Page 4 - Kotouttamisohjelma_2014-2020_inEnglish

1. Introduction

In the City of Rovaniemi‟s Integration Programme, it is brought to the fore how the in-
creasing internationality is regarded in the city, which languages are spoken, and which
nationalities are represented by the people who have moved here.

The foreign nationals who live in and have moved to the city of Rovaniemi can feel wel-
come when the right sorts of services are provided. When we engage in the right kinds of
actions with people of various ages, the result is a town which creatively boasts the char-
acter of Lapland and is also genuinely international for children, youth, families, those of
working age and senior citizens.

The programme takes the National Integration Programme 2012–2015, Lapland‟s Emigra-
tion Strategy 2017 and the city‟s strategy and internationalization strategy all into consid-
eration.
Integration efforts have been going on in Rovaniemi since 1989. Integration represents
expertise through which newcomers receive readiness and obtain a connection with the
town, as well as learn both the Finnish language and the culture of Finland. Integration
represents interactive learning, the acquisition of knowledge and the formation of a spe-
cific attitude. Integration measures are being implemented in all city services. They are
resourced in the city‟s budget and are included within service orders. Good ethnic relations
and equality are at the hub of all the city‟s operations.
The implementation of the Integration Programme is reported once each City Council pe-
riod to the City Government. This way it is ensured that those who have moved and con-
tinue to move to Rovaniemi from other countries for various reasons receive equal treat-
ment in service provision. Responsibilities are assigned in order to coordinate integration.
The realization of the programme is monitored by an integration group, which invites not
only actors from the City but also from, for instance, schools, organizations, Lapland Em-
ployment and Economic Development Office and Lapland Centre for Economic Develop-
ment, Transport and the Environment.

The City of Rovaniemi determines, by separate resolution, the total number of refugees
received.

Rovaniemi (24 September 2013)

Matti Ansala, Deputy Mayor

1