Satakieli
@satakieli.bsky.social
Multilingual journalism from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.
https://satakieli.haaga-helia.fi
https://satakieli.haaga-helia.fi
Josephine Atanga founded the Kiitos Suomi event to express gratitude to Finland. For her, saying thank you is part of integration — without ignoring its challenges.
“It means recognizing what works and asking how to make it better,” Atanga says.
bit.ly/4j1N6hW
“It means recognizing what works and asking how to make it better,” Atanga says.
bit.ly/4j1N6hW
Kiitos Suomi event celebrated gratitude toward “the country that gives us a home away from home”
After a few years in Finland, Josephine Atanga wanted to say thank you. What started as a short visit in 2012 had gradually turned into nursing studies, a career as a registered nurse, and a master’s…
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Josephine Atanga founded the Kiitos Suomi event to express gratitude to Finland. For her, saying thank you is part of integration — without ignoring its challenges.
“It means recognizing what works and asking how to make it better,” Atanga says.
bit.ly/4j1N6hW
“It means recognizing what works and asking how to make it better,” Atanga says.
bit.ly/4j1N6hW
It is often assumed that in immigrant communities families take care of elderly. This may lead to situations when no one helps, says the expert.
bit.ly/4poVvPc
bit.ly/4poVvPc
Immigrant elderly left outside the Finnish service system
The sounds of lively conversation in a foreign language can be heard right from the entrance to the Jade Centre in Helsinki. A group of Somali-speaking seniors has just finished one of its meetings.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 11:25 AM
It is often assumed that in immigrant communities families take care of elderly. This may lead to situations when no one helps, says the expert.
bit.ly/4poVvPc
bit.ly/4poVvPc
In Europe, it is often assumed that living here means thinking “the European way.” In reality, Russian propaganda remains effective even beyond Russia’s borders. Researcher Ivan Filippov explains why this happens and the role Telegram plays in it.
bit.ly/4pnM82h
bit.ly/4pnM82h
Asiantuntija: Euroopassa ei ymmärretä, miten Venäjän propaganda vaikuttaa
Eurooppalaiset poliitikot ja asiantuntijat aliarvioivat usein Venäjän propagandan tehoa Venäjän ulkopuolella, sanoo Ivan Filippov. Hän on venäläinen kirjailija, joka on tutkinut Venäjän…
bit.ly
November 27, 2025 at 12:49 PM
In Europe, it is often assumed that living here means thinking “the European way.” In reality, Russian propaganda remains effective even beyond Russia’s borders. Researcher Ivan Filippov explains why this happens and the role Telegram plays in it.
bit.ly/4pnM82h
bit.ly/4pnM82h
In times of war, Ukrainians are increasingly turning to tarot readers, astrologers, and psychics. Satakieli explored why demand for paranormal practices is rising and the risks it may carry. bit.ly/4odA6ak
Seeking answers in uncertain times: Ukrainians turn to tarot and astrology
For two years in Finland, Ukrainian native Daryna Otchenashenko has turned to tarot readers several times. The first time was when her neighbour received a frightening diagnosis – cancer.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 2:15 PM
In times of war, Ukrainians are increasingly turning to tarot readers, astrologers, and psychics. Satakieli explored why demand for paranormal practices is rising and the risks it may carry. bit.ly/4odA6ak
Integration programmes designed to support employment often steer newcomers toward a limited range of jobs. Engineers, IT specialists, and managers find themselves directed toward cleaning, care, or service work — regardless of their education or experience.
bit.ly/43vKTVP
bit.ly/43vKTVP
“They told me to apply for cleaning jobs”: skilled immigrants guided toward low-level work
When Umer Javaid arrived in Finland from Pakistan, he expected his years of experience in logistics and supply-chain management to help him continue his professional journey. He came with his wife…
bit.ly
November 14, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Integration programmes designed to support employment often steer newcomers toward a limited range of jobs. Engineers, IT specialists, and managers find themselves directed toward cleaning, care, or service work — regardless of their education or experience.
bit.ly/43vKTVP
bit.ly/43vKTVP
Many immigrant parents don't fully understand how Finnish schools operate — and some even fear child protection services. Teachers and multilingual counselors are working to replace confusion with trust.
bit.ly/4qAmpEs
bit.ly/4qAmpEs
“We’re not against any family” – Professionals build trust between schools and immigrant parents
At Malminkartano Primary School in Helsinki, more than half of the pupils come from immigrant families. In some classes, the figure rises as high as 80 percent. Diversity enriches the school community...
bit.ly
October 30, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Many immigrant parents don't fully understand how Finnish schools operate — and some even fear child protection services. Teachers and multilingual counselors are working to replace confusion with trust.
bit.ly/4qAmpEs
bit.ly/4qAmpEs
Human rights activist warn: going to Russia is not safe. Even a short trip can now result in questioning, arrest, or a draft notice. bit.ly/3WRGTeh
Ihmisoikeusjärjestö varoittaa: Älä matkusta Venäjälle edes sairasta äitiä tapaamaan
Kovempi puhe alkoi kesän lopulla. 21. elokuuta Venäjän duuman puhemies Vjatšeslav Volodin julisti, että Venäjältä sodan alun jälkeen lähteneet on ”puhdistettava julkiselta sektorilta ja…
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Human rights activist warn: going to Russia is not safe. Even a short trip can now result in questioning, arrest, or a draft notice. bit.ly/3WRGTeh
Learning to swim can be a matter of safety — yet for many immigrants, money, limited course availability, and cultural barriers still stand in the way.
bit.ly/46T7ca4
bit.ly/46T7ca4
Left out of the pool: what’s really stopping immigrants from learning to swim?
Finland, often called the land of a thousand lakes, has water woven into its everyday life. Swimming here is more than just a sport. It is a beloved pastime, a social activity, and most importantly…
bit.ly
October 14, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Learning to swim can be a matter of safety — yet for many immigrants, money, limited course availability, and cultural barriers still stand in the way.
bit.ly/46T7ca4
bit.ly/46T7ca4
While municipal services provide better financial support, greater freedom in housing, and other benefits, some Ukrainians still choose to remain in the reception system.
bit.ly/42oFuzf
bit.ly/42oFuzf
Fear of change: why some Ukrainians hesitate to transition to municipal services
Nataliia Dragan works at the Finnish Refugee Council in a project Ridne misto that supports Ukrainians transitioning from reception centres to municipalities. She explains that municipal services…
bit.ly
October 2, 2025 at 11:06 AM
While municipal services provide better financial support, greater freedom in housing, and other benefits, some Ukrainians still choose to remain in the reception system.
bit.ly/42oFuzf
bit.ly/42oFuzf
Getting a Finnish driver’s license is not easy for Ukrainians due to high cost, language barrier and bureaucracy. Those without a permanent address can keep driving with their Ukrainian licenses. But this loophole has fueled a cross-border market where licenses can be bought or faked.
bit.ly/3JXEpIc
bit.ly/3JXEpIc
Easier to buy: why some Ukrainians in Finland seek shortcuts to a driver’s license
Nina from Mariupol dreams of obtaining a driver’s license in Finland. (Due to the sensitivity of the subject, Nina’s name has been changed.) She says her husband has already taught her how to drive…
bit.ly
September 10, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Getting a Finnish driver’s license is not easy for Ukrainians due to high cost, language barrier and bureaucracy. Those without a permanent address can keep driving with their Ukrainian licenses. But this loophole has fueled a cross-border market where licenses can be bought or faked.
bit.ly/3JXEpIc
bit.ly/3JXEpIc
Is it safe to use Telegram? Experts highlight the risks.
Mikhail Klimarev notes that posts in public groups can allow intelligence services to identify users.
According to Michal Wozniak, the main risk is that the app does not use end-to-end encryption by default.
bit.ly/3UVWQiO
Mikhail Klimarev notes that posts in public groups can allow intelligence services to identify users.
According to Michal Wozniak, the main risk is that the app does not use end-to-end encryption by default.
bit.ly/3UVWQiO
Onko Telegramia turvallista käyttää? – Tietoturva-asiantuntijat erimielisiä
Kesällä 2025 maanpaossa toimiva venäjänkielinen riippumaton media IStories julkaisi selvityksen, jonka mukaan Venäjän turvallisuuspalveluilla saattaa olla pääsy viestipalvelu Telegramin sisältöihin.
bit.ly
September 4, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Is it safe to use Telegram? Experts highlight the risks.
Mikhail Klimarev notes that posts in public groups can allow intelligence services to identify users.
According to Michal Wozniak, the main risk is that the app does not use end-to-end encryption by default.
bit.ly/3UVWQiO
Mikhail Klimarev notes that posts in public groups can allow intelligence services to identify users.
According to Michal Wozniak, the main risk is that the app does not use end-to-end encryption by default.
bit.ly/3UVWQiO
Immigrant workers in Finland are more vulnerable to exploitation than locals. No-break shifts, unpaid overtime, deskilling — these are just some of the challenges migrants face. Many are also denied vacation pay, sick leave, or occupational health coverage. bit.ly/46gHvPd
“Even the most basic rights are sometimes denied to immigrant workers,” says expert
A Ukrainian woman was hired as a care assistant under Finland’s wage subsidy (palkkatuki) program, where the government covers part of the employee’s salary. For six months she worked hard…
bit.ly
August 27, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Immigrant workers in Finland are more vulnerable to exploitation than locals. No-break shifts, unpaid overtime, deskilling — these are just some of the challenges migrants face. Many are also denied vacation pay, sick leave, or occupational health coverage. bit.ly/46gHvPd
Before February 2022, Russians moved to Finland mainly for work, studies, or family ties. In recent years, more have sought asylum, fleeing political persecution or escaping military service. These newcomers are becoming more visible in Finnish society. bit.ly/4loh6Vg
Иммиграция из России в Финляндию кардинально поменялась: вместо рабочих мигрантов и студентов – политические активисты ищут убежище
Иммиграция из России в Финляндию кардинально изменилась после февраля 2022 года. Ранее переезд в Финляндию чаще всего был связан с работой, учебой или семейными обстоятельствами. В последние три года…
bit.ly
June 26, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Before February 2022, Russians moved to Finland mainly for work, studies, or family ties. In recent years, more have sought asylum, fleeing political persecution or escaping military service. These newcomers are becoming more visible in Finnish society. bit.ly/4loh6Vg
After the Assad regime's collapse, hope turned to disappointment for Syrian women. Nidal Jaujok, a leading voice for women’s rights in Finland, continues to fight for justice and equality. "Women raised families and rebuilt peace, yet they’re sidelined again," she says. bit.ly/461Ssp2
“I don’t want you near my wife” – Speaking for women’s rights still meets resistance in Syrian community
“For about a week, everyone felt happy and satisfied. But then the reality kicked in.” This is how Nidal Jaujok summarizes the feeling among the Syrians both at home and in the diaspora…
bit.ly
June 19, 2025 at 1:54 PM
After the Assad regime's collapse, hope turned to disappointment for Syrian women. Nidal Jaujok, a leading voice for women’s rights in Finland, continues to fight for justice and equality. "Women raised families and rebuilt peace, yet they’re sidelined again," she says. bit.ly/461Ssp2
In Finland, almost half of migrant women from outside the EU have college degrees, but only 40% were employed in 2020. In comparison, 72% of Finnish women were working, according to a 2022 study.
For Arab women in Finland, getting into the workforce can be even tougher. bit.ly/3Fqpd4A
For Arab women in Finland, getting into the workforce can be even tougher. bit.ly/3Fqpd4A
Hijab, hope, and hard work: stories from Arab women in Finland
Finding work in a new country is never simple. Even though nearly 50 percent of third-country migrant women in Finland hold higher education degrees, only about 40 percent were employed in 2020…
bit.ly
May 28, 2025 at 8:46 AM
In Finland, almost half of migrant women from outside the EU have college degrees, but only 40% were employed in 2020. In comparison, 72% of Finnish women were working, according to a 2022 study.
For Arab women in Finland, getting into the workforce can be even tougher. bit.ly/3Fqpd4A
For Arab women in Finland, getting into the workforce can be even tougher. bit.ly/3Fqpd4A
The creators of the project Bricks with Meaning 2.0 believe that building sessions can help immigrant youth integrate into a group through creative collaboration. The project uses the “Lego Serious Play” method, which encourages creativity and problem-solving through building.
bit.ly/4lKlDCu
bit.ly/4lKlDCu
Can building with Legos lead to better integration?
Building with ordinary Lego blocks can help to integrate the immigrant youth. At least this is what the Center for Educational Initiatives, a Finnish non-profit organization, believes.
bit.ly
April 30, 2025 at 10:31 AM
The creators of the project Bricks with Meaning 2.0 believe that building sessions can help immigrant youth integrate into a group through creative collaboration. The project uses the “Lego Serious Play” method, which encourages creativity and problem-solving through building.
bit.ly/4lKlDCu
bit.ly/4lKlDCu
What’s it like to run for office as an immigrant in Finland? In our latest article, Fardoos Helal and Mohamed Mumin share their experiences from the 2025 municipal elections.
bit.ly/4jm8mi8
bit.ly/4jm8mi8
“Anyone can be a candidate regardless of background” – immigrant voices on Finnish elections
In the 2025 Finnish municipal elections, nearly 30,000 candidates vied for positions across the country. According to Statistics Finland, only 2.8% were foreigners, despite comprising 8.6%
bit.ly
April 17, 2025 at 10:18 AM
What’s it like to run for office as an immigrant in Finland? In our latest article, Fardoos Helal and Mohamed Mumin share their experiences from the 2025 municipal elections.
bit.ly/4jm8mi8
bit.ly/4jm8mi8
Sanctions cut off Russia from bank transfers, but Russians in Finland have developed workarounds to send money home and pay the bills there. What schemes are used and are they considered sanction violations?
bit.ly/4cpKmrm
bit.ly/4cpKmrm
Sanctions block bank transfers to Russia, but the mortgage is still due
Once a month, Pyotr needs to pay the mortgage for his apartment in St. Petersburg. But since he lives in Finland, it’s not a simple endeavour. Due to the sanctions imposed by the Western states…
bit.ly
April 9, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Sanctions cut off Russia from bank transfers, but Russians in Finland have developed workarounds to send money home and pay the bills there. What schemes are used and are they considered sanction violations?
bit.ly/4cpKmrm
bit.ly/4cpKmrm
While textbooks often focus on standard Finnish (kirjakieli), daily conversations are full of spoken language (puhekieli). Maria Ahlholm from the University of Helsinki explains the historical roots behind this divide and why both forms are essential. bit.ly/41Xy468
For a foreigner, learning Finnish can feel like choosing between two different languages: “kirjakieli” and “puhekieli”
Learning Finnish presents a challenge for foreigners, as it exists in two distinct forms: standard Finnish (officially known as yleiskieli, more colloquially known as kirjakieli)…
bit.ly
April 3, 2025 at 10:10 AM
While textbooks often focus on standard Finnish (kirjakieli), daily conversations are full of spoken language (puhekieli). Maria Ahlholm from the University of Helsinki explains the historical roots behind this divide and why both forms are essential. bit.ly/41Xy468
Residence permit cards were sent to pick-up points located up far away from the recipient's address, despite closer pick-up points being available. Migri explained that the problem arose due to changes in the delivery system.
