Is non-formal learning a solution to enhance immigrant children’s empowerment in northern Finnish communities?

Abstract

ABSTRACT The increasing diversity in northern Finland calls for innovative ways to support the development of immigrant children’s socio-cultural skills so that they may improve their integration and active participation in Finnish society. Validating their competencies and recognising their academic and soft skills within non-formal learning environments can ease this integration and participation outside of school hours. This study explored special measures that can encourage young people to participate in the local community and in wider social work and assessed the roles that organisations play in providing non-formal education. In 2018, this qualitative research study conducted a focus group discussion amongst stakeholders (N = 40) in Rovaniemi, Finland. The results indicated that non-formal education and the recognition of the skills that children acquired through it resembled experiential learning, which can empower individuals. While non-formal education and learning are considered to be effective tools for empowering and encouraging participation from immigrant children, these terms require more explicit definition and development.