need to medicate every human condition under the
sun, Finnexia aims to brings together the medical, language and
cultural integration strands of this research project, while also
challenging people?s perception and blurring the lines between
truth and fiction.
So, sorry ? I?m afraid the wait for the Finnish-language wonder
drug continues.
Visit the shrewdly staged website:
www.finnexia.fi
Smartphone apps are changing
the way in which we communicate
with the world.
James O?Sullivan
REMEMBER a time in the not too distant past, when travelling
overseas saw you relying on phone cards and email to keep in
touch with loved ones ? let alone *GASP* snail mail?!
These days a growing number of smartphone apps are increasingly making the world seem that little bit smaller, and a little
less heavy on the money belt.
Originating in Estonia, Skype was the front-runner in opening
the doors to more accessible communication, but is now joined
by the likes of Viber, which offers free messages and calls with
the aid of wireless internet. Rounding this out is WhatsApp,
which provides free texting and sending of photos, once the app
has been purchased for a small fee.
While certain local companies specialising in international
calls have adjusted their global rates accordingly, making them
competitive and still relevant, what does this mean for the likes
of the bigger phone companies, who once relied on global roaming and the bridge-dividing calls between separated love struck
couples and families on both sides of the globe?
What was once something found only in science fiction movies, is here and now and commonplace in the palm of your hand.
How well do you know
Christmas in Finnish?
1
?Ibadan, running splash of rust and
gold ? flung and scattered among the
seven hills like a broken China in the
sun.? ( J.P. Clark)
Welcome to the ancient city of Ibadan ? the gateway to the northern
part of Nigeria. Ibadan derived its name from the Yoruba words Eba
Odan which literary means, ?between the forest and the plains?.
Mountainous and densely populated, Ibadan is a southwestern
city in Nigeria and reputed for being the third largest city in Africa.
Aside from being the regional political headquarters of Nigeria?s
politics and the capital of Oyo state, it is a beautiful metropolitan city
inhabited by the warm and culturally rich Yoruba tribe. It is bound
by cities, which include the coastal Lagos ? a former capital but the
commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.
Ibadan is a visitor?s delight and a pace setter in Nigerian and African
history. The first ever television station in Africa (WNTV, established in
1959, now known as NTA), the once tallest building in tropical Africa,
Cocoa House and the first university in Nigeria are all in Ibadan.
A trip to Captain Bower?s Tower will give one a panoramic view of
the city and one can?t miss the presence of the multi-nationals in
Ibadan. British Leyland, Heineken?s Nigerian Breweries, the British
American tobacco, IITA etc are some of the multi-national companies
in Ibadan.
Need I say more about seeing and discovering more about this
lovely and one of the largest sub-Saharan African cities? A trip there
will convince you!
Feeling under
2
the
3
4
weather?
What you can expect over the
coming month.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Elf
Santa Claus
Spruce
Santa?s home place
Casserole (or box)
Gingerbread
7. Star boys
8. Yule goat
9. Ham
10. Red-nosed reindeer
11. Decoration
Test your knowledge of Finnish vocabulary by using the local equivalent.
Puzzle by Ville Koski. Solutions on page 30.
Now that we?ve had the first
snowfall around the country,
hopefully we can be blessed
with it sticking around at least
until the end of winter. Hopefully.
December can bring days of
slushy streets, tempered by the
possibility of a layer of frozen
snow if fingers are crossed hard
enough. However, snow-free
Christmases have become a
common occurrence in recent
times, especially in the south
of the country. January, mind
you, typically sees the weather
snapping to attention and giving
us the sub-zero temperatures
that are expected for this time of
the year. Time to break out the
winter clothes and try your hand
at the multitude of seasonal
activities on offer.
December high/low
averages (°C)
Helsinki 0.5/-4.5
Turku -0.1/-5.3
Tampere -1.9/-7.6
Jyväskylä -3.3/-9.5
Oulu -4/-10.8
January high/low
averages (°C)
Helsinki -1.3/-6.5
Turku -1.7/-7.3
Tampere -3.4/9.7
Jyväskylä -5.1/-12
Oulu -6/-13.6
APPLICATION PERIOD 7.1.-12.2.2013
VOCATIONAL TEACHER
EDUCATION AT JAMK33 %
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APPLY BETWEEN 7- 25 JANUAR
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AppLy
7.?25.1.
2013
Helsingin aikuislukio
Upper Secondary School for Adults
is an excellent choice if you want to
9 study basic Finnish
9 brush up your Finnish
9 study Finnish on advanced level
VOCATIONAL
TEACHER EDUCATION
IN HAAGA-HELIA UNIVERsITy Of AppLIED sCIENCEs
The HAAGA-HELIA School of Vocational Teacher Education in Helsinki provides pedagogical
education for teachers who work or intend to work in vocational education.
The extent of vocational teacher education is 60 credit points and the 1,5 year long part-time
studies will start in May 2013.
Basic requirements: In most cases a relevant university or polytechnic degree and a minimum
of three years of work experience in the vocational field corresponding to the degree.
Application period January 7-25, 2013
Guidelines and application form: www.haaga-helia.fi/aokk/en
For further information:
HAAGA-HELIA School of Vocational Teacher Education
opehaku@haaga-helia.fi
040 488 7521 and 040 488 7520
Ratapihantie 13, 00520 Helsinki
9 get a certificate in a Finnish Lower Secondary
School for Adults (Peruskoulu)
9 get a matriculation examination in Finnish
9 study eg. foreign languages or
mathematics in Finnish
Mäkelänkatu 47
09-3108 2359
Kalevankatu 8-10
09-3108 2118
Kajaaninlinnantie 10
09-3108 0709
www.helsinginaikuislukio.fi
qualified teachers ? good atmosphere ? evening classes
are suitable for working people ? easy to reach
Education
9
SixDegrees
Erasmus
A valuable life experience.
Emil Chalhoub
I
N OUR now heavily globalised world, the desire to experience
different countries and cultures has become a significant
factor in university students? lives. Today, the Erasmus programme is more than a simple exchange programme that
involves courses taken at host universities; it?s a lifelong experience that affects both your private life and academic career.
The programme was named after the Dutch philosopher
Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, who had the opportunity to
live in numerous places in Europe so as to expand his knowledge
and enrich his life with insights into foreign cultures. This
exchange programme came into existence in 1987, and since
then, over 2.2 million students have taken part in the Erasmus
programme. Currently, the number of participating institutions
is over 4,000 in the 33 countries involved in the programme.
Finland joined the programme in 1993.
Apart from its role in shaping students? studies, the Erasmus
programme also gives its participants the chance to learn how to
be self-reliant, dutiful and self-aware. For many participants, it is
their first months spent abroad, which fosters their understanding of the host country and creates a community that helps them
fit into their new environment. Several events are organised
for exchange students throughout the year that help incoming
students feel welcome.
An enjoyable international environment
ESN Finland plays a substantial role in maintaining an enjoyable
environment for those who come to Finland as exchange stu-
dents. ESN Finland consists of 16 local sections all over Finland
and is part of the Erasmus Student Network, which is present in
36 countries. ESN HYY Helsinki is one of the four local sections
responsible for the activities organised for more than 1,000
incoming students each academic year in Helsinki.
?There has always been a high interest towards ESN activities. The international students are active in taking part in
various types of events and trying out new things. Especially
all the events with a connection to Finnish culture, such as the
traditional academic dinner party called sitsit and sauna nights,?
states Salha Hanna, Vice President of ESN HYY Helsinki and
the President elected of ESN Finland.
Apart from organising parties, trips and sauna evenings, the
organisation has a lot more in store. ?In addition to the events
already mentioned, we also organise excursions to various
organisations, such as the Fazer chocolate factory and the
Finnish public broadcasting company YLE as well as the Finnish
Parliament,? Hanna ads.
Once the applicants are granted admission, the first thing
they need to face is the fact that an apartment is needed.
HOAS, Finland?s student housing organisation, is responsible
for providing places to stay. However, due to the high demand
for the programme, their capacity is limited and cannot provide
apartments for every incoming student.
both their accommodation and academic commitments. The
physical adaptation to the new environment also constitutes a
substantial fraction of the stay, especially if students come here
during the autumn semester. They have to prepare for the rough,
gloomy winter both physically and mentally.
Also, bear in mind that the popular belief that holds that
Erasmus is all about partying is just simply not true. Students?
academic success highly depends on their performance at university. The following steps are needed: meeting the deadlines,
preparing for each of their classes, and last but not least, doing
well in the exams.
However hard it is to find a place to stay or spend your first
few weeks away from your family and friends, bear in mind that
ESN HYY Helsinki and their events are for you. Not only do they
keep you busy, but it helps you fit into Helsinki?s diverse student
community as well.
ESN HYY Helsinki
New Student House,
Mannerheimintie 5A. 2nd Floor.
esn-board@helsinki.fi
Facing the factors
But what other factors do incoming students have to face when
moving to Finland? Most importantly, they have to be self-aware,
as they have their own duties and responsibilities concerning
STUDY
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
CLOSER TO WORKING LIFE
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1.12.2012-28.2.2013
10
We Met
Issue 10 2012
Tomas Whitehouse
International
perspective on
Finland-Swedish
issues
We Met
11
SixDegrees
Ahmed Hassan is the face of a new
generation ? a generation whose cultural
and ethnic diversity is pointing towards
a more inclusive, progressive future for
Finland?s immigrant population.
How is integration improving for Finland-Swedes?
They are starting now that immigrants can learn the Swedish
language and maybe get more job opportunities, maybe in the
Nordic countries and maybe here. It?s all about the language. If
you don?t speak the Finnish language or the Swedish language it?s
very hard for you to integrate here. Usually, that will be the first
factor. So there are programmes that are starting now that will
integrate people in Swedish. The other thing is to have initiatives
from the labour organisations in Finland. That they can help
immigrants to get into work because labour market organisations
in Finland have much power. For the immigrants, they are silent.
They are the ones that make up the numbers that Finland will
need a work force in ten years, so from that perspective maybe
they need to put more effort in and work towards integration as
well.
and for me the Swedish People?s Party was a liberal party that
was smaller that could make an impact and my voice could be
heard in the party. I?ve seen other immigrants who were joining
Kokoomus or the Social Democrats but there was always a wall
because they are big parties and so to get through would take
time. So, I always try to take the short way and this party actually
welcomes me openly and gives me more chances and has given
me a lot of help and support as well. In that way, I see more
positively that it influenced my value in the party. But actually
they needed me as well as I am one of the few that speak Swedish
here. In that way, the language has a big impact because other
immigrants cannot join the party if they don?t speak Swedish so
that was the plus that I had.
Luckan is another organisation that can help Swedish
speakers, right?
Yes. I?m not involved with them but I know some people that
work there. It?s more for giving information to Swedish people
arriving in the Helsinki region. But they have some sections in
counselling for integration, for people who want to find out about
work or visas and for students.
Derek McDonnell
G
rowing up as a Somali immigrant and living in a
Swedish-speaking community in Helsinki during the
1990s, the multilingual Ahmed Hassan has experienced
first-hand the difficulties that can accompany adapting
to a new culture and environment and has overcome
these obstacles to emerge as a promising, industrious figure
within the areas of politics and business in Helsinki.
As Helsinki District Chairman of Svenska Ungdom, the
youth branch of the Swedish People?s Party, a politically liberal
organisation who encourage multiculturalism, civil rights and
campaigning for the status of the Swedish language in Finland,
Hassan is a passionate believer in citizens? rights and in particular, the rights of those within the Finland-Swedish community
to integrate and establish their own identity in Finnish society.
Born in Somalia and fluent in Arabic, Swedish, Finnish and
English, Hassan?s political interests have also informed his
activities in the business arena. A budding entrepreneur with
a background in management, he set up Hassan Consulting, a
recruitment agency based in the city centre which helps immigrants from a variety of backgrounds to find employment. In
addition to his other endeavours, he is currently studying for a
degree in Political Science at Hanken School of Economics.
Having recently been involved in the hard fought local municipal
elections in Helsinki which saw the Swedish People?s Party retain
their five seats in parliament, Hassan was in a positive frame of
mind as he sat down to chat with Six Degrees to give his views on
growing up in Finland and the future for Finland-Swedish youth.
Why did you move to Finland?
I think it was because of civil war in Somalia initially that my
mum chose to come here. She was a nurse, so she started to work
here as an asylum seeker. Then after that, me and my two other
brothers came here as refugees. It was not something by choice
but something that was made to happen.
Do you have any memories of growing up in Somalia?
We left before it started getting worse. Sometimes I remember
Mogadishu was beautiful before the civil war. I have some
memories of it but I was a small kid. I remember everything was
peaceful and you have a lot of your family around you, that kind
of picture. I have some cousins back in Northern Somalia. Some
cousins are still there but the rest of the family are worldwide.
How was it for you growing up in Finland?
It was quite hard in the beginning for people to accept you, that
you are different because of your colour, sometimes because of
your religion. I was the only black guy in my school so I was
getting a hard time as well. I came to Finland when I was eight
years old and I came here at the beginning of the ?90s so all my
educational background is here. But, for some reason, because
Finland is a two-language-speaking country, my mother put me
in a Swedish-speaking school in East Helsinki. So from there I
started to integrate myself into Finland-Swedish society.
At the beginning it was hard because people don?t know who you
are and where you come from so it?s kind of challenging to talk about
your culture. You can be different but at the same time you can?t
have the same attitude, so I?ve always had a good attitude. But it was
hard because sometimes when you are on the streets someone is
going to call you the ?N? word or say, ?You are not from here!? Now it?s
changed, but when I was a schoolboy it was harder than now so luckily people are more understanding these days. I think that when you
see the political side, you get the negativity compared to the majority
of people. When you see MPs that talk negatively about immigrants
that they?ve never even met it will give you the wrong picture about
society. So that?s more worrying. But in general, I think the Finnish
are adapting to immigrants right now.
So how do you think your upbringing here has affected your
cultural heritage?
That?s a good question because usually people ask me, ?What?s
my identity?? I used to say that I have a different identity inside
me. I?m a Finn and then I have a Swedish identity and a Somalian
identity so for me it?s like the area where you live gives you your
identity. I consider myself to be a Finn, but at the same time I
consider myself as Somalian and Swedish as well.
How did you get involved with the Swedish People?s Party
initially?
I?ve seen the other big parties like Kokoomus or Social Democrats,
Why did you take the position of Helsinki District Chairman of
Svenska Ungdom?
Actually, they recommended me. I came to the party three years
ago because of their values on life and because it was a liberal
party ? that?s why I joined. This position gave me the chance to
be heard through the media especially through the Finnish media
and the Swedish media. To give my ideas of how I see this country
and how I see Helsinki. So it?s helped me a lot to be heard and seen.
In your position as chairman why is it important to connect
with Swedish youth in Finland?
It?s an important thing because I consider myself in the minority
with the Swedish Peoples Party. But then, at the same time, I
think the chance that other immigrant politicians or figures can
get is to impact through political organisations and that gave me
an opportunity to do it.
What?s the next step for you?
I have to finish my degree in political science first. I have two
years left and then what I?m trying is to get a place in the party,
to work with the party, because to be a politician in Finland as an
immigrant will take money. So maybe to start at the ground level
and be an official in the party ? that?s my target at the moment.
Date and place of birth: Mogadishu, Somalia in 1984.
Family: Married.
Education: Business Management, Political Science.
When I was young I wanted to be?a businessman.
The Finland-Swedish community is?where I grew up.
The future for Finland-Swedes in Finland is?.difficult.
Immigrants in Finland are?a new concept.
?I
consider myself to
be a Finn, but at the
same time I consider
myself as Somalian
and Swedish as well.?
What are the key issues affecting the youth of FinlandSwedes?
At the moment, that they are getting services in the (Swedish)
language, especially for the youth in Helsinki city, and for there
to be more tolerance. The third important thing is to get the
youth active in the political arena. It took time for us to get more
members who are interesting the youth here because Finland has
a much older generation who?ve always controlled the political
arena. The bad thing for the Swedish speakers is that their youth
are not interested in politics. Some people say they have better
lives and they have their own companies and so on but when you
compare it to the Finnish youth who are very involved in the Left
Alliance party, there are not a lot of youth who are interested in
politics. So in that way for me, the challenge is to get the Swedish
speaking youth interested.
What is the attitude amongst Finland-Swedish youth towards
their culture?
Actually, it depends where you are. Once I was in Karleby
[Kokkola] and when people see you speaking Swedish and you
are black, it gives them more interest like ?How is this possible??
But when you talk to them, they are more open and interested in
your culture and speaking their language as well. It gives you the
chance to communicate because it?s all about communication
and understanding and that?s where integration starts.
How does the Finland-Swedish community perceive
foreigners?
It depends what kind of organisations you work with, the situation you are in. But I see very positive interest in other cultures
because most of them have travelled. They have seen different
cultures and are more open minded than the Finnish majority.
Is the Finland-Swedish community in danger of being
assimilated into that of the Finnish-language majority?
I don?t think so. I see how strong they are in their identity and
their culture and it?s been there for thousands of years so it won?t
go easily. But I think they will have some challenges in future.
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Lifestyle
12
Issue 10 2012
?I feel a good one
headed my way?
6D explores betting and gambling in Finland.
Logo Open Stock.com
Mika Oksanen
B
etting and gambling are activities enjoyed by most Finns.
Unofficially, bets are placed on almost anything, like
anywhere in the world: from whether there will be any
passengers boarding the ferry boat at the next landing,
through which of the two candidates gets more votes in the next
election, to whether the next batsman will drive in runs ? the
keyword ?next? shows that the outcome of a future event is
always at stake. The same goes for unofficial gambling; per estimate, a vast majority of Finnish males have sometimes thrown
?all in? at sökö (the traditionally popular variant of the five-card
stud). For the most part, these have gone down as harmless vices.
?At one time, I almost lost myself to betting on horses. But having
a family saved me; I would never have placed the food money at
stake and let the kids go hungry.?
In the official sense, these activities are controlled and arranged
by three different state agencies. Veikkaus Oy has a legal betting
licence on lotteries and sports betting in Finland. Of the 20
games it organises, the best-known is probably Lotto, the weekly
lottery game. Fintoto Oy today runs all horse race-related betting
activities. And RAY, Finland?s Slot Machine Association, controls the money gaming and Grand Casino Helsinki, Finland?s
only official casino where gambling takes place, and also deals
in online gambling.
?Today, I play the poker slot machine almost whenever I see one;
the very logo does the deal for me. I?ve learned to stop while I?m
ahead. And I play better with someone watching; things get less
obsessive then.?
But international private companies in the business today
attract players online; if you think about the future, it is difficult
to envision a Finnish money game circuit without international
operators in it, as in most other businesses eventually. We wanted
to provide insights on these as well.
Losing money supports winning causes
?It?s basically a pastime, but you?re looking to win as well ? I?ve no
sympathy for the slot machine.?
Different studies say that the main motivation for money
gamers is to win money. This comes as no surprise, and we can
assume players want to win big, if it?s up to them. But when you
lose money in a Finnish game, you can draw comfort in where
your money goes.
?I
t is difficult to envision
a Finnish money game
circuit without international
operators in it.?
?In 2012, the entire Finnish money gaming system run by the
three agencies will yield well over 1.1 billion euros for public
good, such as science and sports and to support social and welfare organisations that provide rehabilitation for mental health
patients or former drug addicts, among other things,? says Hannu
Rinkinen, Manager of corporate social responsibility for RAY.
?Everything is basically funded by the players, with the money
they lose in our games. The raw deal is that if they don?t lose anything, we will not be able to hand out anything. Less the operating
expenses, 68 per cent of the total money lost by players ends up
for the benefit of society. If we wanted to change from the current
system to a gaming licence system and produce an equivalent
result, the tax on total money placements should be around 68 per
cent ? in Denmark where they did this, they set the tax at 20 per
cent, and the licensees were unhappy even with that.?
A balancing act between expectations and human weaknesses
In addition to players? hopes to win money, the operations
of RAY are a target of many other expectations as well. ?The
state requires us to operate in a way that reduces crime and
the negative social and health-related effects, and our partner
organisations expect a steady flow of income from us over the
years,? Rinkinen says.
Money can mean greed, and greed can mean embezzlement.
How does RAY secure its operations to protect its reputation?
?We have very accurate instructions for our staff on how to
handle money. Our internal audit monitors all of our operations,
and all of the modern slot machines feature computer software
to the same effect. The truth is that this is needed to protect
both our interests and also those of our staff; if you think you
can steal and get away with it, you may well ruin your life with a
single folly, and this is something we want to eliminate, plain and
simple,? Rinkinen states.
The club within the pub
In Jyväskylä, a pretty red brick building on the pedestrian zone
on Kauppakatu ? smack dab downtown ? is home to a RAY facility, interestingly within the premises of another company, for a
more complete experience.
?Our concept is a pilot for bringing a gaming hall into a bar/restaurant environment,? says Juha Iljin, Service Manager. When
RAY?s previous lease expired in Jyväskylä, the extensive search
for new confines eventually ended next door, in the premises of
the Old Brick?s Inn, who had already run the gaming hall bar
services before.
Why leave the comfort of home to go gaming at the Club? ?When
you have a game table with a player on every seat, exciting things
start to happen, and being part of it is exciting as well. We can offer
a genuine feel with real people, and with the house full on a Friday
Lifestyle
13
SixDegrees
or Saturday night and the bar available, that is a
good feel,? Iljin describes ? nothing will cramp a
customer?s style when the going is good, not even
a dislodged wooden leg.
Pia Paananen and Niina Korhonen are two
of the game room attendants, looking after the
three game tables, a good dozen slot machines
and ?Lighting Poker?, the electronic poker table.
?The behaviour of Finnish customers is usually
pretty neutral, compared to people from many
other cultures that are more ready to show
emotion,? Korhonen says. ?But you do see the
emotional roller coaster ride at times, with the
winning and the losing,? Paananen points out ?
accompanied by the tingle of coins raining onto
the tray of a slot machine a few feet away; now
that?s what we call music!
Their message to 6D readers is that, ?you
can come here to play even if you don?t know
anything about the games,? as Korhonen puts
it. ?And we can get you started in English as
well,? she adds. However, you need to mind your
tongue at the Club: The sign on the card table
says ?Only Finnish, Swedish or English may be
spoken when cards are in play? ? this application of the international rule is intended to keep
things fair and square for everyone at the table.
RAY?s slot machines have the English option on
their interfaces as well.
International action available online
?First I studied the game theory, and then
I learned that there is money to be made in
online poker. By applying the right strategy
and managing your funds, you basically have a
risk-free way to earning decently ? against your
average poker players, particularly hot-headed
or drunken ones.?
The younger generations in Finland are more
inclined to look outside our borders; they are
comfortable participants in online money gaming communities.
?Earnings from games within the European
Economic Area are considered tax-free income;
being in Finland, I wouldn?t consider playing
elsewhere.?
?I wish that money-gaming Finns would
have the presence of mind to look beyond the
monopolies; there are no justifiable grounds for
maintaining them anymore,? says Pekka Värre,
Editor-in-Chief of Urheiluviikko, an online
publication providing betting tips from public
sports figures along with relevant background
information; the offering is aimed at people who
place bets on sports.
Record local jackpot won
The world?s second largest online jackpot
was paid out recently, to a Finn no less!
Having accumulated for a number of years,
the Paf.com windfall of ?8.6 million (the
largest ever in Finland) was scooped on
a ?5 bet. The man in his 40s was playing
Arabian Nights at the time of his lifechanging win. No doubt he won?t be short
of old friends coming out of the woodwork
and squeezing him for a loan over the next
little while.
?I feel sorry for senior citizens squandering
their money on slot machines at the mall.?
?Based on the Finnish Lotteries Act, it is illegal
for a Finnish company to market the services of
foreign betting companies for Finns. Take an ice
hockey club in the Finnish league, for example.
When it comes to betting, they can only deal
with Veikkaus Oy, instead of choosing another
partner offering a better deal and a specialised
focus,? Värre laments.
A helping hand available when too much is
too much
Are you concerned about your gaming, or for your
loved one? Some stats say that in Finland there are
110,000 people who have a money game addiction
or are problem gamblers. ?It is not just the most
severe cases that require attention and help,? says
Mari Pajula, spokesperson for Peluuri, a service
providing first-line support for people with gaming issues, set up in 2004 with funding from the
betting and gaming agencies.
Their telephone help line, web site and chat
forums are available for questions; Peluuri
provides information, support and guidance;
municipalities are in charge of the actual treatment. ?Many patients have been turned down
by local social services who have failed to
understand the nature of the illness ? more
training on how to treat gambling addiction is
still needed in the social services, but we are off
to a good start,? Pajula explains.
Finally, were you looking for a sure tip? Here?s
one: Only play with what you can afford to lose.
Quotes in italics represent
anonymous interviewees.
Key facts about gambling and
betting in Finland
?
?
?
Most Finns love to place bets and gamble
to varying extents.
?Lotto?, the weekly lottery game, is the
biggest game in Finland.
Official money gaming, betting and
gambling is organised under three state
agencies:
Veikkaus is in charge of the lottery games and
sports betting.
Fintoto runs all horse-betting games.
RAY operates money gaming (table games
and slot machines) and Finland?s only official
casino in Helsinki.
?
?
?
?
Of the money lost by players, more than
one billion euros is directed to charitable?
purposes annually.
The state monopoly may face competition
in the future by international private
companies.
Already now, Finnish internet poker
players are active in the cloud.
If money gaming becomes an issue, there
are services you can turn to; Peluuri
provides first-line guidance on what to do.
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Professional Teacher Education Unit
Society
15
Column
The Five Best
Things About
Finland
David Brown
1: Low Crime
Though plenty of people still complain about
the rate at which bicycles disappear here, by
and large Finland is one of the safest countries in the world. House break-ins are rare,
murders even rarer. Fights in taxi queues
aside, street crime is all but non-existent.
While the figures on domestic violence and
school shootings spoil the picture somewhat, chances are that the average citizen in
Finland will probably never be the victim of
any serious crime.
2: Education
While the education system is under threat
from recessionary forces and right-wing
politicians, at the moment Finland enjoys
amongst the best education system in the
world, if not the best. Even as a non-parent,
I am delighted that part of my taxes goes
into making this a better country for future
generations as well. Perhaps the greatest
danger is that the terrific results are taken
for granted by the people who should be
protecting the system.
3: Politeness
Complain as I do about the shyness, the
lack of small talk skills and the occasional
aloofness, Finns are without question the
most polite and helpful people in Europe.
This is still a country where you can ask any
stranger where the nearest bus stop is, and
they will stop and answer. They will also be
right. Even as Helsinki seems to be locked
into a perpetual workaholic hurry, it is a
great rarity that anyone here is deliberately
rude. Even without a word for ?please?.
