Prof. Dzintra Iliško participated in a study visit to Finland from April 7 to April 10, 2026, organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia within the project: Fostering Refugee and Immigrant Integration – FOR-IN 2.0. The visit provided an in-depth exploration of Finland’s innovative approaches to immigrant integration, education, and community engagement. In Helsinki participants explored the role of public libraries as inclusive community hubs. Visits to Pasila Library and Itäkeskus Library highlighted multilingual services, community outreach, and collaborative initiatives supporting integration.

Engagements with experts from the Multilingual Library project, the Economic Development Centre of Uusimaa, and the “Let’s Read Together” network showcased practical tools for language acquisition, employment pathways, and social inclusion. Participants also explored Helsinki Central Library Oodi, a globally recognized example of a modern public library fostering civic participation and access to knowledge. Participants had an opportunity to visit the Nordic Welfare Centre, where discussions focused on regional integration policies and best practices across Nordic countries. In Kotka local authorities and project leaders presented comprehensive integration services, including European Social Fund initiatives. At Maritime Centre Vellamo, participants attended expert presentations addressing integration services, language clubs for adults, and targeted support for elderly immigrants. These sessions emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, including municipalities, NGOs, and faith-based organizations.

The study visit continued in Tampere, focusing on education and workforce integration. At Tampere Vocational College Tredu, participants examined Finland’s vocational education and training (VET) system, including competence-based qualifications, workplace learning, and tailored programmes for immigrants. A visit to Metso Library involved discussions on media literacy, inclusive library services, and citizen participation. Additional sessions introduced integration training programmes offered by Tampere Adult Education Centre TAKK. Throughout the visit, participants engaged in knowledge exchange, peer learning, and reflection on how Finnish models can inform integration practices in their home countries. The programme highlighted the critical role of accessible public services, education systems, and local-level cooperation in fostering inclusive societies. The aim of the visit was to promote cross-border collaboration and capacity building, contributing to more effective and sustainable integration strategies across the Nordic-Baltic region.

Thank you to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office for an opportunity to participate in this rich and inspiring study trip.

Further information:
Daugavpils University professor, Ph. D. Dzintra Iliško
dzintra.ilisko@du.lv