The word ‘Settlement’
- Borrowed from English (settlement, to settle).
- It means a settlement, settling down to live, adapting, and reconciling.
- It also refers to a local member association of the Finnish Settlement Federation.
What does ‘settlement’ mean?
Setlementtiasunnot is part of the politically and religiously unaligned settlement work.
Values of Settlement Work
We uphold settlement values in our work. The aim of religiously and politically unaligned settlement work is to promote equality, pluralism, and social justice.
What does ‘settlement’ mean?
The Settlement Movement is a religiously and politically unaligned multidisciplinary organization with over 100 years of tradition.
The Finnish Settlement Movement is over 100 years old
The Settlement Movement originated in England in the late 19th century when a group of university students realized that slum formation, social distress, and marginalization were increasing with industrialization. They established community centers that offered education and support to those struggling with social problems.
The first London-style settlement, Kalliola, was founded in Kallio, Helsinki, in 1919. Today, the Setlementtiasunnot office is still located in the Kalliola settlement house.
Settlement Work – Community, Participation, and Equality
In Finland, there are 30 settlements operating across the country. Each of them reflects its local community. Together, we form a strong and influential movement aiming to promote community, participation, and equality. Settlement work annually impacts tens of thousands of people – children, youth, families, seniors, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
Activities throughout Finland
Approximately 2,600 professionals work within the Finnish Settlement Movement, with over 2,900 volunteers also involved. The activities are based on genuine encounters and valuing others.
The activities are diverse and respond to the needs of local communities. Key forms of activity include:
- Child and Youth Work
- Senior and Elderly Care
- Crisis and Support Work
- Liberal Adult Education: three folk high schools, 13 adult education centers
- Housing Services and Communal Living: safe homes for various life situations
- Multicultural Work and Integration: support and inclusion for immigrants
- Volunteer and Civic Activities: opportunities to influence and participate
- Culture and Hobbies
Values and Operating Principles
The values of the Settlement Movement are based on community, equality, and valuing human beings. At the core of our work is the idea that every person is valuable and everyone has the right to participation and a meaningful life.
The values and operating principles of the Settlement Movement are based on being:
- An advocate for equality and justice
- A bridge-builder and strengthener of community
- A multidisciplinary and evolving actor.
The Settlement Movement influences and works to ensure that Finland has:
- Vibrant communities
- Equality and justice
- Well-being throughout life.
Part of an International Community
The Finnish Settlement Movement is part of an international settlement movement operating in over 30 countries. Together, we create a better and more humane society.
Settlement as a Neighbor – What do Settlements do?