4: Change
When I first came to Finland, I was shocked
to find I had moved to a country with
dreadful coffee, no Asian food markets and
a distinct shortage of organic meats. It has
changed and is changing. Finland may never
compete with the likes of London or New
York for the availability of real Jerk Chicken
or Hong Kong Duck, but the range of international quality food is getting better all the
time. You can even get a decent cup of coffee
occasionally.
e!
c
n
a
Free entr
5: Values
I once asked a senior conservative if he
would ever consider cutting public transport
funding. He laughed, and insisted that he
would be lynched by his own colleagues.
While left and right may not agree on a lot,
there is a common ground here that many
Americans may wish existed in the US as
well. The centre of Finnish politics supports
abortion rights and environmental standards, opposes the exploitation of people
and the butchering of basic services. I sense
most politicians understand that the centre
is the point to which most Finns will always
gravitate ? not to extremists of either variety.
Politicians here from most parties can find
common ground; something sadly lacking
in more polarised societies.
David Brown is a language consultant and journalist, regularly
covering stories in Africa, Asia & the Middle East. He has lived
in Finland for 10 years.
Dreams
in helsinki
minna alaluusua
sampsa indrén
mirkka kallio
teemu mäki &
ipana collective
kia taegen
meri tikkala
martta tuomaala
laura voipio
www.kiinalainenvuosi.fi
Sat 9/2/2013 at 2?6pm
Lasipalatsi Square
New Year?s parade starting from
Three Smiths statue
2-6 pm Lion and dragon dances ? Chinese
market and food stalls ? Dance and
music from China with colorful folk
traditions ? New Year?s show live from
Beijing on video screen ? And a lot
more!
6.30 pm Chinese fireworks over Töölönlahti
Welcome! The Cities of Helsinki and Beijing
1.30 pm
sampsa indrén: ?hello kitty?
Organizers:
helsinki city hall
?
sofiankatu 1
?
mon?fri 9?19, sat?sun 10?16
?
free entrance
?
14.11.2012?13.1.2013
Taideteollisen
korkeakoulun
tukisäätiö
www.virka.fi
SUOMI-KIINA-SEURA
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Partners:
16
Feature
Issue 10 2012
On
Mia Seppo helps with the
destruction of unlicensable
arms in Senegal.
Before her current position as Administrative
Director, KEPA, Aysu Shakir-Corbishley was
sent to Afghanistan by the Finnish Government
on her first overseas mission working for the
Finnish League for Human Rights.
Mia Seppo, Country Director, UNDP, meets with the Youth
Commissioner, one of the NGO?s close partners for the
Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme.
Deputy Head of Mission Nina
Suomalainen has over 19 years of
experience from around the world.
a
Feature
17
SixDegrees
mission
Finland?s women building peace and
making a crucial difference.
Beth Morton
L
iving a busy modern life in a developed
country insusceptible to natural disaster
it can be quite easy to overlook the worldwide crises and catastrophes happening
every day, until you turn on the TV or pick up
the newspaper, where you?ll usually be greeted
by a variety of reports on worldwide conflicts
and tragedies. Tsunamis, earthquakes, floods,
war, terrorist attacks, poverty, disease, drought,
political and civil unrest, refugees fighting for
survival; the list is endless.
Peace building and crisis management
Throughout the world there are some amazing people who join international peacekeeping missions, crisis management teams and
other civil society NGOs (non-governmental
organisations) in order to make a difference
and actively bring aid to the global millions
suffering such conditions. This is the side of
devastation that we don?t get to hear much
about but it is ever present and key to helping
the troubled states and countries.
Possibly the most well known universal peace
keeping organisation is the United Nations,
officially established in 1945 to essentially
elaborate instruments for settling crises peacefully and without force, work to prevent wars,
and code rules of warfare. At the time of their
establishment Walter Lippman, an American
journalist, summed up their workforce as ?the
soldier of peace, who is sent to an area of conflict, not to wage war, but to promote peace, not
to fight enemies, but to help friends?.
Many other national and local NGOs have
been founded since then to work towards the
same aims, Finland having many of their own.
There are around 300 Finnish NGOs taking
part in the implementation of development
cooperation projects striving for global solidarity and improving the livelihood of the poorest
people in developing countries. Finnish NGOs
have projects supported by the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs in over 80 developing countries.
Band of sisters
With some military connotations to the idea
of missions and crisis management NGOs, and
the thoughts of the often violent and oppressive
surroundings mission workers find themselves
in overseas, there is a common misconception
that this is very much a man?s world. However,
women play a vital role in these operations
and are also very often out ?in the field? rather
than, as some would think, stuck behind a desk
manning the phones. Awareness of women?s
appointments in these roles should be wider and
many organisations are working towards gaining
more women leaders within them.
You don?t have to go far to hear about such
commendable and outstanding females ? here
are some inspiring Finnish women who continue to take the reigns and make a difference.
Anne Palm ? Secretary
General, KATU
Anne Palm has been
secretary general of the
Civil Society Conflict
Prevention Network
KATU since the organisation was established
in 1997 where, amongst
other things, she organises training courses and
seminars in conflict prevention, crisis management and peace building. KATU has instigated
many international conflict prevention projects
and has been active in Southern Africa and
Timor Leste, where Palm spent a lot of time
training the local people in conflict prevention
and peace building. There are also current
preliminary plans to launch a project in North
Africa with KATU.
After studying International Politics, specialising in security policy, at the University of
Helsinki Anne jumped straight into working
with international affairs, which led to her
current role and activity overseas.
Anne has been involved in civilian crisis
management for many years, recently returning from her latest demanding, but reward-
ing, three-year post in Georgia on a European
Union Monitoring Mission. In August 2008,
when the conflict between Georgia and Russia
broke out, the EU became immediately active
in facilitating the peace agreement and set up
the Monitoring Mission in order to implement
it. Anne was one of the 10 initial monitors sent
to Georgia and took a leave of absence from her
role at KATU in order to be so. Being the Chief
of Operations in Zugdidi, Western Georgia, and
being the first woman civilian working in the
EUMM operations, Anne had the responsibility
for all operations in that area, being part of a
large team of 70 other international monitors
and 20 local staff members.
?I think that a woman can also be successful
in this kind of masculine work?, was Palm?s
response to her appointment as the first woman
in this type of role at EUMM, and her passion
and drive for such causes are what she thrives
on in her job. ?I have always been interested in
international issues and, in particular, security
issues. I believe that conflicts can be prevented
and crises managed if we simply just want to,
and I want to do what I can. I love the work I do
and enjoy working with people from different
cultures and backgrounds; civilians, soldiers,
academics, practitioners, government officials,
NGO activists. Unfortunately there will always
be wars and conflicts, and people with crisis
management experience are needed.?
With experience working in crisis management
in the Balkans, and after her return from Georgia,
she feels that it won?t be long until she is called to
another mission in another conflict area.
?W
Heidi Schroderus-Fox ?
Director, UN-OHRLLS
With her recent appointment as Director of the
United Nations Office of
the High Representative
for
the
Least
Developed Countries,
Landlocked Developing
Countries and Small Island Developing States
(UN-OHRLLS), Heidi Schroderus-Fox occupies Finland?s highest post at the UN headquarters in New York. A seasoned diplomat,
Ambassador Schroderus-Fox has been employed
by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs since 1988.
She has served in diplomatic missions in Paris,
Washington, Tel Aviv, Pretoria and New York.
Prior to assuming her position at UN-OHRLLS,
Ambassador Schroderus-Fox served from 20102011 in the Cabinet of the President of the
65th Session of the General Assembly of the
United Nations, where she was Head of Policy
Issues. Most recently, she was deputy for UnderSecretary of State Jaakko Laajava, handling
negotiation tasks concerning the establishment
of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons
and all other weapons of mass destruction.
With almost 25 years of experience in global
affairs, Ambassador Schroderus-Fox brings to
the United Nations, not only an appreciation of
the organisation?s indispensable role in forging
international consensus? on a variety of challenging issues, but also an understanding of the
need to mobilise the UN system to support global, regional and national strategies to address
continues next page
omen play a vital role
in these operations.?
10
10 6 ? 12 DECEMBER 2012
18
HEALTH
Feature
Issue 10 2012
The Perfect Smile
the building blocks of sustainable develop- breakdown of the Soviet Union, to name but a
ment in the world?s poorest nations. About 90 few. Some of these peace building missions, and
many othersalternative.
that Nina has had involvement in,
countries
fall within the
scope of
activities
International
school
offers
anof
interesting
UN-OHRLLS, most of which require ongoing were with Finland?s largest development NGO,
support from the international community to Finn Church Aid, of which Suomalainen is
faceSenior
of dentistry
When Advisor.
I got my licence
E M I L C Ha
AL
HouB
Development Policy
overcome
myriad
of developmentalchanging
challenges.
EL SINK I TIMES
and how
to look
after
I Rwanda,
first worked
a denOn
her those
mission to
Nina with
observes
that
?The UN provides a truly democratic
forum
pearly
whites. ?the scope of the tist
who was
experigenocide
therevery
is just
mind
through which different countries?
concerns
enced.
