4 minute read
English summary
from Vårt Borgå 2/2024
by porvoo-borga
The Jolly Christmas City
PORVOO HAS LONG had the status of the foremost Christmas City of Southern Finland. The city has been the official goodwill city of Santa Claus since 2019 and even has its own Christmas elf, Fredrik Flodbåt.
The idyllic Christmastime in Porvoo is atmospheric and in a way very traditional, but this year there will be reforms that will be visible, especially at the Christmas market organised by the city.
The market still has the familiar stalls and a beautifully lit carousel, but visitors can now also walk along a Christmas trail through Runeberginpuistikko, towards the riverside and Old Porvoo, something that has not been seen in the city before.
"We want to make Porvoo an unique experience and lead visitors to a Christmas that cannot be found elsewhere," say Katarina Broas and Jan-Christian Forsman, who organize Christmas in the city of Porvoo.
Around Christmas, there are Christmasy events almost every day in Porvoo and there is plenty of programme for all tastes.
"It is worth following the calendar of events found on the city's website and Visit Porvoo. Both sites are regularly updated during the autumn."
Text: Elli Collan Picture: Visit Porvoo
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What a view!
THE NEW MAYOR of Porvoo, Jani Pitkäniemi, says his favourite spots in the city are the ones with a grand view.
"I enjoy views that seem to go on and on, over the whole city or far to the sea. Perhaps the same is evident in my work, where understanding the big picture, managing it and looking to the future are important," Pitkäniemi says.
If Pitkäniemi had to choose only one destination in Porvoo to show a visitor, he would take the visitor to see the Cathedral.
"I think it's the finest single landmark you can find in the city."
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A STRONGER COMMUNITY IN SCHOOLS
"Youth workers in schools, among other things, lead various recess activities, help students build groups, support the community spirit of classes and combat bullying," is how Ahti Herttua describes his work.
Herttua has worked as a youth worker at Gammelbacka primary and secondary school since spring 2024. He has already become a familiar and safe adult for many young people, who share all kinds of news with him, for example, after the weekend.
"Teachers do important and meaningful work, but it may be easier to approach a youth worker in certain matters.’’
Text: Elli Collan
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TE services will become municipal services as of 1 January 2025.
From 2025 Employment services (TE services) are provided by the Porvoo employment area. From the jobseeker’s perspective, the services will become more customer-oriented as they will be provided locally by municipalities.
Municipalities can develop services based on the needs of the local residents and employers, which strengthens the vitality and competitiveness of the regions. Regional mobility will also be taken into account in the reform.
Read more: porvoo.fi/en/porvoo-employment-area/
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Towards the best integration in Finland
INTEGRATION SERVICES IN PORVOO work closely with Porvoo Adult Education Centre and other actors.
"We want to provide the best integration in Finland," says Jenny Broberg, Head of Integration Services in Porvoo.
International team of eight helps immigrants not only in education and employment, but also in matters related to housing, forms and applications, leisure and hobbies.
Many factors of success
One of the partners in integration services is Porvoo Adult Education Centre or KoMbi, which has long organised Finnish language courses, for immigrants in particular.
Recently, the City of Porvoo decided that moving forward, the Adult Education Centre will provide integration training for immigrants, which consist of learning the Finnish language and getting to know Finnish society, working life and job search.
According to Mika Pohjanen, Deputy Principal of the Adult Education Centre, immigrants are at best a very active group and eager to learn.
"One person attended our Finnish language course an hour after landing at Helsinki Airport."
ADIL BAILO, 27, who arrived in Porvoo two years ago as a refugee, has benefitted much of the help provided by the Integration Centre.
"I have gotten help with both study and housing matters and in filling out forms," he says.
In two years, Bailo has learned to speak fluent Finnish and completed the syllabus of Finnish comprehensive education. This autumn, he began his studies in and upper secondary school for adults. He is currently looking for a job alongside studying.
"I like studying a lot. Of course I am Sudanese, but right now my home is in Porvoo. It's good and safe here."
Text: Elli Collan
