This integration program focuses on Finnish language and civic skills. It's designed for women in Turku who have arrived from third countries and are caring for children under three at home.
The program is also open to those who are currently within their integration period. Childcare is provided during the activities, and our multilingual instructors are there to support you.
Join us to learn, make friends, and build a community that helps you!
The centre offers free courses on digital skills, job search and maths.
You can participate in free courses at the competence center's facilities, where you can learn, for example, digital skills, job searching, and mathematics.
The Finnish language courses are primarily aimed at Turku residents in their integration period who are caring for children under three years old at home.
Autumn semester 2025
Autumn programme and timetables - Linnankatu 31
Literacy lessons for stay-at-home mothers
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.00-12.30
16.9.2025-27.11.2025
Teacher: Tuula Nevala
Foreign Literacy for stay-at-home mothers
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.00-13.15
1.9.2025-11.12.2025
Teacher: Marina Kolomainen
Wednesday 11.00-13.15
20.8.2025-10.12.2025
The "Working Life Skills for Beginners: Step by Step" course is designed to give students in the early stages of their integration the essential skills they need to succeed in working life. The course focuses on the foundational skills and practical knowledge required at the beginning of a career. It provides a solid foundation and practical readiness to support students' integration into Finnish working life. The course encourages learning and active participation by offering interactive learning environments and hands-on exercises.
Course content:
- Workplace culture and expectations: Students will gain an understanding of Finnish workplace culture and what employers expect from their employees. This includes communication styles, dress codes, and adhering to working hours.
- Job search and CV preparation: Students will learn how to create a resume (CV) and apply for jobs. The course also covers how to prepare for and succeed in job interviews.
- Essential workplace skills: The course teaches foundational skills like time management, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also covers following workplace rules and resolving conflicts.
Finnish language in the workplace: Because language skills are key to succeeding in the Finnish job market, this section allows students to practice the Finnish vocabulary and interaction skills needed in professional life.
Target group: Immigrant women from third countries whose language proficiency is below A1.3 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Teacher: Iina Välimaa
Friday 9.00-11.45
22.8.2025-12.12.2025
This course is designed for immigrant women from third countries who have limited digital skills. The goal is to improve participants' computer and internet usage, which is essential for managing daily life and in the workplace.
Course Content
Introduction to Computers: Participants will learn the basics of a computer, including its components, how to start and shut down the computer, and how to manage user accounts. The course also covers creating, saving, and organizing files.
Email Usage: The curriculum includes creating and using an email account, sending and receiving emails, and adding and opening attachments. It also covers email etiquette and security.
Internet Use and Information Search: Participants will learn how to use a web browser, search for information using different search engines, and identify reliable and safe information. The course also covers basic internet safety, including data and privacy protection.
Word Processing: This section covers the basic functions of a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs), including creating, editing, and saving documents. Participants will also learn basic formatting, such as fonts, paragraphs, headings, and lists, as well as how to print and share documents electronically.
- Digital Everyday Life: The course covers how to use online services for daily tasks, such as online banking and using public services like Kela and the Finnish Tax Administration. It also addresses safe online shopping and the basics of social media safety.
Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Use email for communication.
- Search for information on the internet safely and efficiently.
- Master the basic functions of word processing.
Understand how to use digital services for managing everyday life.
Target Audience
The course is for immigrant women from third countries with limited digital skills.
Teacher: Iina Välimaa
Monday 13.30-15.00
18.8.2025-8.12.2025
This course is for immigrant women from third countries who have limited or no math skills. The goal is to support participants in managing daily life by teaching them basic mathematical skills.
Course Content
The course focuses on primary school-level mathematics and covers the following topics:
- Basic calculations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Basic concepts: Percentages and units of measurement.
- Practical applications: Using mathematical skills in everyday situations like shopping, following recipes, and creating a budget.
Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Perform basic calculations.
- Understand the basic concepts of percentages and units of measurement.
- Apply the skills they've learned to everyday situations, which will make it easier to integrate into their new environment.
Target Audience
The course is for immigrant women from third countries with limited math skills.
Teacher: Iina Välimaa
Tuesday 13.00-15.15
Course dates: 16 September, 30 September, 21 October, 4 November, 18 November and 25 November 2025
Teacher: Mona Varjonen
The Fun to Learn course includes a variety of educational activities and group trips. The sessions are held in Finnish and focus on learning practical, everyday skills with the goal of strengthening social inclusion.
Tuesday 12:45 - 15:30
11 September - 20 December 2025
Teachers: Direm Rabiaa, Batul Ali and Rizan Mohammed
The Integration Support Course offers support, guidance, and advice for managing everyday matters. The goal of the service is to strengthen women's self-reliance.
Friday 12:00 - 15:00
5.9 - 31.12.2025
Teachers: Batul Ali, Rabiaa Direm ja Rizan Mohammed
The courses in working life skills, digital skills, mathematics and cooking are part of the project "Lowering barriers to employment for immigrant women in the Turku region" funded by the European Union.