She was
interested
in
a beautiful
country,?
hintcan be addressed, and through its programmes blowing, and in such
Q:
has
periodontal
(gum)
diseasatchanged
the haunting
memories and
images
that
and agencies provides practical support
toDentistry
help ing
OFTEN
taken
for a granted,
last
30 years. by es,
so I needed
take care
are
witnessed
mission
workersto
surrounded
member
states
meet
wide arraya lot
of during
needs, the
our teeth
arerecovery,
actually poverty
one You?ve
been by
practising
in of very
While
such devastation.
On difficult
the flip cases.
side though,
including
crisis
reduction,
of our
precious
fea- Helsinki
for 34
years
aftera fond
shesensorial
did the periodontal
she
recollects
experience: sur?On
health
and most
education
enhancement,
gender
tures,and
which
we only
tend to livelihoods,?
graduating from
Helsinki
gery,
I tookin
care
of the
[my] first
arrival to
Sarajevo
1998
the calcusnowy
equality
building
sustainable
pay attention
to when someofsurrounding
Den- lus the
(hardened
dental
hilltops
city, the
smell plaque)
of coal,
Ambassador
Schroderus-Fox
said. University?s Faculty
thing
goes wrong.
HTfunctions
spoke in
tistry.
What and
has call
changed
cleaning
the teeth.
I made
to prayer by
from
the mosques
will
be in
As
she discharges
her
her new
to practising
dentist
Eevaduring this time?
new restorations and tried
my memory always.?
position
in New York,
Heidi
Schroderus-Fox
Maija to
Ahtiainen
about the
to prevent cavities by teachcontinues
make important
in-roads into the
Mia Seppo ? Country
world of global development both for women in
Director, UNDP
Finland and across the world.
Starting her career with
the
United
Nations
Nina Suomalainen ?
Development Programme
Deputy Head of Mission
(UNDP) working on fragile
Nina Suomalainen has 19
states in the former Soviet
years? experience in manUnion, where she worked
aging capacity and institutional development, human within all the Soviet Union countries except
rights protection, and Moldova, and then being based in New York
promotion in post-conflict for five years with the Regional Bureau for
and development contexts, working currently Africa covering crisis and post-crisis countries,
on a mission for Organisation for Security and Mia Seppo is no stranger to the challenges and
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Bosnia and opportunities of the UN?s work on peace buildHerzegovina. Based in Sarajevo for the next two ing. Seppo?s current role with UNDP sees her
years, Nina manages all aspects of the 500-staff working in the field in Sierra Leone where she
operation across the whole country, making has been working for the past two years to proimportant decisions about what the mission will mote good governance, sustainable and equitable
growth, youth employment, and improve natural
achieve and which sectors it will support.
The work of the mission takes political action resources management and the protection of the
towards the authorities, aiding in developing environment.
The UNDP in Sierra Leone is working with
legislation, institutions and other aspects of the
government to work towards a better-supported the government of Sierra Leone, national
judicial system. A major part of the mission counterparts, and civil society in strengthenin Sarajevo is to follow the political activity ing institutions and processes that are more
across the country, paying particular attention responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens,
to hotspots such as Srebrenica, and provide and is currently focusing on the upcoming
early warnings in order to alleviate conflicts by third post-war elections in November. Free, fair
facilitating discussions and interaction between and peaceful elections are critical in allowing
parties. As well as monitoring the country wide the country to leave behind the horrific images
court procedures and governmental / political of conflict and struggle of the civil war. Also,
issues, the OSCE mission is also striving to being ten years after the peace agreement of
improve education structure and curricula for 2002, this is a time of reflection for Sierra Leone
students, and supports the work of women?s involving many discussions on the choices faced
rights and their right to vote in Bosnia and by the country and the policies needed to pull
the country out of the bottom group on the
Herzegovina.
?It is really great to work in our Mission,? UNDP Human Development Index.
Among the various areas of focus of UNDP
Suomalainen comments. ?I like it a lot; I have
got lot of responsibility in my position and I in Sierra Leone is the Youth Employment and
like the challenge. I have also been involved Empowerment Programme (YEEP) which
in politics in Finland and find that my politi- strengthens national policy for youth employment
cal background helps me to understand many and provides basic support services for youth across
things here in Sarajevo better. It is important the country. Youth face the daunting challenge
to try to understand why, for example, Bosnian of securing decent employment in an economic
context, characterised by a lack of job opportunipoliticians say or do ? or not do ? something.?
As well as currently being out in the field in ties, especially in rural areas. Marginalisation, low
Bosnia, and not for the first time, Nina has also income and limited prospects make the youth
been involved with a human rights evaluation volatile and vulnerable to manipulation.
In Sierra Leone the vast majority of people rely
mission in Rwanda in 2005, a women?s rights
issue campaign in Sierra Leone in 2007, report- on natural resources such as land, water, forests
ing on a humanitarian project in Haiti in 2011 and fish for their livelihoods and the country?s
and with the UNDP in Latvia, following the high vulnerability to climate change and natu-
Hello
immigrant
women!
Are you
unemployed?
HELSINKI
TIMES
HELSINKI
TIMES
SixDegrees
J I M M y L I Ta r d o
J I M M y L I Ta r d o
ral disasters can be a catalyst for economical
Getting involved
with
which we saved at least 3 times a day with
ing
patients
to take
good terial
andthe
civil
instability.
Responsible
for the
day-topeople?s teeth
here in Finland toothpaste that contains
care
of their teeth.
I also programmes
day management
of UNDP
and
because
they couldn?t
afford been
fluoride,
you?ll
have
saw
what would
if that,
operations,
Seppo happen
comments
?if managed
If you?ve
inspiredthen
by the
work
of no
these
crowns
all over the
mouth. dental
problems
when
you?re in
the
treatment
(prophylaxis)
commendable
women
and are
interested
effectively,
natural
resources and
the environgetting
involved
similar
projects
there
That?s to
why
I started
using
in with
your
middle
age. then
Think
didn?t
ment work.
can make a vital contribution
peace
are plenty
available.
composite
on the back
teeth of volunteering
about the opportunities
future! There
are
building in Sierra Leone, laying
a sustainable
Finnish
volunteer
offers
ingrowth.?
the 80s and I?ve used
them
now programme,
over 1000 ETVO,
different
For me, for
thejobs
way
I treat
foundation
and
economic
volunteering
prospects
for
people
over
the
age
for engaging
over 25 years.
Amalgam types of bacteria that have
the
patient haswith
not changed
Coordination
other partners,
in
of 20 who are interested in aiding the mission
not forbidden
days,
been
found
in
the
mouth
much
over the
years,
but the
discussions
with
the Sierra
Leone is
government
on these
work in developing countries. A KEPA volunteer
even for
children, but
it is not ETVO
cavity,
but nottheir
everyone
has to
techniques
have.
For examtheir priorities,
promoting
the greatest
impacts
programme,
channels
volunteers
them all.
If you?re
notbenefits
infect- to
ple,
now I and
can monitoring
make more the recommended.
to change,
overall impleNGO?s in the South,
aiming
to bring
edand
by the
bad
the
beautiful
actu- are Mia Seppo?s
mentation fillings
of the that
programme
the relationship
work
of bacteria
both the by
receiving
Q: The
general
time
you turn
years old,
ally
look
like part
of aasked
toothwhat drives
organisations and
Finnish
civiltwo
society.
main
activities.
When
Mia
to population
is getting
older
then the good ones will take
whereas,
back
I ?The
start-challenge!
do her job
she when
replies
Never
a - do they still
have their
own
control.
ed,
only
amalgam
fillings
and
boring
moment
is truly
the
case. Working
for
the teeth?
Another such
portal of opportunity is
the
or
metal
ceramic bigger than me,
Kansainvälinen Vapaaehtoistyö, (KVT), which
UN golden
is being
part
of something
literally
International
Voluntary
It?s
a UN
big challenge
but translates
I
Q: as
Does
the younger
gencrowns
were to
available
contributing
changefor
forthe
the better.
The
is
Service.
KVT eration
is a Finnish
peace teeth?
organisation
have a long experience
with
have better
back
teeth. With
these
mate-it is indispensable.?
not perfect,
but I still
believe
aiming
to promote equality, social acceptance
have
rials, I could only take care of old patients who still
and
respect
environment,
and they
their own teeth,
the oldest for the
At
the beginning
of mainly
the
the tooth?s shape and
polish
Aysu
Shakir-Corbishley
?
organise international work camps in Finland or
99 years old.
To
help
1970s,
generally,
people
it well but everybody
could being
Administrative
Director,
send willing volunteers to work camps abroad.
still ways
had poor
teeth
but afsee that there was a KEPA
restora- with this, I prefer seeing
There the
are various
in which
to participate,
patient
every
but
ter
years
the situation
tion in the mouth. Now,
I use joining
Recently
the
team6 months,
with the
chance
to 20
become
involved
in long term
it?s umbrella
needed they volunteering
visit me projects
had changed.
Temptation
composite materials at
thatKEPA,
are if
an
of up to 12
months. is
for cleaning or always a problem ? there?s
more enamel-like and,
when more
organisation
for often
Finnish
treatments. When
you
candy
and
young
I make the restorations,
I cavity
civil society
organisations,
If you?re
interested
in everywhere
more closer to
home,
small
get older the amount
of salipeople
do the
stillFinnish
get cavities.
can use different shades
scale
volunteering,
then
Seamen?s
Aysu of
Shakir-Corbishley
Mission
are always
looking for volunteers
help
va decreases
and its
quality
Unfortunately
tiny ones to
are
colours
in order
to make
continues
to enrich
her it
experience
in the
out with
kitchen
duties and
customer
changes but there?s
noeither,
often
neglected.
