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ANNUAL REVIEW 2017
CONTENTS Year of growth and reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ethically sustainable operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Donors help children around the world. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Child protection as figures in 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kotimaan ohjelma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Service operations alternative care units units for minors family rehabilitation . . . . . 9 Eväitä Elämälle in 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Our newest local association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Children and digital media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 International adoption service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Nearby Support project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Familyhouse activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Summary of success in Development projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Advocacy work (Citizen and advocacy work) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 International Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Results archieved in 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Reduction of child poverty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Child protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Health and nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 High-quality early childhood education and preschool education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Children’s rights and business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Disaster risk reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Children’s Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Our HR services are reforming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Medals of merit granted in 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Administrative bodies in 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 Editing Carita Päivänen, Pelastakaa Lapset ry Layout Atte Nykänen, Pelastakaa Lapset ry Photos Save The Children Publisher Save The Children Finland Printing 2018 ISBN 978-952-7112-44-1
YEAR OF GROWTH AND REFORM
Save the Children has been growing strong- The new organisation was adopted in August,
ly for a long time. Even though part of the but its details, the new structures and ope-
growth in recent years has been brought rating models were tuned further during the
about by the asylum seeker situation and will rest of the year. The new organisation and
probably slow down in that respect, there domestic programme aim at more efficient
has been a clear need to revise the organisa- utilisation of resources and the expertise of
tion from the point of view of efficiency and the different teams for the entire organisa-
streamlining. tion’s use, as well as strengthening children’s
rights-based programme work in operations
The past year was a time of strong reorga- in Finland.
nisation. Building the domestic programme,
launched the previous year, was completed. Support services (finances, IT, HR, commu-
At the same time, almost our entire organi- nications, fundraising) clarified their action
sation was reformed. All domestic content-re- promise, and the different processes of these
lated functions were centralised under the functions were developed intensively. All of
domestic programme leader and support this aimed and aims to create a continuously
services were reorganised. An intermediate improved framework for the implementation
level was created for the domestic operations of the strategy and reaching its content-re-
organisation (approx.200 employees), the lated objectives.
domestic programme management group
and Board of Directors decided to strengthen The year under review was very successful
the organisation’s HR, communications and both operationally and financially, and all
fundraising by hiring new management group of our employees, volunteers and sponsors
members to manage these operations. taking part in various ways are to thank for
that. Without their effort, the association
could not operate in many respects.
Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta
Secretary General
Save the Children
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 3
ETHICALLY SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS
NGO work is challenging. Whether you do of our personnel, preventing bullying and
it for a living or as a volunteer, the work and harassments. In addition, Save the Children
its results are constantly open to the criticism invested in the development of its personnel
of the customers, society and stakeholders. last year by hiring a human resource manag-
The media is quick to cling to any suspect- er. This is because the organisation wishes to
ed issues. This has lately been evident in the develop its operations by ensuring that the
Finnish media as well. personnel feel at ease in their work.
Strict morals and strong ethical values are Why is this important? People want to
required from each person involved in the join NGOs that enable them to carry out
operations of Save the Children. We are meaningful work and identify with the goals
dealing with children who are vulnerable or and objectives. Identifying with the goals is
otherwise in need of help. The helper must particularly important for many people. The
know what to do and how to do it. The trust operations must also be reliable, transparent
between the “helper and the helpee” must and open. Last year, Save the Children also
not be broken under any circumstances. hired a new manager to develop the organ-
isation’s communications, marketing and
Save the Children has operated for 96 years fundraising.
and is an important part of the Finnish NGO
sector. The integrity of our work is demon- Cases of malpractice in NGOs and charity
strated by the fact that, over the years, we organisations have recently been featured in
have rarely encountered malpractice suspi- the international media. Investigating suspi-
cions, and even those few were never directed cions of malpractice and taking immediate,
at the children we are helping. relevant action against it is in the interests of
all the operators.
Everyone working at Save the Children
knows their responsibility. They also know to The news coverage reveals that the social at-
report any malpractice without delay and to mosphere has rapidly changed and ethically
take immediate action against it. This is one and morally sustainable operations and ac-
of our most important duties and corner- tions are now highly valued. This is perfectly
stones of the credibility of our operations. in line with the principles of Save the Children
as ethical and moral viewpoints have always
The Board of the organisation regularly been considered the cornerstones of our op-
monitors that the children are treated well. erations. Of that, we can be happy and proud.
