Hakunila International Organization

Hakunila International Organization (Hakunilan kansainvälinen yhdistys ry) is a multicultural organization founded in 1998 in Vantaa. Its mission is to promote the wellbeing, integration, and equality of immigrants, and to strengthen dialogue between different cultures. The organization acts as a bridge-builder between Finnish-born and foreign-born residents and works actively to reduce racism, prejudice, and discrimination.

Mission and Values

The core of the organization’s work includes:

• immigrant counselling and crisis support
• promoting integration
• strengthening multiculturalism
• anti-racism work
• increasing community participation and social inclusion

The organization is open to everyone. Its members represent a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Equality, respect, and community spirit guide all activities.

Operating Environment and Service Points

The organization runs two main service locations:

• Hakunila Counselling and Crisis Center, a low-threshold service centre offering multilingual guidance in everyday matters.
• Länsimäki International Activity Centre, an active community space hosting courses, clubs, cultural events, exhibitions, and peer support groups.

Both locations serve as important meeting places where immigrants can receive support, learn new skills, and participate in community life.

Counselling and Integration Support

Counselling is the organization’s most essential service. Support is provided in more than 12 languages, and thousands of clients each year receive help with:

• official and administrative matters
• social and health services
• employment and education pathways
• family issues
• crisis situations

Counselling is provided by trained advisors and the Executive Director, sociologist Burhan Hamdon, a well‑known expert in integration and refugee affairs. The organization works closely with the City of Vantaa, the wellbeing services county, TE Services, NGOs, and public authorities.

Remote counselling has been an important part of the service since 2020, enabling support also for those unable to visit in person.

Education, Clubs, and Community Activities

The organization offers a wide range of activities for all age groups.

For adults

• Finnish language courses
• e‑services and IT skills
• job‑seeking and education guidance
• household, handicraft, and sewing courses
• women’s groups and peer support
• senior activities and digital support

For children and youth

• art clubs
• chess club
• violin lessons
• youth projects
• reading and cooking clubs
• homework support
• language and science clubs
• digital skills and AI courses for youth

These activities reach hundreds of children and young people annually, supporting their wellbeing, learning, and participation.

Cultural Activities and Events

The organization is known for its rich cultural programme that promotes intercultural understanding. In Länsimäki and Hakunila, annual events include:

• art exhibitions
• music concerts
• literature and cultural evenings
• celebrations and theme days
• multicultural events in cooperation with the City of Vantaa

Events often feature both Finnish and immigrant-background artists and attract large audiences.

Projects and Cooperation

The organization has participated in numerous projects, such as:

• STEA‑funded counselling and remote counselling projects
• Tsempataan! project (immigrant wellbeing and employment)
• SMILE project (family integration and school cooperation)
• Multilingual Families Access to Services pilot
• EU Urban and refugee fund projects

Its extensive cooperation network includes the City of Vantaa, the wellbeing services county, THL, parishes, educational institutions, cultural actors, and many immigrant organizations.

Funding

The organization’s work is supported by:

• STEA
• City of Vantaa
• Arts Promotion Centre Finland (TAIKE)
• foundations and funds
• project partnerships

Volunteers are a major resource: more than 50 active volunteers contribute annually.

Impact and Recognition

The organization has played a significant role in the development of the Hakunila area. In 2015, Hakunila was awarded Neighbourhood of the Year, with the organization’s contribution to multiculturalism highlighted in the justification.

Executive Director Burhan Hamdon has been awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland for his long-standing work on behalf of immigrants and refugee communities.