Xylitol
,
look
as natural
as direction
possible. of also
management
and
organisations,
service,
work with
theis
seamen
and
truck drivers,
reason
why
people can?t
keep
which
given to
children
at
following her return from a civilian
crisis
manor as
maintenance
tasks.
they kindergarten
in Finland, is
Q: And
amalgam
is now their teeth for as long
agement
mission
in Afghanistan.
need them.
When young
peo- really good. Also, if a mother
becoming
Whilst history?
working for the Finnish
League
www.etvo.fi
visit
me, I tell them
the takes xylitol while she?s pregfor Human Rights, a Finnish ple
NGO,
Shakirwww.kvtfinland.org
of a proper
diet nant, it helps to create a good
In Finland,
some
col- importance
Corbishley
was sent
to Afghanistan
by the Finnish
www.merimieskirkko.fi
for
their teeth,
flora in the child?s mouth.
leagues
think
that
Government
on
heramalgam
first overseas
mission.
The the desired
of cleaning, how to
is
strong.
It?s easy to
make
Finnish
government
posts
manyfrequency
civilian crisis
use dental
floss, and
avoid human
Q: Your
approach
to or
denand
it tolerates
more
areto
conflicts,
rights
violations,
a state
management
workers
allmoisover the world
to conflict
fizzy
drinks
and smoking.
If Itistry
that you don?t
ture
the
prohas collapsed,
think is
it?ssuch
the responsibility
of the
areas during
in need
of filling
aid, and
in this
case
Shakiryou start
flossing international
at an ear- community
treat one tooth,
but you
look
cedure,
but
I would
say
that
to support
and
help. I
Corbishley
was
asked to
join
the European
Union?s
age and brush
your teethfeel a
atresponsibility
the whole. What
do to
you
amalgam
is history. It is Office
a ma- in ly
of trying
do my
Special Representatives
Afghanistan
as personally
usually
look for
when
treator groups
who
are in
a much
the Human Rights and Rule of Law Advisor. As a best to help people
ing
your patients?
situation
than I am.?
country having been through a 30 year civil war, more vulnerable
and being still very much a war zone, Afghanistan
is a high conflict area with many of its state
structures having collapsed completely.
Responsible for all aspects of human rights
issues, including women?s rights and freedom of
expression, Shakir-Corbishley coordinated the
rights work done by the EU member state embassies present in Afghanistan in order to create a
common and coherent agenda and plan of action
between them. Reporting on the situation and
making proposals for change, Shakir-Corbishley
would closely monitor and analyse the civil and
human rights state of affairs, whilst also offering
support and listening to other Afghan civil societies in order to raise their concerns to try and
improve the human rights condition.
Shakir-Corbishley?s work with the mission
?demands a lot of work, a lot of patience, and long
term commitment. Nothing can be changed in a
few months or even a few years, but the point is
to try to make a difference, however small. Even
though it?s tough and it?s sometimes very frustrating, because you naturally want to see the results
of your work but can?t always, I really enjoyed
my work there and would have stayed longer.?
When the opportunity of the mission arose Aysu
jumped at the chance reasoning that, ?where there
The Osaavat naiset ? programme gives
individual advice for immigrant women who
live in Helsinki or Vantaa, who are registered
with the Employment Office (TE-toimisto) and
who have been unemployed for up to 500 days.
When I make restorations
the contact between oppoWorking together
As vital cogs in the peacekeeping machine, these
Finnish women are just five of many who stand
shoulder to shoulder with the world and work
with other countries to take small steps towards a
brighter, independent future. As Mia Seppo sums
up beautifully, ?We cannot change the countries
we work in alone, but support will enable the
people to implement the change that they want:
peace, growing economies, institutions they can
trust, and a better future for their children.?
Dear
immigrant
women!
Contact us!
Project coordinator
Tel. 045-2375 014
e-mail: osaavatnaiset@monikanaiset.fi
This commendable career choice though led her
I look for everything.
I alinto a dangerous environment
of bombing,
fightcheck
the
gums,
filling and gunfireways
that meant
her
living
habits
whilst
the occlusion
in Afghanistanings
were and
extremely
restricted.(the
Having
contact
teeth),
to always travel
in armedbetween
vehicles and
living in
and
whether
there?s
any de- and
compounds with
armed
guards
this mission,
cay.
When that
I was
studying
Aysu?s work here,
confirms
women
are more
check
of working
the occlusion
than capable ofthe
dealing
with
in conflict
was
beyond
our understandareas. Although
self
admittedly
scared at times
ing attacks
but since
I?ve one
when there were
on practising,
the town and
needed
to
pay
special attenwas not quite sure
what
was
happening,
or when
tionsomeone
to those who
who knew
have loose
one always knew
someone
teeth
duekilled
to in
periodontal
who was injured
or even
recent attacks
problems
and I and
havebelief
had to
or bombings, the
commitment
in the
be careful
with the occlusion.
mission was always
stronger.
You are warmly welcome to the low threshold
meeting place at the Multicultural Women?s House
to get help and advice on everyday questions and
integration issues. You can also participate in our
free Finnish-language clubs, handicraft activities,
trips and exercise.
The Osaavat naiset ? project is coordinated by Multicultural Women?s Association and it receives funding from
the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the
Environment for Uusimaa.
Come alone or with a friend
and learn about our operations!
Multicultural Women?s House
Open on weekdays 09:00 ? 17:00 / Only for women.
Kinaporinkatu 2 C, Sörnäinen, Helsinki.
Tel. 045 656 9952
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Tastebuds
21
SixDegrees
A taste of
Jyväskylä
r
e
d
a
Re
ds
n
e
m
Recom
We take a culinary tour of Central Finland?s capital.
Gabriela Stoycheva
T
he secret of tasty food lies in the fact that there is an entire universe of flavours waiting to be discovered, mixed and savoured.
Nothing can provide a better opportunity to try and appreciate good food than a dinner out. So why not experiment with tastes
in Jyväskylä!
As a lively city of cultural diversity, Jyväskylä offers something for everybody: from luxurious restaurants to cosy buffets, and
from fancy pubs to student-friendly bars. The city can take you on a journey of tastes from all over the world, starting with traditional
Finnish cuisine and specialties. Whether you live in Jyväskylä or you are just visiting, there are certain eateries in the city that can
turn a simple dinner into a memorable experience and be the milestones on your exploration of tastes.
Restaurant
Prikhom
Ville Koski
There are not many stand-in Thai eateries in Helsinki,
but for an authentic feel for Asian, A-P Leinonen
recommends the Prikhom restaurant in Aikatalo. ?It?s
a great place to grab a quick meal in the middle of the
busy, bustling city. The small hatch that serves good,
simple and cheap food in minutes has the spirit of the
street vendors in Thailand. Even though it can never
match the real ones in Southeast Asia, it still holds the
authentic feel of the Orient.?
Restaurant Prikhom
Aikatalo
Mikonkatu 8
Helsinki
Classics with a
Rosso touch
Dine with the
Vikings
Candle light and
coffee aroma
In the very heart of
Jyväskylä, there is a way to
escape the city noise and
enjoy a lovely meal in a cosy
atmosphere. Restaurant
Rosso is the perfect option
for a family dinner, gathering with friends or simply
enjoying the wonders of
Finnish and Italian cuisine.
Each meal in Rosso is
prepared as a classic yet has
the strong and identifiable
?Rosso touch?. This is the
place to be if you would like
to explore entirely new perspectives of familiar dishes.
The extensive menu,
which is also available in
English, offers classic dishes
and extravagant meals,
tasty Finnish delicacies
and well-known Italian
food. Straight from the
traditional Finnish ruokapöyta, salmon is served in
different variations. The
grilled salmon with Rosso?s
caponata is a notable trademark of the restaurant and
a feast for the taste buds.
Additionally, for those who
do not fancy meat, there is a
wide variety of salads, vegetarian dishes and soups to
enjoy. If you are not overly
cautious when counting
calories, a dessert such as
a tiramisu cup can be the
sweetest end of a delicious
dinner.
Ever wondered how the
almighty Vikings feasted
after a long day of conquests? Now you can get
familiar with the cookery of the Norsemen in
Jyväskylä! Let us explore
the Viking Restaurant
Harald and rediscover the
ancient times.
At first glance it becomes
obvious that the restaurant
is far from ordinary: the
walls resemble sanctuary
facades with drawings, the
lighting is very faint and
mainly provided by candles.
The experience is enhanced
by medieval music and also
by the serving personnel
? they wear costumes and
introduce themselves with
a Viking name. However
the real journey begins
when you open the menu
since each dish comes with
a story from the Viking
history and you can taste
delicacies such as bear
meat, wild boar, reindeer
and many kinds of fish.
From the starters to the
desserts, each dish carries
the Viking spirit.
The food of Harald simply tastes like nothing you
have tried before. It bears
the pure flavour of good
quality but it comes with
a memorable experience.
