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08.05.2025 13:06

Courage to speak Finnish – PAM’s language clubs bring people together

PAM’s language clubs offer a place to practise Finnish and build a sense of community. Everyone is welcome.

Lucia Indrén was living in Indonesia with her husband and son when the family decided to come to Finland for two years. The aim was to introduce their son to his Finnish father’s language and culture.
– We didn’t plan to stay in Finland permanently. But when we saw how good the Finnish school system is, we decided to stay. It was the best decision for our son’s future, says Indrén.

For Indrén, who had worked as the head of an English-language school campus in Indonesia, the move to Finland was a big life change: everyday life suddenly became very different – and quiet.
– It felt like life had come to a stop. I didn’t speak Finnish, and I didn’t know what to do. Luckily, I got into an intensive course quickly, and it was well organised.

But not everyone has that kind of opportunity, reminds Rahim Alizada, PAM’s network coordinator. Many people who move to Finland on a work permit are left out of municipal integration and language courses.

– That’s exactly why language cafés are extremely important. They offer a low-threshold way to learn the language and feel included, says Alizada.

Indrén’s experience with PAM’s language club also shows how meaningful the activity is. It’s not just about language skills – it’s also about finding your own voice and a sense of belonging in the community.

“You don’t have to be perfect here”

Lucia Indrén visits PAM’s language club in Helsinki almost every week. At first, she came to support friends who had recently moved to Finland.

– I thought these meetings were only for beginners. But I was surprised – anyone can come here, no matter their language level.

At home, her family speaks English and Indonesian. Finnish hasn’t become part of their everyday language.

– Many people assume it’s easy to practise Finnish with your Finnish spouse, but that’s not always the case. If your pronunciation isn’t quite right, conversations easily slip into English. At the language club, you can speak without the fear of making mistakes.

Indrén emphasizes that the language club is not just about practising the language – it’s also about networking, gaining confidence in using Finnish and creating a sense of community.

– No one interrupts or corrects every word. You can speak freely and get to know new people. That’s important when you’re building a life while learning a new language.

Currently, Indrén is completing an apprenticeship to become a service supervisor, specializing in kitchen and cleaning services in daycare centres.

– Studying is tough but really rewarding – I can’t wait to graduate. PAM’s language club balances out the intensity of my studies and gives me more courage to use Finnish in everyday life. And let’s not forget the delicious snacks offered every time!

Language café is a bridge to society – everyone is welcome

The language clubs in Helsinki and Tampere are part of PAM’s peer network project, which began in 2024.
– The goal of our project is to help migrants understand their rights and responsibilities. We want to build communities where everyone is welcome – whether you’re a PAM member or not, says Rahim Alizada.

PAM’s networks bring together migrants working in sectors such as commerce, hospitality and cleaning. Activities take place both online and in different parts of Finland. Participants in the language clubs trust the community so much that they sometimes even ask for help translating messages from doctors.
– That shows the level of trust. The language club is a bridge that connects people to society, Alizada continues.

Lucia Indrén highlights how important the weekly sessions are in everyday life:
– The language café brings people joy and hope. It’s important that this activity continues regularly.

One meeting and one conversation at a time, the language cafés are building community and creating paths into Finnish society – a place where everyone is welcome just as they are.

PAM’s language clubs

Helsinki: Wednesdays at 17-19 at PAM’s main office (Ympyrätalo, Siltasaarenkatu 18A, Helsinki)

Tampere: Tuesdays at 17-18 at PAM’s regional office (Aleksis Kiven katu 18 B, Tampere)

No need to sign up – everyone is welcome!

Read more about PAM’s networks

Text: Krista Nurminen
Picture: Eeva Anundi

Keywords:

immigration membership

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