The discussion in Finland about foreigners is often painfully problem-centered, monolithic, and, to be honest, based more on false preconceptions than facts. Not all groups are the same, nor do they share similar goals. This is often forgotten. A diplomat’s daughter is in a very different position than a refugee’s elderly parents.
The Left Alliance, as a party, has included in its platform goals to improve equality and work towards equity in society as a whole. At the local level in Tampere Left Alliance, we have, however, realized that as much as we want to promote multiculturalism, equity, and diversity, we don’t necessarily look or sound very diverse. And if we want to make changes in society that benefit all, not the few, we must start with improving ourselves and how we work. That is why we have formed an informal group called MultiTaLe- Multicultural Tampere Left.
One locally pressing issue for multilingual families in Tampere has been the city’s decision to cut teaching of mother tongue languages from two to one hour. From studies, we know that for bilingual children and their learning, it is essential that their skills in their mother tongue are supported. The city, however, struggles with financial issues and has made cuts to language education, and is instead concerned with the lack of Finnish skills. Some members of MultiTale have joined together with others with the goal of making a municipal initiative to increase the right to education in one’s mother tongue from one hour to two hours per week. Last autumn, the hours were cut from two to one. For many, it meant no longer being able to attend classes.
Another issue that requires attention is unemployment and clear racism in the workplace. Employers are scared to hire foreigners, even for jobs where Finnish language is not a requirement. Some report that in job interviews they have been told straight that their accent or cultural background is an issue. Anonymous recruitment could be a part of the solution, but what is needed is a bigger change in how we view diversity.
How can we make party politics in Tampere more approachable for different language groups? What kind of changes in policies should we promote in order to be more inclusive? What issues are at the moment on a local level relevant to be addressed? What special questions should we take into account when making decisions? These are the type of questions we want to find answers to together. MultiTale and Tampere Left Alliance want to welcome all to our events and promote changes which are meaningful to our multicultural citizens. The first step will be a panel discussion planned for 7.5 at 17.30 at the Left Alliance office. Follow Instagram and Vasen Kaista- events page for more information. The future is Left and we want You to be a part of it.
The writer is a member of the MultiTaLe group/ Tampere Left Alliance and has grown up in the USA and has a multicultural and multilingual family.
Tämä on erittäin inspiroiva ja tärkeä aloite monikulttuurisemman Tampereen puolesta; mitkä ovat mielestänne ne kriittisimmät askeleet, joilla varmistetaan, että inklusiivisuus toteutuu käytännössä myös työelämässä ja päätöksenteossa? Terveisin Telkom University Jakarta