Served on an actual shield,
a sword or a rock, the meal
you have chosen will surely
be more than just a dinner.
Sometimes all it takes to
brighten a gloomy day is a
sweet treat accompanied by
good coffee. In Jyväskyla
you can find the key to a
good mood in Wilhelmiinan
Konditoria, a deservedly
award-winning bakery that
simply has it all. The food
choice is remarkable: there
are always at least ten kinds
of cake, various traditional
Finnish delights, fresh bread
and tasty sandwiches at
affordable prices.
What is fascinating about
Wilhelmiinan Konditoria
is that the compounds are
entirely hand-made. Each
pastry is prepared in the
bakery from scratch, which
contributes to the experience: it tastes like home!
This may be the main reason why so many customers take the opportunity to
order entire cakes, pastry
and bread take-away.
Wilhelmiinan Konditoria
also offers some of the
best coffee beverages in
Jyväskylä. Each cup of
coffee possesses tempting
aroma since the beans used
are ground by hand and
roasted right before the
customer?s eyes. One can
also enjoy a nice cup of tea
in the amazingly relaxed
atmosphere of the bakery,
on a cosy candlelit table.
Nothing compares to this
warm blissful feeling especially on a cold evening.
Viking Ravintola Harald
Kauppakatu 33
www.ravintolaharald.fi
Wilhelmiinan Konditoria
Asemakatu 3
www.wilhelmiinankonditoria.fi
Rosso
Asemakatu 9
www.rosso.fi
Around the
world with a
pint of beer
Founded in the distant
year of 1994, Ye Old Brick?s
Inn has been serving its
customers and developing
over the years to become
a well-known restaurant
in Jyväskylä nowadays. Its
most amazing trait is that
both meals and alcoholic
beverages served are of
impressive diversity and
quality. Take a journey with
a pint of beer and a dish
from the à la carte menu.
Ye Old Brick?s Inn offers
about 70 kinds of beer and
50 kinds of whiskey, which
is an extraordinary variety
for a Finnish pub. The origin
of beverages ranges from
closer-to-home Germany,
Ireland and Scotland,
to faraway Mexico. The
wine list is also growing
constantly and provides the
opportunity to try fancy
world-known wines with
admirable aftertaste.
For customers? enjoyment, the restaurant serves
food until late at night and
you can easily tell by the
delightful taste that the
meals are self-prepared at
the kitchen. Lunch is served
during weekdays and at all
times one can relish dishes
from around the world
or try Finnish treats such
as whitebaits, reindeer or
lamb in the cosy atmosphere of an old-time inn.
Ravintola Old Brick?s Inn
Kauppakatu 41
www.oldbricksinn.fi
In this series, 6D readers tell about their local favourite
place to grab a coffee, sip on a beer or enjoy a bite to eat.
Send a brief email to james@6d.fi, and let us know what
you recommend!
What Fin
ns
are eatin
g
this month
Christmas feast
Packed with all the seasonal favourites, Christmas in
Finland is celebrated with a number of traditional dishes.
Aside from the obligatory ham, be sure to check out the
variety of ?boxes? on offer. That is, casseroles of either
mashed carrot, potato and liver, with lashings of butter and
cream, to name but a few to be found on the joulupöytä.
Otherwise, keep an eye out for the divisive properties of
slippery fish, aka lipeäkala and try not to choke on the
almond buried in the rice porridge. Those with a sweet
tooth can overindulge in the ubiquitous joulutorttu,
Christmas pastries filled with prune marmalade and
dusted with powdered sugar. For those seeking a festive
tipple, wash all of this down with some mulled wine
(glögi).
Cultitude
22
Issue 10 2012
Siltala Publishing
How do you compare an outsider?s
perspective of the Netherlands to that of
Finland?
In Finland I tried very hard to belong. It was a
big shock when I came here that I realised that
I had internalised a certain sense of inferiority, in Finland I knew my place. I was shocked
because although here I?m pretty much the basic
stereotype of living off the social system: I am
a non-working new immigrant, a middle-aged
Arab woman who doesn?t speak Dutch, I?m a
single mom of a black daughter. Yet I?m treated
like a human being everywhere. I was shocked
to find that you don?t have to go to a special
multicultural place to be treated like a human
being. That is basically the reason I am here.
There are many other things which are very
difficult here, but getting your humanity back
is important.
Umayya
Abu-Hanna
Addressing the issue.
Annika Rautakoura
UMAYYA ABU-HANNA, a Palestinian born in
Israel, lived in Finland for 30 years, working
in various sectors of Finnish society. She
moved to Amsterdam two years ago with her
daughter. Umayya arrived in Finland in 1981,
and she graduated from the School of Art and
Design (currently Aalto University School of
Art, Design and Architecture) in 1992. She is
mostly known for her activities in the media as
a reporter and writer, and in the City Council
of Helsinki as a member of the Green League.
She also worked in cultural politics worked as
a teacher.
I had a chance to talk to her over the phone
recently, and she openly spoke about reasons
for moving out of Finland and her new book
Multikulti.
What is your new book about and why did
you write it?
It is called Multikulti. At first I didn?t want to
use the term ?multiculture?, because I think it
is a term that has been overused and brings out
certain negative emotions. It means everything
and nothing. I would rather use the word
diversity, but it is hard to translate into Finnish.
Multiculturalism means either hate, or then
you think it is so fantastic and of wonderful
ethnic food. There is nothing rational about
the discussion of the subject although it is
something you cannot avoid in a modern society. Multicultural changes would shift power
between different elements of society and that
is not easy. They are painful and bring out
hatred and resistance. Changes are needed
in the way a society functions as well as the
way you look at things. The things that we
really associate with
Scandinavian
and
Finnish society are
democracy and equality. But you cannot
be equal if you don?t
measure equality for
certain groups, for example the unemployed,
this also holds true for immigrants.
I was on the core of Finnish society, not on the
margins, and I noticed that nobody wanted to
say the truth that the whole society is resisting
change. That is why I wrote the book. The
Finnish intelligentsia suddenly decided that it
is against our sense of equality to call racist people racist, so they started to call racist
activity immigrant-critical. If you call racist
people immigrant-critical, there is no space for
criticism any more. The obscenity and violence
that was coming out took the space of the real
constructive discussion. There is a consensus
among those who are in power, i.e. the educated
middle class, to keep the status quo as such,
because then they can keep their own power. It?s
not some poor racist or Perussuomalaiset who
decide if immigrants are excluded from society,
it is the big political parties, our liberal friends.
The biggest problem writing this book was in
saying that, pointing to the institutional exclusion of the other. Finland?s multiculturalism
might be one of the fastest to grow and on a big
scale in a very short time, so it will be painful.
Finland has to face the situation, as the Finnish
expression goes ?Nostaa kissa pöydälle?, but
nobody wants to discuss that. Simultaneously
Making a point
James O?Sullivan
TAKING place between 22 and 27 January DocPoint offers more
than a hundred films from around the world. Organised for the
first time in 2002, the festival was founded by Finnish documentary filmmakers who sought to strengthen the position of
documentary films on the local landscape. With 6,000 people
in attendance on the first outing, numbers have grown to some
30,000 in recent years.
This edition sees a screening of Sarah Palin: You Betcha, as
acclaimed documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield heads to
Alaska to find out about the woman, who could have become
the US president.
a very emotional decision to move. When you
turn 50, it?s very stupid to suddenly leave the
country, especially if you?re working through
the language, and to come to a country where
you are totally illiterate. It is near suicide. I did
not want this to happen, but it is how it is.
we underline that we are the best in the world
and have the best schools etc., so why change.
?I
n Finland as an immigrant,
I was a problem.?
You left Finland for good to settle down in
Netherlands after 30 years of living here,
what were the push factors driving you out?
They were basically the reasons just mentioned.
I had adopted a South-African girl. Although it
is internationally known that the world is such
that black skin is a very big marker, I didn?t
expect it to be that big. The atmosphere in
Finland had also changed during that time and
become more violent. I was absolutely shocked
by the way my daughter was treated. Even with
the so-called good people I had to discuss in
length why you cannot call someone a nigger
or neekeri. I felt like a woman in Saudi Arabia
saying that women are human beings too. I was
spending my time trying to protect her from
the so-called normal people spitting on her
and abusing her. At the same time people from
her school treated her as strange and exotic.
Her black skin was the main issue 24 hours a
day. We moved to Amsterdam, which is a more
cosmopolitan place.
Now that you no longer live in Finland, has
your opinion of Finland changed in any way?
No, I follow the situation. Things are changing
slowly. I have some distance now so I can see
things more clearly, with less emotion. It was
Elsewhere, The House I Live In offers some Brad Pittproduced perspective on the American war on drugs that has
seen some 45 million people in jails for drug related crimes.
Au Pair follows the lives of three Philippine women working
as au pairs in Denmark, experiencing poor working conditions
on their way to improving their quality of life.
Meanwhile, human rights activist Shin Dong Huyk tells his
story of growing up on a concentration camp in Camp 14 ?
Total Control Zone.
