Li Qing investigates the courses on offer for immigrants at Oulu’s Friendship House

First time in Oulu Finland? Meeting a new culture and facing a different language? Don’t know where your kids will find an English speaking kindergarten or where to get the special ingredients for your home-style food? Well, the Friendship House is probably the key to opening your life in Oulu.

Oulu Friendship House (Ystävyystalo in Finnish) is a place that arranges various short courses and activities for both immigrant and local people; a place that creates a warm, friendly atmosphere for all those who attend.

One of the most popular courses offered by Friendship House is Finnish Language course. In Finland only those who have A-type residence permits have the right to join the Finnish language-training course arranged by the Employment Office, which is a so-called ‘Manu’ course. The other Finnish language courses for the public are involve very little choice. Friendship House Finnish language course, however, has a good reputation. It is a starting course including basic words, basic grammar as well as useful instructions for Oulu’s newcomers.

“This is not only a language course.” Says Hilmi Oral, the course teacher, “If you just come to Oulu, you are excited about the new place. But soon after that you might find that the language barrier makes your life lonely and boring. So this course gives you a chance to get rid of the long indoor days by learning Finnish and meeting new friends. It is the first step for Oulu’s new immigrants to settle down and it will keep your life rolling in the future.”

In contrast to the Finnish Language course, the Women’s Finnish Conversation Group organized by Aruna Somani is specially designed for women who, sometimes though not always for religious reasons, feel more comfortable studying with other females. It is an advanced course and the participants need to have basic Finnish language knowledge.

“Women in this group will learn more Finnish language skills and practice them by sharing stories and cultures,” says Aruna, ”We also help them to solve daily problems in Oulu. About a month ago we successfully helped a Bangladeshi woman to find her kids an English-speaking kindergarten. This coming autumn we will have a long-term Finnish language course for women. We are expecting more women to join us!”

Another activity for women is the Women’s Sport Club, which is becoming more and more popular. Different kinds of sports are arranged in each week, such as badminton, basketball and water gyms. You’ve no need to worry that nobody’s going to look after your children, because this club allows you to take them with you. But the Friendship House is not just for women! There is a men’s sports club and last year there were cooking classes just for men!

Nowadays Oulu is becoming more and more international. Reflecting this trend, Friendship House opened a new club this Spring: English Language Conversation Club. In this club you will practice and improve your English skills. You will meet people and make friends from many countries. You will share your knowledge on current topics with different people. The club got a great feed back from the participants and will be continue in the autumn time.

For more information of Friendship House and its activities, you can log on the website: www.oulunsetlementti.fi/ystavyystalo or visit it in Tuira.
 

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