Unusual incidents are reported annually.
We also monitor the appropriate treatment
Juhani Pekkala
Chairperson
Save the Children
Pelastakaa Lapset ry:n pääsihteeri Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, pääjohtaja Save the Children
International, Pelastakaa Lapset ry:n hallituksen puheenjohtaja Juhani Pekkala ja hallituksen jäsen Julia Korkman.
4 SAVE THE CHILDREN
DONORS HELP CHILDREN AROUND THE
WORLD
We would like to thank our long-term and new private also attracted people to purchase immaterial gifts from
donors, corporate partners, foundation donors and be- the Toivekauppa.fi webshop. The most popular presents
quest donors, whose significant assistance allowed Save were books for youth in low-income families and sports
the Children Finland to carry out child protection work with a sports mentor.
and promote children’s rights in Finland and abroad.
We would also like to warmly thank our main partners GOOD-SPIRITED CHRISTMAS RUN MOVED
Nokia, Lidl, Kesko and MTV. FINNS
The income from donations and other fundraising ac- A total of 1,200 runners and walkers took part in the
tivities totalled €7.2 million in 2017, accounting for 24% Christmas run event at Finlandia Hall. We organised a
of the organisation’s total income. Funds donated to the children’s Christmas Run alongside the Christmas Run
Save the Children Finland Emergency Fund efficiently already for the second time. We developed the partici-
reach those needing help: in 2017, our fundraising ex- pant experience of the event with activities for children
penses were 23.5%. and distributing product bags donated by our corporate
partners to all participants, which provided a lot of joy.
FINNS ACTIVELY HELPED CHILDREN AND The crowd was entertained by the musician LEO and
YOUTH women’s choir Elegia.
More than 3,000 new monthly donors joined us during Companies such as Nordea and Telia took part in the
2017. Our monthly donors and sponsors supported our volunteer activities of the Christmas Run, helping in
efforts to help children in distress in Finland and around organising the event. Telia and Save the Children realised
the world by donating approximately €1.8 million in the Digiboom campaign during the year. Additional infor-
2017. mation about the campaign in provided on page 15.
Finns donated nearly €1,000,000 to support our human- The main partner for the Christmas Run was IceBug.
itarian aid activities. The most donations were given to Our long-term partner Runners High was responsible
children suffering from the war in Syria and children suf- for the practical organisation of the event already for
fering from hunger crisis in the drought areas in Eastern the fourth time. We would like to warmly thank the oth-
Africa, among other regions. er partners in the event: Berner Oy, Cool-X, Fiskars
Corporation, Helsingin Mylly Oy, Kesko Corpora-
The largest campaign of the year, the Christmas fund- tion, Lidl, Restel Oy,TransMeri Oy and Viking Line.
raising campaign, raised funds to help children in Finland
and support the Eväitä Elämälle programme in particu- The next Christmas Run will be organised on
lar as is the tradition. The total income from the Christ- 1 December 2018 at Finlandia Hall. Welcome to join us!
mastime campaigns exceeded €1,000,000. Christmas
Save the Children’s trained face-to-face employees recruit regular More than 1,000 runners and walkers took part in the traditional
monthly donors around Finland Christmas Run event at Finlandia Hall. A number of companies were
involved, running for children and youth in Finland in a cheerful
spirit.)
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 5
COMPANIES STRONGLY INVOLVED IN project, and Nokia employees in ten different countries
HELPING CHILDREN took part in the campaign at the same time.
Sales of reusable bags at Lidl shops generated €100,000 AMOUNT OF DONATIONS FROM FOUNDA-
for the Eväitä Elämälle programme to support the TIONS AND BEQUESTS INCREASED
school attendance and hobbies of children and youth at
risk of social exclusion. Kesko shops sold Pirkka paper Save the Children received €200,000 from the Red Nose
bags throughout the year, and the campaign will contin- Day Fund fundraising drive, and the funds will be used to
ue in 2018. improve the social security of children and their families
living in poverty in India.
Suomalainen Kirjakauppa together with Otava real-
ised the Eläköön Lapsi campaign, generating almost Children’s Day Foundation donated a total of €4.5 mil-
€80,000 for child protection work in Finland. Suomalain- lion to child protection work in Finland in 2017, of which
en Kirjakauppa donated €22,000 to the Eväitä Elämälle €540,000 to Save the Children.
programme.
