South Ostrobothnia College is a multicultural learning environment with around 450 students, including many immigrants. There are about 70 teachers and staff members working on the campus. The college hosts Kindergarten Pääskysaari, which provides a safe, nurturing, and positive learning environment for children aged 1–5 years. The kindergarten emphasizes warmth, acceptance, and supporting the well-being of both children and their families.
The project is based in Ilmajoki, a small countryside town of about 12,000 people. It is a peaceful, rural environment. The college community is diverse, with students from different countries and backgrounds, including refugees from Ukraine. The nearest larger city, Seinäjoki (population 65,000), is about 15 km away.
Kindergarten Pääskysaari offers daycare services and early education. There are around 75 children divided into five groups based on age, with three teachers or caregivers per group. The kindergarten also serves as a training environment for college students studying childcare. The kindergarten is located about 2 km from the campus area.
The volunteer supports kindergarten activities as an assistant and helps create an intercultural learning environment. Tasks include:
Basic English skills, an interest in early childhood education and working with children aged 1–5, and a positive, active attitude are important qualities for volunteers.
Ilmajoki
The volunteer will stay in a student dormitory on the college campus. Meals are provided at the kindergarten, weekend meals are provided by the volunteer. The kindergarten, college, and accommodation are all within walking distance (max 2 km).
WORKING DAYS/HOURS
The kindergarten operates Monday to Friday, and the volunteer’s schedule is typically from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
ACCESSIBILITY
Working in a group of children and the limitations of the facilities set requirements for the volunteer’s ability to work at the kindergarten. The
volunteer’s suitability for working in Pääskysaari is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We work with the support of or in cooperation with:
