What's going on in Uusikaupunki

8 Tiistaina 30. lokakuuta 2018 What is the best thing about Uusikaupunki? W H A T , S G O I N G O N I N U U S I K AU P U N K I ? Mirva Salonen has a heart to heal the world UUSIKAUPUNKI Granger T. Simmons Mirva Salonen is Finnish teacher who taught Finnish as a second language to im- migrants for 12 years. During those 12 yearsMirva realized that her job as a teacher was more than just teaching the Finnish language, she also became a very important re- source for her students. Ms. Salonen became more of a mentor; offering guid- ance and support in figuring out the most suitable educa- tional and professional paths to follow. –The first time I went into the classroom where there were people from 18 differ- ent countries, it blewmymind and I quickly understood that this was the place for me. I realized that I can help these people. I can learn about themandwhat kindof people they are. Many of them have had bad experience, war and stuff like that. Itwas a goodex- perience from the beginning and I realized that our inter- actionswouldbeoneof learn- ing and giving. This opportu- nitywaswhat Iwas looking for because I found that I could make a difference. – I have a heart to heal the world. I am drawn to places where help is needed. This is something that I want to do. At first I felt inadequate be- cause I felt the need to know everything about every cul- ture, but somehow I under- stood that its not important to know everything about ev- erything. I just need to meet them, get to know them, and be there for them. PRIOR TO COMING to Uusikaupunki, Mirva was working in Laitila, at the Red Cross reception center, help- ing asylum seekers with resi- dence and work permits, pa- perwork, and integration into the Finnish society. She now works as Integra- tion Project Manager/Res- idential Guide for the Vak- ka-Suomi area, serving var- ious municipalities. Mirva’s office is located in Uusikau- punki but her guidance and information extends beyond Uusikaupunki, into Laitila, Vehmaa, Kustavi, Pyhäranta and Taivassalo. As the Integration Project Manager, Mirva’s tasks in- clude identifying the needs of immigrants and residents, and building networks be- tween local associations/ groups and immigrants. One of her main goals is to equipthelocalcommunityand localassociationswiththetools needed toengage and support immigrant integration. Mirva serves as a resource person, and offers informa- tion about “what to do” in the city (eg., activities, services, hobbies, daily needs, emer- gency needs). AS THE Residential Guide, Mirva’s tasks include giving assistance to new residents of Vakka-Suomi, whether Finn- ish or immigrant. She works to figure out what services the citywants to develop for thenewresidents, and also to find out what the local employers need so that job openings can be filled. –We have to cut down the negative talk. Finns are be- coming an extinct species and we need people here. It’s not a threat, it’s an op- portunity. Bring the people together and take contact. Lets do something together and help them see what we have in common, and not fo- cus on what is different. If you would like more in- formation please contact Mirva.Salonen@ukipolis.fi or 040 736 6576 Mirva Salonen taught Finnish as a second language to im- migrants for 12 years. PERSON OF THE MONTH PERSON OF THE MONTH Mirva Salonen ■■ Project Manager, Resi- dential Guidance (Asukas- luotsaus), IIRA- Immigrant intergration to rural areas ■■ Service areas: Uusikau- punki, Laitila, Vehmaa, Kustavi, Pyhäranta and Taivassalo. What’s going on -page This English page comes out approxi- mately once a month in Uudenkaupungin Sanomat. It is all about local people and events and sharing helpful tips to new residents. The pro- ducer of What’s go- ing on is Granger Simmons. Hehku Carnival lights up the city on November 2nd UUSIKAUPUNKI The second annual Hehku Carnival will take place on the evening of November 2nd in Rauhanpuisto area. The event is suitable for the whole family to come and enjoy the beautiful lights, and communal atmosphere of the city. There will be live mu- sic performed by trouba- dour Mikko Itäranta and a gospel choir conducted by Granger Simmons . You can also enjoy the treats of the international foodmar- ket – Confusion Kitchen, see a juggler and take your kids to a pony ride. There will also be a puppet show and a nice bedtime story in the library and so much more fun things to see and do! Welcome to join the glowy atmosphere of He- hku! The carnival will open at 5 pm and continue till 8. The event has free entry. PIRKKO VARJO GALLUP I asked three people to tell me in their opinion what is the best thing about Uusikaupunki and why? ■■ Katerina Vasina, 29 years old, Valmet Automotive Uusikaupunki is a small town but there are lot of activities available. At summer you can go to swim in the lake or go for kayaking. Autumn is a very beautiful season, and you can pick berries and mushrooms in the nearest forests. At winter time, ic- eskating on the pond in the city is popular. During the spring I prefer more indoor activities such as going to the gym. Everyone can find something to do. Also, the climate here in Uusikaupunki is the best out of all places in Finland. ■■ Emeka Adigwe, 10 years old The best thing is the sea. ■■ Bernard Klu, 27 years old I will have to say that the automotive indus- try is the best thing about Uusikaupunki because it employs a lot of people from dif- ferent backgrounds. Also, this city has some of the best views I have ever seen. Word of the month Finnish: Ötököitä English: Bugs The second Hehku carnival will take place on friday. KARI MIKAEL VIRTANEN