Familia's Olohuone

Story #32

Familia’s Olohuone was created as a meeting place for foreign families and Finns. Since its inception the aim has been to offer the opportunity to have fun, meet other people, learn Finnish, and get familiarized with the Finnish life.

​In the early 1990s, Familia Club boasted over 500 members, comprising young individuals hailing from over 70 diverse countries. Approximately half of the members were Finnish, and around 90% of the community consisted of bi-cultural families. Olohuone welcomed people from all over the world: children, young people, adults, and the elderly. This is what made Olohuone so popular and unique- a place where Finns and foreigners, young an old can meet, get to know each other, and have a relaxing time.

Volunteers in collaboration with the members developed and expanded Familia. Even though there were some differences of opinion, they were resolved through discussion and flexibility. In the early stages, the Olohuone was an exciting opportunity for foreigners who wanted to meet Finns, and vice versa; many Finns wanted to join the activities because they were interested to meet foreigners and learn from other cultures.

In short- people were looking for a cozy place where both Finns and foreigners can enjoy being together and learn from each other. 

As Olohuone activities were expanding, so the number of members. Participants were bringing friends into the fold and this growth ensured continuity.

​Another highlight of the Olohuone activities in the early stages was the Finnish language day courses. Families were always welcomed to bring their children because childcare was provided. For example, Finnish was studied in 4 different groups at Familia’s premises. Teaching was provided by Helsinki Tyovanopisto. 

Many women had been living in Finland for more than 10 years, but they couldn’t continue their Finnish language classes. Only the cooperation between Familia and the Tyovanopisto opened a real study option for them. The results were good and there were far fewer dropouts than anywhere else at that time. Moreover, the children were happy to come to Familia to play with other children while their parents were learning Finnish! If a child missed the parents, they could always peek through the door. 

​Children’s activities within the Olohuone’s activities involved playing, singing, and telling stories primarily in English. The whole idea behind this activity was to strengthen the children’s own identity. The children met each other and at the same time, they discovered that there is a place in Finland where they were just like everyone else. In the Arabic-speaking children’s group, children were also taught letters through play. It was made possible at the request of the parents- and Familia provided the platform!

Children’s groups activities were made possible partly through a fund grant from the Ministry of Education and by the parents themselves. Members’ fees were 150mk per term and non-members 200mk.

​New groups were created on the initiative of members. Members were introduced to start their own language group. Soon Thai, Estonian, and Russian groups were taking shape and running. They met frequently to meet more members of their community and discuss current issues.

There were some challenges too. Several language clubs wanted to organize family celebrations, and this posed a challenge in terms of space- particularly in Familia’s premises at that time (Merihaaka). There was even a request for a family celebration of at least 50 people. Familia’s premises simple did not have the capacity. 

Familia Club, as other organizations, faced the challenges of obtaining enough resources to keep the activities up and running. The City of Helsinki’s Social Welfare Department gave an operating grant of 150,000mk per year, the Youth Affairs Centre 9,000mk a year, and the Cultural Affairs Centre helped pay a part-time director. Familia also received a yearly grant of 33,000mk from the Ministry of Education. At this time, Familia employed few staff members primarily allocated to look after children, run the kitchen, and some focused on running some activities.

​Similar activities started to be organized by other few organizations. There was a social demand to provide a space for families to meet, particularly young families who often felt loneliness. Familia welcomed visitors who wanted to know how to set up their own “Familia”. 

In mixed language groups, both adults and children are often of different nationalities, and it is also good for everyone to be together at the party and share experiences. Where would a foreigner get the chance to participate in an independence celebration if there was no Familia?

​Familia’s Olohuone activities included organizing yearly Christmas parties. They were very popular- couple of hundred attendees. Participants gathered early to decorate the premises together, bake what was needed, and general chores. Familia’s Christmas party was a multicultural gathering where singing, playing games, and tasting Christmas delicacies from different countries was encouraged. This brought so much joy to many families in the middle of a dark winter. 

​Familia’s Olohuone in Merihaka was getting small for all the activities and number of attendees. Regardless, people kept coming. Children could free play, mothers relax, and even fathers gathered to play pool. Nonetheless, soon after, Familia rented party rooms from Kallio’s Parrish and City of Helsinki. A positive side from the overcrowding was the arrival of new friends and members. 

Today, Familia still organizes Olohuone activities throughout Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. Multicultural families can meet and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks together. There are new groups opening early 2024! 

If you are interested in joining or want to learn more about them click here.

excerpt translated from finnish from monikultturiyhdistys familia club vuosinna 1987-1997 book and familia's archives.
edited by yvette ahonen