bit.ly/42khqOe
bit.ly/42khqOe
Ukrainians have had to travel to other municipalities to pick up residence permit cards
In Facebook groups, Ukrainians have shared stories of their cards being sent far from their home addresses, despite closer pick-up points being available. Some had to travel up to 115 km to retrieve…
bit.ly
March 27, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Residence permit cards were sent to pick-up points located up far away from the recipient's address, despite closer pick-up points being available. Migri explained that the problem arose due to changes in the delivery system.
bit.ly/42khqOe
bit.ly/42khqOe
Under new legislation, temporary protection permits cannot be converted to permanent ones. While options like work or study permits are available, for many it is challenging to meet the requirements. Ukrainians hope for more flexible rules when temporary protection ends. bit.ly/4iIFjos
“It is hard to live in uncertainty” – Ukrainians with temporary protection struggle to plan their future in Finland
In summer 2024, the European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2026. Following this directive, Finland’s Ministry of the Interior introduced legislative changes regarding…
bit.ly
March 25, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Under new legislation, temporary protection permits cannot be converted to permanent ones. While options like work or study permits are available, for many it is challenging to meet the requirements. Ukrainians hope for more flexible rules when temporary protection ends. bit.ly/4iIFjos
Athlete and LGBTQ activist Margarita Yevdokimova became the first asylum seeker in Finland's history to win the title of national curling champion.
bit.ly/4bEMKdu
bit.ly/4bEMKdu
Turvapaikanhakija voitti ensi kertaa Suomen mestaruuden – Venäjältä paennut curling-pelaaja ja LGBTQ-aktivisti teki historiaa
Curlingin naisten Suomen mestaruus ratkaistiin Joensuussa 2. helmikuuta. CC Dominant Eye (CCDE) voitti ratkaisevassa ottelussa Ålands Curlingclubbin. Voiton myötä CCDE:n pelaajasta Margarita…
bit.ly
March 11, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Athlete and LGBTQ activist Margarita Yevdokimova became the first asylum seeker in Finland's history to win the title of national curling champion.
bit.ly/4bEMKdu
bit.ly/4bEMKdu
Could the comprehensive Finnish-Ukrainian school appear in Finland? Bilingual schools already exist in the country, and the rapid growth of the Ukrainian community provides a strong basis for discussing the establishment of a Ukrainian educational institution.
bit.ly/4i25PsE
bit.ly/4i25PsE
March 4, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Could the comprehensive Finnish-Ukrainian school appear in Finland? Bilingual schools already exist in the country, and the rapid growth of the Ukrainian community provides a strong basis for discussing the establishment of a Ukrainian educational institution.
bit.ly/4i25PsE
bit.ly/4i25PsE
As Ramadan begins, Muslims in Finland share their experiences of fasting, prayer, and devotion in a non-Muslim-majority country. Balancing long fasting hours with work or school can be tough, and repeatedly explaining why you can’t join lunch or dinner plans adds to the difficulties. bit.ly/4h4nUVI
Celebrating Ramadan in Finland – Four challenges Muslims face
Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and devotion. During this month, from dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink…
bit.ly
February 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
As Ramadan begins, Muslims in Finland share their experiences of fasting, prayer, and devotion in a non-Muslim-majority country. Balancing long fasting hours with work or school can be tough, and repeatedly explaining why you can’t join lunch or dinner plans adds to the difficulties. bit.ly/4h4nUVI
Many Ukrainians in Finland rely on ordering medicines from Ukraine, saying it’s often their only way to address health concerns.
At the same time, the Finnish regulator Fimea warns that the this practice violates local laws and carries potential health risks.
bit.ly/434SDOZ
At the same time, the Finnish regulator Fimea warns that the this practice violates local laws and carries potential health risks.
bit.ly/434SDOZ
February 20, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Many Ukrainians in Finland rely on ordering medicines from Ukraine, saying it’s often their only way to address health concerns.
At the same time, the Finnish regulator Fimea warns that the this practice violates local laws and carries potential health risks.
bit.ly/434SDOZ
At the same time, the Finnish regulator Fimea warns that the this practice violates local laws and carries potential health risks.
bit.ly/434SDOZ