Among the largest communities with immigration backgrounds are Estonians, Russians, Ukrainians, Iraqis, Chinese, Somalis, Filipinos, Indians, and Iranians.
Research shows that Finland is perceived as one of the most racist countries in Europe, yet immigrant voices remain largely unheard, in a news desert. With 10% of Finland’s population having a foreign background, and with a steady increase in immigration, integration challenges persist.
The project aims to advance democratic inclusion by addressing key issues, such as access to local information, especially on politics and employment, and other key Verde themes such as sustainability, environment, and equal rights.
Verde will produce high-quality journalism in English, overcoming language barriers that may exclude many immigrants from public discourse. Beyond publishing, we will actively engage immigrant audiences through innovative outreach to multipliers and other strategic formats. With this support, Verde can uphold democracy, foster pluralism, and reach an underserved audience.
Goals (expected) of the project
- Create new, fact-based journalism about immigration in Finland. The more this topic is covered with high journalistic standards, the more it can advance the human rights of the many minority immigrant groups.
- Expand the sources for information for the many immigrant groups in Finland and help fill their news gaps: these audiences would deserve a better access to other articles about Finnish society, politics, decision-making, and many other national and local topics. We believe this is crucial in raising awareness and increasing knowledge about immigration issues but also in improved integration into Finnish society hence, stronger democracy.
- Promote diversity of voices, boost dialogue and actively provide space for multiple opinions and topics of concern, by inviting and publishing texts (columns, opinion editorials) by immigrant authors residing in Finland.
- By actively reaching out for and engaging with all major immigrant networks in Finland, we aim for real dialogue and strengthen inclusion, equality and democracy among the different immigrant groups of Finland.
- Explore innovative formats and future resources: video, audio, and newsletters. Seek actively for sponsorships and new revenue models.
