Huopalahti Deanery Multicultural Project

Many people living in our parish area come from different language and cultural backgrounds. Four parishes in the Huopalahti Deanery - Haaga, Kannelmäki, Munkkiniemi and Pitäjänmäki - are working together on a two-year multicultural project (2026-2027). The project began at the start of this year. It is for all people living in the area, regardless of their background. It is also for partners, organisations, and communities that work with local residents.

What does the project aim to do?

Make parish activities easier to find, follow, and join

• Help staff and volunteers meet people from different cultures and language backgrounds
• Create plain-language materials in Finnish and multilingual information about parish activities
• Organise open and easy-to-join events and meeting places
• Offer support and guidance for people who find it difficult to join parish activities or manage everyday life
• Share good practices between the parishes

The project supports people from different cultural and language backgrounds to participate in parish activities and in everyday personal and community life. Our goal is to promote equality, participation, and mutual understanding. We want parishes to respond better to the needs of people from different backgrounds. We want the local parish to be a place where everyone feels welcome and included. We offer open and low-threshold activities which are easy to participate in and meet others. You do not need any previous experience with parish life - you are welcome just as you are.

We work together with local partners, organisations, and networks to reach out to more people and make participation easier for everyone.

Would you like to join parish activities, cooperate, or receive support? Please feel free to contact us. We can talk together and find the best way forward.

Ali Kazemi, Project Manager, Multicultural Project, Kannelmäki Parish, Tel. +358 9 2340 3812, email: ali.kazemi@evl.fi