Those seeking some live accompaniment to their viewing can
sit back and enjoy the vocal gymnastics of local beatboxer Felix
Zenger, whose acclaimed sounds will create a soundtrack to the
Russian silent film Turksib
DocPoint ? Helsinki Documentary Film Festival
22-27 December
www.docpoint.info
Nick Broomfield and
Sarah Palin: You Betcha
As a Palestinian from Israel how do you
see the developments back home? Is that a
place to one day go back to?
No, it?s a sick place. My identity lies in many
places. When there is war, I?m always in pain.
The conflict?s roots are in the Second World
War so it?s a problem rooted in Europe?s antiSemitism. The European solution was to give
a country not theirs to a group they had prosecuted. That is the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
I don?t think that loyalty should come with the
colour of skin, a passport, language or religion.
I think loyalty is to life and to humanity. I love
the place, and I was born there [in Israel]. I
think the only solution would be one state for
all its citizens. It?s a future that will happen
but it will take a lot of pain and tears. I cannot
live there, because that would mean choosing
between two things: either you must have a
total emotional detachment in order to lead a
normal life, or then you go completely bananas
and talk about the conflict non-stop. Neither
is a healthy way of living. My own home land
thinks that as a Palestinian I am the problem.
In Finland as an immigrant, I was a problem.
I want a home and have normal problems,
but I am not the problem and my daughter is
not the problem. I might move back to Haifa
when I am old and lose all my languages and
speak only Arabic, and have to go live with my
dementia imagining it is paradise [laughs].
Are there any aspects of the Finnish culture
you miss?
I am out of my comfort zone here in Holland.
I know how things function in Finland, but I
am all the time in trouble with different Dutch
systems. I notice that I have become a Finn
in the sense that I have become less social.
This is a very urban and city-cultured, small
country with a lot of people, so relationships
and communication are very important. I?ve
become more of a Finn: I?m rude; I?m not too
excited about making new friends, either. I also
miss the Scandinavian forests and functioning
showers. But life is about feeling at home and
when a place welcomes you, it is hard not to
like it back. This feels like home.
Multikulti is out now.
Cultitude
23
SixDegrees
Live Nation
Christmas
markets take
over the nation
James O?Sullivan
Cities around the country
are once again getting into
the Christmas spirit, offering
a number of joulu-themed
markets with all manner of
items on sale to enhance your
Christmas cheer.
Turku transforms itself
into the Christmas City of
Finland every year, distracting itself from the darkening
winter to stage Old Great
Square Christmas Markets
each weekend leading up to
Christmas. Here you can find
craftsmen?s stalls, Christmas
performances and ample
amounts of Christmas lights.
Santa?s elves will be taking
note of Christmas wishes in
Santa?s secret book, and the
Children?s Christmas Market
offers a range of activities
aimed at the smaller members of the family. Brinkkala
courtyard is filled with a stage
and market offering fairy
tales, dance and music.
Helsinki?s Senate Square
once again hosts St Thomas
Christmas Market from 7-22
December at Senate Square.
Here you can find over 120
stalls selling the likes of
Ph@MicMac
Tango time
in Oulu
crafts, baked goods and other
Christmas goodies.
The fourth annual Tampere
Christmas Market operates
in the style of the Middle
European Christmas markets every day from 10:0017:00 until 23 December.
Traditional Christmas treats
are on offer from Finland and
abroad, along with handicrafts and other Christmasrelated products and a daily
programme for all.
Jyväskylä, meanwhile, sees
the staging of Craftsmen?s
Christmas Market at the Craft
Museum of Finland on 12-13
December. Local arts and
crafts are available, including
designed jewellery, wooden
products, textiles, clothes,
bags, black smith design,
heavy metal products and
recycled fashion.
Elsewhere this festive season,
Tiernatori Christmas Market
is open in Oulu?s Market
Square from 7 December until
23 December, offering a range
of handicrafts, delicacies and
ample amounts of glögi.
See what?s going on
in your local city this
Christmas season!
James O?Sullivan
EMBRACING the fiery passion of the dance, and providing
some much needed warmth at the start of the year, the Oulu
Tango Festival is being staged from 3 to 13 January.
A range of dancing workshops to suit all levels of dancers
will be held, from beginners to intermediate and advanced
level for 3 days (4-6 January). This year sees tuition from
the likes of Gustavo Rosas and Gisela Natoli (Argentina),
Alexey Barbolin and Julia Zueva (Russia), Fernando Jorge
and Alexandra Baldaque (Portugal, European Tango Salon
Champions 2011), Tomas Käyrä and Erita Wennström
(Finland) and Kari and Karoliina Kiiski (Finnish Argentine
Tango Champions 2012).
For those who are looking for the chance to throw themselves
into competition, there is also an open dance contest of Tango
Argentino being staged on 4 January. Aside from the contest,
the evening will enjoy performances from Kari and Karoliina
Kiiski, Fernando Jorge and Alexandra Baldaque.
Street tango is being staged at Oulu Rotuaari on 5 December,
as well as the Great Tango Festival Party later that evening.
Sunday Afternoon Milonga arrives on 6 January, with
Orchestra Cuarteto La Ultima and vocalist Angelika Klas
performing a midnight show. Tango performances will be
staged by Gustavo Rosas and Gisela Natoli, Alexey Barbolin
and Julia Zueva.
Oulu Tango Week Festival 2013
3-13 January
www.tangonjuhlaviikko.fi
Local expressionist
revisited
James O?Sullivan
HAVING painted the bulk of her works in the 1940s, Gunvor
Grönvik?s expressionist style is on display at Amos Anderson
Art Musuem until 28 January.
Echoing Van Gogh with her use of saturated colours, the artist?s thick oil paint brush strokes depict urban life in Helsinki,
along with the scenes from archipelago during summers that
she spent in Nagu. With her work characterised by loneliness
and alienation, this state of expression reflected her reclusive
manner. However, she was renowned for her uncompromising
approach to her painting.
After initially studying textile design, it seemed that Grönvik
was going to make her way as a textile artist. However, this was
not to be, and she would go on to be one of the few selected artists to represent Finland at Nordic exhibitions. While domestic
art critics praised Grönvik for her originality and bold use of
colours, her success in the field of art did not last long. The harsh
conditions of life in post-war Finland put an end to many an
artistic career and eventually broke Green?s faltering zest for life.
She drowned in 1955 in Nagu.
The exhibition presents some 40 oil paintings and sketches for
textiles and book illustrations. The works are on loan from private collectors, the Kirpilä Art Collection, the Tradeka Concern
and the Helsinki City Museum.
Gunvor Grönvik in the 1940s
Until 28 January
Amos Anderson Museum
Yrjönkatu 27
A performance
to
Muse over
James O?Sullivan
MAKIng a welcome return to these shores, British alt-rockers
Muse are appearing at Hartwall Areena on Monday 10
December. Having been together since they were a sprightly
13 years old, the trio initially burst onto the scene with the
release of their self-titled EP in 1997. Another well-received
EP was to follow before the band stepped up to the big league
with their 1999 full-length debut, Showbiz.
Characterised by their booming sound and vocals echoing
the fashionable delicate wail of Radiohead?s Thom Yorke, the
band soon began to differentiate themselves from their peers
with their subsequent releases. Follow-up Origins of Symmetry
showcased a bold exploration of diverse sounds and ideas that
would only serve to differentiate their increasingly diverse
catalogue characterised by a reliance on bombastic ideas that
took melodrama to often absurd heights.
After a successful run of groundbreaking albums bordering
on parody with their joyfully over the top approach, their most
recent release The 2nd Law did little to alter perceptions of
them being one of the most significant bands of the modern
era. Adding dubstep influences to their already crowded musical palate, here they would create one of the musical highlights
of 2012. Kicking things off with the pleasingly bonkers official
theme for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Survival, the band
dropped one of their strongest efforts, throwing in a couple of
bassist Christopher Wolstenholme?s vocal-led tracks for good
measure to expand further on their diversity.
Last seen in Finland during their Resistance world jaunt at
Kaisaniemi Park in 2010, the band returns in the midst of a
European tour that continues their ascent to the stratosphere
of rock history.
Support comes from LA rock duo Deap Vally.
Muse
10 December, 19:45
Tickets ?55/59
Hartwall Areena
Areenankuja 1 Helsinki
Kari Siltala
GOOD MORNING.
WAKE UP AND
EXPLORE LIFE.
Life is full of possibilities. That?s why
studying should be much more than just
courses and degrees. We at Arcada want to
encourage our students to turn over every
rock and explore every avenue of life. We
offer a strong culture of multi-professionals
and an inspiring environment for students to
find their own path.
Theory or practical skills? Lectures,
e-learning or hands-on workshops and
workplacements? Why choose when
you can get the whole package! At
Arcada University of Applied Sciences
in Helsinki we encourage you to grow
and become a modern professional,
who is not afraid of testing new ideas
and exploring the unknown. At our
friendly, international campus we see
the students as our greatest asset.
Study in English for a Bachelor?s
degree in International Business,
Nursing or Plastics Technology. For
studies in Swedish, please see arcada.fi
Joint application 7.1?12.2.2013.
UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED LIFE.
www.arcada.fi
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Many ways to
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DIACONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES