Kompassi – A community center for diverse cultures in Kuopio

Kompassi, an international meeting point in Kuopio, Finland, has been fostering inclusivity and integration since its establishment in 1999 by Settlement Puijola ry. Situated in the heart of Kuopio, Kompassi serves as a vital meeting place for immigrants and the local population, promoting mutual understanding and social cohesion.

Integration and inclusion through community engagement

Kompassi coordinates various hobby and peer-support groups, including language clubs, sports, dance, and art groups. These groups provide opportunities for individuals to engage in community activities, share experiences, and build networks. Some groups also perform at local events, further enriching the cultural landscape of Kuopio.

Kompassi also provides a platform for local and international talents to showcase their talents through different events and happenings throughout the year. Kompassi’s Mahdollisuuskien Tori (Market of Possibilities) is one of its biggest and most loved events of the year. The event connects local associations and organizations, while stage programs bring the fragrance of cultural diversity.

“We have daytimes, evenings and weekends group activities which are meant for different groups such as sports groups, hobby groups and some peer support groups. They have their own timings which you can find them from our schedule (at the event calendar’s page on Setlementti Puijola’s website) to see when these group activities would be available and you can go and it is free of charge for you”, says Varsha Shurpali, community coordinator at Kompassi.

Supportive place to practice Finnish

For many internationals, Kompassi is a supportive place to practice and improve their Finnish language skills.

One of Kompassi’s core missions is to support immigrants in their integration journey. The center offers free Finnish language lessons focusing on everyday communication, enhancing participants’ understanding of Finnish society and culture. These lessons are held at Kompassi’s premises and are free and open to all, without the need for prior registration.

Kompassi serves as a vital support hub where immigrants facing challenges can turn for help and guidance

Kompassi also offers personal counseling services to assist immigrants with everyday matters and different life situations. This support extends to authorities, workplaces, educational institutions, organizations, and media seeking insights into immigrant-related issues.

“We at Kompassi try to help people, migrants’ community especially to gain their footage in Finland or Kuopio especially, and we try to help them move forward in their lives through different channels”, says Shurpali.

Volunteers are the heart of our success

Volunteering is a cornerstone of Kompassi’s operations. In 2024, approximately 77 active volunteers contributed to the center’s activities, participating in various roles such as leading groups, coordinating events, and assisting in Finnish language lessons. Kompassi encourages volunteers to bring their ideas to life, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

“Kompassi has a very strong volunteer base. Our volunteers are coming from different fields, and it includes Finnish people and migrants’ community. Our volunteers do their works at Kompassi with a lot of capacity and experience, and they brighten up our activities so much. We are so thankful for the years together (with volunteers) for they have been the backbone of Kompassi”, says Shurpali.

The impact of Kompassi, reflected through key figures (2024 statistics)

• 1,300 counseling sessions conducted
• 20 different language, hobby and peer-support groups offered
• Kompassi was visited 17,226 times by people from more than 55 nationalities
• 2,162 volunteer hours contributed
• Approximately 20 events organized + Market of possibilities event with 14,000 visitors
• 479 individuals engaged in multicultural discussions
• 320 individuals attended non-stop Finnish lessons

Partnerships That Drive Kompassi’s Success

Kompassi’s efforts are supported by the Assistance Center for Social and Health Organizations (STEA) and the city of Kuopio, ensuring the continuity and expansion of its services.

In summary, Kompassi stands as a beacon of inter-cultural integration in Kuopio, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community among diverse populations. Its comprehensive approach to language education, community engagement, and volunteerism exemplifies effective strategies for supporting immigrants and promoting inclusivity.

To see more information about Kompassi’s services and activities, visit their page at Settlement Puijola’s website.

Text: Ezekiel Kuhoga

Photo: Varsha Shurpali

The series about international communities is part of Talent First’s efforts to support the integration of international professionals into the region. For the series, a video introduction was created for each community. You can watch all the videos on YouTube.