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Children and Young people

Education

A description of the education system in Finland, as well as information about early childhood education and comprehensive schools can be found in the Education section. (Guide to Päijät-Häme - Education)

Health and Social services for children, young people and families

In Lahti, the health services of pregnant people, families expecting a child, as well as children under school age and their families take place at Lahti Family Centre (Perhekeskus). For information about Lahti Family Centre and the family services of other Päijät-Häme municipalities, see Alipi's material. (Alipi - Children and youngsters)

Family services of Kela

Kela provides many services and financial benefits for families with children, including parental allowance and different options for childcare allowance. Please see Kela’s website to find out which benefits are relevant for your personal situation.

Hobbies and activities for children and young people

In Finland, there are many instructed hobby activities available for children and young people including sports, dancing, music, arts, and theatre, to name but a few. The hobby groups can be organised by municipalities, associations, adult education centres and private organisations.

Hobby groups

On Harrastelahti website (in Finnish), it is possible to search for courses and hobby groups for children. In addition, a few examples of organisations that organise group activities for children and young people in some of the most popular hobbies in Finland are listed below (please note that most of the websites are in Finnish):

In addition, local schools may have some weekly hobby groups for children and young people. Please check your municipality’s website for more information.

There are also other institutions offering hobby groups for children and young people. Wellamo Community College operates in Lahti, Asikkala, Hollola, Kärkölä, Orimattila and Padasjoki, and offers hobby groups, for example, in sport, arts, and crafts. Harjula Community College (in Finnish) is based in Lahti and organises, for example, children’s camps and offers hobby groups in sport and music. The East Häme Adult Education Institute (in Finnish) offers classes for young people in Hartola and Sysmä. In Heinola, it is possible to find hobby groups organised by Heinola Community College (in Finnish).

Family clubs and play groups

4H is an international youth development organisation offering a community for all children. 4H in Finland arranges leisure activities for children and young people between the ages of 6 and 28. Please read more about 4H on their website.

Local 4H associations arrange activities for different kinds of groups such as sport groups, cooking clubs and summer camps. You can find more information on websites listed below concerning the 4H associations operating in Päijät-Häme:

Local parishes organise family clubs and play groups. Please find a list of parishes operating in Päijät-Häme here. (Alipi - Free time)

The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) is a non-governmental organisation operating throughout Finland. You can read more about MLL on their website. For information about the activities and services available in Päijät-Häme, please check the websites of the local MLL associations listed below:

Playgrounds

Information about public playgrounds in the Päijät-Häme municipalities can be found on the following websites:

Third party support services for children, young people and families

Please read more about support services in Alipi's material. (Alipi - Children and youngsters)