Through the Helsinki Neighbourhood Alliance, the City and its partners will work together to find new ways to promote employment and transitions to education. This collaboration was showcased at an event organised by Startup Refugees on 1 October, where local residents had the opportunity to learn more about local entrepreneurs’ expertise and meet representatives of the Neighbourhood Alliance in the central square in Itäkeskus.
The following organisations from the Helsinki Neighbourhood Alliance took part in the event for the whole family: Helsinki Employment Services, a group headed by the Deaconess Foundation including S-pankki Vaikuttavuussijoitukset Oy and Live Foundation, Startup Refugees, Arffman Finland Oy and Kuntoutussäätiö.
Also in attendance were several entrepreneurs from the Startup Refugees network, recruitment partners and a large number of local residents.
“It is wonderful to see so many knowledgeable and skilled entrepreneurs showcasing their expertise at our joint event. At the same time, this fosters new connections, a sense of community and new employment opportunities, which are at the heart of what we do," says Project Manager Salla-Maria Korhonen from the Neighbourhood Alliance at Startup Refugees.
“Entrepreneurship is like a long-distance run”
Hostaway founding member Saber Kordestanchi spoke at the event about the entrepreneurial potential of immigrants and the importance of courage and perseverance.
He pointed out that moving to a new country and building a life there is more difficult than running a business. Everything hinges on courage and perseverance, and for these reasons Kordestanchi encourages other employers to hire immigrants in particular.
“Perseverance and determination are rewarded. Entrepreneurship is like a long-distance run. As you practise, you start to make progress. You improve every day, even if you cannot see the results right away," Kordestanchi explained.
He emphasised that, at its best, being an immigrant can be a true superpower.
“Wonderful encounters”
Performances by Sirkus Magenta attracted families with children in particular to the event. At the same time, participants engaged in discussions around recruitment, job opportunities in the field of circus, the pay subsidy and apprenticeships.
“The event has led to some wonderful encounters and new networks. The circus activities attracted people of all ages, and there was a particularly large turnout from families with children,” says Sirkus Magenta’s Director Silja Kyytinen.
The event highlighted the Neighbourhood Alliance’s approach, in which the City, service providers, businesses and other local stakeholders work together to promote employment and the transition into education. Helsinki Employment Services coordinates the collaboration.
Neighbourhood Alliance to be piloted in three areas in east, north-east and west Helsinki
The selected priorities for the pilot areas are:
• Itäkeskus–Vuosaari–Mellunmäki: boosting employment and entrepreneurship among foreign-language speakers.
• Kontula–Vesala–Jakomäki: preventing young adults from dropping out of upper secondary education.
• Malminkartano–Kannelmäki–Konala: preventing long-term unemployment.
• There are currently 18,900 residents living in the pilot areas who belong to the target groups of the project.
• The Neighbourhood Alliance will be visible to local residents as more personal and accessible forms of support.