We also received financial support from the following
UPM made a significant donation to supporting the op- foundations and funds: Greta Maria Lindbloms Stiftelse,
portunities of youth at risk of social exclusion to attend Hartwall August Ludvig Stiftelse, Henry Fordin Säätiö,
school via the Eväitä Elämälle programme. Jenny ja Antti Wihurin Säätiö, Malm Otto A Donations-
fond, Ragnar Ekbergin Säätiö and Rantapolku Säätiö.
Almost €35,000 of the proceeds from the thousands
of litres of Unilever’s Ingman ice cream sold during the The amount of bequest donations increased year-on-
summer were donated to benefit children from low-in- year, amounting to almost €900,000. We continued our
come families in Finland. Berner Oy donated €30,000 participation in the hyvatestamentti.fi campaign for the
to the Eväitä Elämälle programme. Pågen realised a third year together with other NGOs and carried out
successful bread campaign and our long-term partner several campaigns to increase awareness of bequest
Kalevala Jewelry planned the Pohjoinen Valo (Northern donations.
Light) line of jewellery with profits donated to the Finn-
ish operations of Save the Children.
The most significant Nordic and international corporate
partners were Clas Ohlson, IKEA, Scandic Hotels and
Subway. Other significant corporate donors included
Fortum Oyj, Gerako Oy, Huutokaupat.com, Koivunen
Oy, Meyer Turku Oy, Optipari Oy, Osuuskauppa Kes-
kimaa, PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, Rauhanmajan Arki-
apu-Työosuuskunta, SAP Finland Oy, Sähköturvallisuuden
edistämiskeskus STEK ry and Valmet Corporation.
Customers visiting K and Lidl shops had the opportunity
to use their deposits from returned bottles and cans to
enter a lottery. The proceeds supported preventive child
protection in Finland via the Eväitä Elämälle programme. Suomalainen Kirjakauppa and Otava carried out the Eläköön
40 business administration students from the Raisio Lapsi campaign.The photograph shows Suomalainen Kirjakauppa’s
Regional Education and Training Consortium Raseko Commercial Director Reetta-Liisa Pikkola and Secretary General
took part in the deposit lotteries during the year at a Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta.
total of 20 Lidl and Kesko shops. The realisation of the
campaign was part of Raseko’s Retail service and sales
degree studies.
We continued our cooperation with Nokia, which has
continued for several years, in Myanmar, aiming to sup-
port early childhood education work and develop techni-
cal tools for early childhood education. We used tech-
nology to ensure the high quality and efficiency of early
childhood education centres. In 2017, a total of 28,192
children were covered by early childhood education. In
addition, Nokia employees around the world measured
their steps for a month in a campaign. The campaign was Nokia employees walked 25.3 million steps in ten different countries,
Nokia Mobile Networks’ occupational well-being pilot raising funds for Save the Children.The photograph shows the
walking team in Budapest.
6 SAVE THE CHILDREN
Lidl and Finlayson designed two reusable bags during the year, generating a total of €100,000 for Save the Children.The photograph shows
Lidl’s Commercial Director Timo Hansio and Secretary General Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta.
2017 REPORT ON OPERATIONS
Expenditures €29 million Income €30 million
1% 1%
6%
4%
24 %
36 %
28 % 61 % 10 %
29 %
Domestic activities Child protection service charges
International activities Public support
Administration Donations and other fundraising
Fundraising, investment and finance Investment and finance
Transfers from funds Other income
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 7
CHILD PROTECTION AS
FIGURES IN 2017
1 545 CHILDREN
FAMILIES
IN SUPPORT
854 CHILDREN RECEIVED HELP
FROM SUPPORT PERSONS
283 HOMES
CHILDREN IN HOLIDAY
179 CHILDREN HAD A SPORTS MENTOR
185 CHILDREN
CARE
IN FAMILY
34 CHILDREN’S HOMES
CHILDREN IN
1169 FAMILIES IN ADOPTION
COUNSELLING
23 INTERNATIONAL
CHILDREN ADOPTED VIA THE
ADOPTION
SERVICE
91 AND
CLIENTS RECEIVED ADOPTION
FAMILY CARE FOLLOW-UP
SERVICES
169 FAMILIES IN WAITING FOR A
FOSTER CHILD AND IN TRAINING
55 CHILDREN IN FAMILY
REHABILITATION
112 OPERATIONS
FOSTER FAMILIES INVOLVED IN
76 ASYLUM SEEKER CHILDREN
IN UNITS FOR MINORS
15 658 ONLINE YOUTH ACTIVITIES
PEOPLE WITHIN THE SPHERE OF
4 327 FINNISH HOTLINE NETTIVIHJE
TIP-OFFS RECEIVED VIA THE
8 SAVE THE CHILDREN
FINLAND PROGRAMME
Save the Children Finland Programme was built during The year 2017 joined together in an inspiring way the
2017. The programme joins together all Finland-based di- diverse and profound expertise in Finland-based work
rect support for children and families, civic activity along that can later be utilized even better to protect children’s
with member participation and support, strong advocacy rights in Finland.
work to influence societal structures and child-oriented
working methods as well as multifaceted development
work. The programme’s foundation is children’s rights. In
2017, work in Finland reached nearly 20,000 children. We
succeeded especially in raising awareness and focusing NEARLY 20,000
on the need for support of unaccompanied migrant
children, the importance of preventative work in child CHILDREN
and family support, the effectiveness of family rehabili- were reached by work in
tation in how families cope, prevention of online sexual Finland in 2017.
exploitation of children, and the importance of expert by
experience knowledge and child participation in family
and child support work.
SERVICE OPERATIONS ALTERNATIVE CARE UNITS
UNITS FOR MINORS FAMILY REHABILITATION
Reception centre activities among underage youth arriv- The operations of Pärske were changed into a special
ing alone in Finland decreased due to cuts by the Finnish youth home for youths aged 12–18 with special neuro-
Immigration Service. The operations of the group home psychiatric needs and/or slight learning disabilities as of
were discontinued in August 2017. We were able to guar- the beginning of 2017.
antee the youth security and continuity by establishing
integration-phase activities in its place. We established
the Finns support housing unit for youths aged 16–21.
Finns served 52 youths during the year. The operations
of the family group home continued, and some of the
group home youths were able to continue in a familiar
environment among safe adults. The activity helped a
total of ten youths.
We were able to expand family rehabilitation activi-
ties to better meet the clients’ needs. The Tyrsky and
Suvikumpu family rehabilitation units became 24-hour
operations. This was wished for by the municipalities, and
it will meet the families’ sense of safety and well-being
even better. Especially in families with small children, the
families can need support and assistance even during the
night. Families with babies have become more common
among our clients, which is the reason why this kind of
a change became necessary. Another piece of top news:
We managed to plan the new Onnela family rehabilita-
tion unit in Oulu. The model for family rehabilitation at
home was developed, and operations expanded into the
regional level.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 9
EVÄITÄ ELÄMÄLLE
IN 2017
Through the Eväitä elämälle aid programme, we support
the school attendance and hobbies of children and youth
at risk of social exclusion. Support is aimed at children
whose opportunities for attending school or taking part
in recreational activities is put at risk by family poverty
or other social problems. In 2017, the programme
supported the school attendance or hobbies of 1,559
children.
Supported children, total 1559
• 666 received aid for buying secondary school learning materials
• 81 children aged under 18 received aid for hobbies
• 112 children received support from a mentor
59 local associations of Save the Children took part in the
Eväitä elämälle aid programme
• Aid for buying learning materials was granted by 57 associations
• Aid for hobbies was granted by 52 associations
• Mentoring was organised by 4 associations
€402,867 was used to support studies and leisure activities
• €200,258 for buying learning materials
• €167,920 for hobbies
• €34,689 for mentoring
Breakdown of funds used
• Aid for buying secondary school materials 50%
• Aid for hobbies 42%
• Mentoring 8%
The average grant was €315
• €301 for buying learning materials
• €215 for hobbies
• €310 for mentoring
Children’s support was financed by aid and donated funds
• 42% by funds collected by the central organisation
• 58% by funds collected by the associations (€233,375)
10 SAVE THE CHILDREN”“I grew to believe that anyone can do anything and that you
get help when you ask for it. I was heard.”
– Girl who received support for the purchase of school books
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 11OUR NEWEST LOCAL ASSOCIATION
The Kirkkonummi local association was estab- EVÄITÄ ELÄMÄLLE
lished in May 2017. A group of young women was
thinking that child protection could be a hobby, a The Eväitä Elämälle aid programme was immediately
channel for advocacy work and a nice common included in the Kirkkonummi association’s activities.
activity. Though this support method, the board of the Kirk-
konummi local association got to know about the task
The idea of NGO work first emerged in the mind of of social welfare services, assessing the applications from
Susanna Lankinen, who was elected as the first chair of clients to be processed by the local association.
the association. When she switched from travel-oriented
work to more regular work, it seemed that Susanne had -“The youth we support have really impressed me. With
even too much time and energy so she needed to think their attitude, they have shown that they are much more
about something new to do. than the conditions they are in. There are schoolchildren
who take care of themselves and have major substance
- I began to think about volunteer work, what it could be abuse and mental health issues at home. It is an incred-
like for me, Susanna Lankinen ponders. ibly great feeling to be able to help them through the
local association’s Eväitä elämälle aid programme. This
Susanna’s co-worker was involved in Save the Children’s is exactly what we wanted to achieve by establishing the
sponsor activity and was quite enthusiastic when talking association,” Susanna Lankinen says.
about it. Therefore, Susanna also got excited about the
organisation. She thought that instead of a single child, At this point, the funds granted for study material aid
she would like to help many. and aid for hobbies are funds granted by the central of-
fice to the local association. Its own forms of fundraising
- I have good friends with the same energy as I have, so are still under development.
I began to think about us as a team and our energies
combined, and that is when the idea of establishing the In fact, the chair says that the best way to recruit people
association arose,” Susanna says. is to share your own enthusiasm. The very new associa-
tion already has thirteen members.
- I met Ira Kinnunen, who takes care of matters deal-
ing with local associations at Save the Children, and The first public event of the association was the Book
when I noticed how excited Ira was, it felt that also the Summer in Kirkkonummi reading skill campaign for
enthusiasm of us who were establishing the association schoolchildren aged 6–12 organised in cooperation with
increased further. The decision to establish the local the library. The children could craft their own library
association became stronger that way. crafts, making almost 150 bags. The children were also
given their own book passes, and everyone who had
After six months of operation, the board has learned three books marked as read in them took part in a
about association activities and thought about build- draw for a book prize. The local K shop donated food
ing the best possible annual plan, as such a small team for those taking part in the library event. Two of the
does not have the energy for “everything for everyone”; husbands of the local association’s board members wore
instead, the women wanted to find the forms of activity Patu and Tatu costumes, to the great joy of the children.
they consider the most meaningful, functional and well
known to locals. Having digital skills, the group also has - With this event, we were able to draw public attention
videoconferences. to our existence and effort to help local children from
families with limited means to have an equal childhood
with regard to studies and hobbies,” Susanna Lankinen
sums up.
12 SAVE THE CHILDRENFrom the left, board member Marie Dietrich, treasurer Marie Bergman, vice chair Hanna Haikonen and chair Susanna
Lankinen. Board member Hanna Härmä is missing from the photo.
KIRKKONUMMI LOCAL
ASSOCIATION LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS
Established in May 2017 Our local associations are affiliates
Members: 13 of national and world-wide Save the
Children Fund. Through their activities, the
VUONNA 2017 associations promote the organization’s
Granted Eväitä Elämälle study material aid €2,250 common goals. The foundation of all
Granted Eväitä Elämälle aid for hobbies €1,056 activities is the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child. Our mission is to
improve the way children are treated and
to immediately and permanently improve
children’s lives. We have a particular focus
on the most vulnerable children.
In 2017, there were 79 local associations in
Finland, with total of 4,846 members.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 13Winners of the national crime prevention competition, our experts Nina Vaaranen- Valkonen and Antti Järventaus received the certificate. Photo: Riikka Kostiainen, Ministry of Justice THE NETTIVIHJE HOTLINE SERVICE WON THE NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COMPETITION IN 2017 AND REPRESENTED FINLAND IN THE EUROPEAN CRIME PREVENTION AWARD COMPETITION. ”Sexual abuse during childhood increases the risk of During 2017, the Nettivihje hotline received more falling victim to a sex crime also later in adolescence reports of images or activities indicating sexual abuse and adulthood. The Nettivihje hotline is actually particu- of children than in past years. Of the reports, 66% were larly important to prevent falling victim repeatedly,” says considered to concern illegal images or activities indicat- district prosecutor Eija Velitski, Chair of the National ing sexual abuse of children. Council for Crime Prevention. The Nettivihje hotline has been receiving reports of images and activities indicating sexual abuse of children since 2002. With the service, flow of information about illegal content and activities becomes faster, giving the police better opportunities to intervene in the sexual abuse of children. Child protection and the Nettivihje hotline engage in unique international cooperation within the Internation- al Association of Internet Hotlines network (INHOPE) and ECPAT network, thanks to which information about newest forms of sexual abuse, in particular with regard to digital media, also becomes known in Finland. The unit’s experts train professionals and the authorities based on the most recent information. 14 SAVE THE CHILDREN
DIGIBOOM – CHILDREN’S
RIGHTS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
In 2017, Save the Children Finland and Telia combined
their forces with the aim of promoting children’s rights in
digital media. The cooperation realised under the Digi-
boom brand was granted the status of an official Finland
100 years project, and it reached out to thousands of
children and their parents at top events of the centenary.
Digiboom had an impact at three different levels. First,
it deepened Save the Children’s expertise in promoting
children’s rights in digital environments. Second, the
project managed to enroot understanding and expertise
in children’s rights in the operations of the collaborative
partner Telia. Third, the project challenged a large group
of people, children and adults, to reflect on their rela-
tionship to digital media and the skills required in them The Digiboom project reached out to thousands of youth
and children’s rights.
Digiboom was highly visible at SuomiAreena, Housing SUUNTA (DIRECTION) –
Fair Finland, World Village Festival, Reaktori, Tubecon,
GamExpo and Sexhibition fairs. GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING
IN IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
NETARI AGAIN REACHED TENS The Suunta (Direction) service, helping particularly in
questions relating to youth’s studies and employment,
OF THOUSANDS OF YOUTH reached out to more than 13,000 youth during 2017.
Interaction, guidance and counselling through the Suunta
During 2017, Save the Children’s digital youth activi- Chat service, Suunta forms and Habbo Hotel Suunta
ty Netari reached out to tens of thousands of youths desk reached more than 1,100 youth.
through different platforms. Investments in gaming on
the Twitch streaming platform, for example, continued as A Regional State Administrative Agency-funded develop-
a target for development in 2017. Discussions on topics ment project was launched during the second half of the
of interest to youth are had amidst gaming.Youth also year, aiming to improve special support, such as services
have an opportunity for one-on-one talks in Habbo given to youth with learning issues and dyslexia, in Fin-
Hotel and the Netari Ninchat service, among other plat- land. Another new project was cooperation with Oikotie,
forms. There were approximately two-thousand deeper part of Sanoma Group, aiming to reach an increasingly
one-on-one interactions in Netari. In addition to online large number of youth with the service.
activities, Netari took part in the Assembly gaming event
popular among youth and Helsinki Pride with its own
programme.
Netari activities are carried out in cooperation with
municipalities and volunteers. In 2017, eight municipali-
ties and more than 100 online volunteers took part in it.
The number of volunteers increased by almost 20 during
the year. Additional assistance was received from Telia’s
Younite volunteers for both Netari and Digiboom events.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 15Photo: Sander Vill Photos INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SERVICE The year 2017 was the 29th year of our internation- al adoption service. We have placed a total of 1,844 children from 11 different countries in adoptive families in Finland during 1985–2017. During 2017, a total of 23 children found a new family through us (8 from China, 7 from the Philippines, 7 from Thailand and 1 from Kyr- gyzstan). Compared to the previous year, the number of adoptions increased by seven. Adoption cooperation also covered Bulgaria; the first applications were submit- ted there in 2015, but no children have arrived in Finland from there yet. Thorough multi-phase preparatory work has been performed by our foreign cooperation partners for each realised adoption. The reasons for a child needing to be adopted vary, but what they have in common is that in addition to early-age experience of being separated, the children have institutional and foster family backgrounds, which we take into account in looking for and preparing suitable families throughout the adoption process. The children’s ages ranged from 1 to 7 years. There were 3 children aged under 2 placed in adoptive families, 10 aged 2–3, 6 aged 4–5 and 4 aged 6–7. Of the children, 16 were boys and 7 girls. Our cooperation partners engage in valuable work to prepare the children for placement and, when permitted by the child’s age and development level, the child’s opinion was also taken into consider- ation in the adoption process. Our own role as an adoption service advisor in the re- ceiving country is to find applicants suitable for adoptive services. This year, the theme of the evening was “Ad- parenthood for our cooperation partners. We provide opted child’s expectations and what makes parenthood information and guide the adoption applicants’ adoption special”. An introduction to the theme was presented by process and prepare the family for interaction with the our chief physician Kirsi Kettunen, a specialist in child child. We worked actively with the adoption applicants and adolescent psychiatry. (89 persons) by assisting them in choosing the adoption contact, applying for an adoption permit and compil- Service-oriented and sensitive customer service makes ing the adoption documents for our partners. During it possible to know the applicants’ situation, which is an the waiting period, the applicants received training for important part of securing the process towards our for- adoption application trips and interaction with the child eign partners and our customers. However, finding new during the first days. Adoption applicants were trained adoption applicants and communicating about adoption in the Intercountry adoption process and target coun- opportunities are still an important part of our work tries information events (9 events), Get to know the tar- and a major challenge, with the number of adoption get country events (10), Interacting with the child on the applicants being low. In 2017, we enhanced our commu- pick-up trip training events (2). The applicants’ prepared- nications on social media and produced two videos on ness for the child’s physical special needs were supported e.g. the significance of adoption from the point of view of by organising two lecture days on adoptive children’s adopted adults and great joy of the realisation of adop- health. Our An Evening for Those Who Are Expecting tion and growing into a family. We also cooperated with event functions as an important meeting place of our other Finnish parties in the field of adoption to realise adoption applicants and the employees of our adoption the #Adoptionilo (Joy of Adoption) week event on social 16 SAVE THE CHILDREN
media. Our aim is to increase interest in adoption and eration partners in follow-up service questions.
find new adoptive families.
Save the Children Finland promotes the realisation of
Our work with our foreign partners includes increasing- children’s rights in the adoption process as a member
ly close cooperation with adoptees who have reached EurAdopt, the umbrella organisation of European adop-
adolescence and early adulthood in Finland and their tion organisations, and the Nordic Adoption Council
parents. We are planning for root-finding trips and (NAC). Irene Pärssinen-Hentula, our head of internation-
support the adoptees in thoughts relating to their own al adoption services, was appointed as Chair of NAC for
background and open questions through inquiries to the 2017–2019, during which time we will have an excellent
authorities in their country of origin. We maintain an opportunity to tighten Nordic cooperation in adoption.
adoption archive pursuant to the Finnish legislation on Finnish NAC member associations organised a Nordic
adoptions and provide guidance and support in parties adoption conference under the theme ”Current Phenom-
to adoption reviewing this information. In 2017, follow-up ena in Intercountry Adoptions” in Helsinki in September
service contacts particularly dealt with inquiries relating 2017. The topics of the conference included the FinnAdo
to root-finding trips and background of children adopted adoption survey, social media and adoption as well as
through us, root-finding trips to China and individual the utilisation of social media in post-adoption support.
root-finding trips to Thailand and the Philippines. In Save the Children Finland will continue its long-term
Finland, adoptions are openly discussed in families and work to promote children’s rights in adoptions.
social dialogue. As an adoption service provider, we also
help the customer to understand the wishes of our coop-
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 17ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE NEARBY
SUPPORT PROJECT 2017
At the end of the Nearby Support project, we concluded meetings requiring a social worker/counsellor have
that the year 2017 was filled with work and we reached decreased considerably with regard to the second child.
good results together. The target group of the Nearby The activity has a holistic impact on the entire family; in
Support project included children and parents waiting addition to children, the mother’s holistic well-being and
for a support family in the region of the Central Fin- coping with day-to-day life have improved.”
land regional office. New forms of support developed
and organised in the Nearby Support project emerged Customer feedback on Community-based group
through collaborative development with the families. The activities for children:
starting points were the wishes, thoughts and points of “The children have obtained new safe adults who care
view of the families and children waiting for a support for them, as well as new friends.”
family. In addition to the children and parents, the devel-
opment partners of the project employees have included “I believe that participation in the group activity has also
students, municipalities’ employees, experts from vari- increased the feeling of involvement and accumulated
ous fields and Save the Children employees in different social skills, which have been a challenge to the boys. Al-
regional offices. so, accepting and tolerating difference is something that
has been discussed a lot with the children in the project,
Joint development with the families worked well. It has and the situation has been improved to some extent this
provided the parents and children with motivation and way.”
made it easier for them to commit to support in the
development of which they have been engaged. Joint The aim of the project has been to interact with the chil-
development has been considered to be an empowering dren and parents, thereby strengthening their engage-
and meaningful experience. It has also provided new ment. Working with experts by experience has broken
methods and a meaningful way of working for the em- down conventional structures and challenged conven-
ployees. Cooperation has also strengthened the families’ tional expert knowledge. Influence work has taken place
networks and increased their resources. A customer’s in a parents’ group, for example, which is an open group
feedback: “We have met new people through the project. for every parent who has been involved in Save the Chil-
Peer support and finding out that we are not alone and dren’s activities. The possibility of influence and the peer
many others, too, have needed help and support increase support provided by the group have become important.
well-being.” The parents have given talks at several events, and they
have been enthusiastic over emphasising the significance
The project has also developed a new service, Commu- of interaction and timely services in particular. Feedback
nity-based group activities for children, which became from a parent: ”The project has taken concrete action
established as a Save the Children service in all Save the and organised training for social workers, through which
Children regional offices during 2017. During 2017, there the aim has been to give the customers a clearer voice.”
were a total of 15 groups around Finland, with 90 chil-
dren taking part in them. A video of Community-based Feedback from a customer:
group activities for children was made in 2017. ”The activities of the project have had positive impacts
on the mental well-being of parents. Mental well-being
Community-based group activities for children are based has also been increased by the feeling of not being alone;
on the Green care ideology, and it is realised as a new the project workers are by our side and know our fami-
kind of tripartite cooperation with Save the Children ly’s situation.” ”It feels nice to be involved in the activities
Finland being responsible for assembling the groups and and see the same families in them. It also feels good that
supporting operations, while entrepreneurs living in a we are not alone and there are people taking care of us
rural setting are responsible for realising the operations, and listening to us. It has been a delight to be part of the
and municipalities purchase the places in the groups Nearby Support project.”
child-specifically as support under the Child Protection
Act or Social Welfare Act for their clients. Children’s engagement has been strengthened through
workshops organised with the children and joint re-
Feedback from municipal social workers: search days. Their results include the Asiaa lapsilta
“The effectiveness of the operations has been directly (Children’s thoughts) video and Minun mielestäni (To my
connected to school and home. With the activity, we mind) photos.
have been able to gradually discontinue other services
for the family under the Social Welfare Act. Also network
18 SAVE THE CHILDRENThe opening of the Familyhouse in Kuopio was celebrated on
Valentine’s Day. As soon as the doors opened, more than 60
children flocked in. Instructors of the Kuopio Familyhouse from
the left: Anni Jääskeläinen and Liisa Törn, Familyhouse Coordinator
Johanna Marttinen and the Regional Director for Eastern Finland
Anne-Maria Saaristo.
FAMILYHOUSE
ACTIVITY
Save the Children manages two Familyhouses. One is by experience) project, and listening to the children
located in Joensuu and one in Kuopio. In addition, there and families has been developed with regard to both
is strong cooperation with the Iisalmen Perheentalo the day-to-day activities of the houses and events and
-yhteistyö network, in which the Iisalmi local association club activities (Nallekerho club and Wednesday club).
is also involved. The planning of the familyhouse activity The clubs are led by students. The content of the clubs is
began ten years ago, and it has been operating active- planned together with the children, and they make use
ly for five years. In 2017, Save the Children provided of diverse engagement methods, including storycrafting,
consultation on the creation of the structure of two new photography (favourite thing/place at the Familyhouse)
familyhouses in the Varkaus and Siilinjärvi regions. as well as picture and colour cards for diverse purposes.
The main objective of the familyhouses is to maintain a Family council activities have been tested at both houses,
low-threshold communal meeting place that strengthens aiming to develop the operations of the Familyhouse.
the well-being and engagement of children and families. The family council was realised as a checkpoint course
The familyhouses operate in a networked way through in which adults and children answered questions in
the collaboration of several parties. The activities involve various ways (e.g. picture cards, throwing bean bags).
children and families, non-governmental organisations, The answers were published on Facebook and the house
the public sector (municipalities, counties), educational operations were developed based on them.
institutions, parishes and businesses. The operations are
aligned with the government’s Programme to address A children’s activity day was organised in accordance
child and family services (LAPE). In fact, the familyhouses with the Nearby Support project model. The children
are seen as part of the new Family Centres. were aged 4–10 and they were mainly Familyhouse
visitors. The activity day included diverse fun activities for
In 2017, there were 27,000 Familyhouse encounters in children. The instructors were practical nursing students.
Joensuu and 15,000 in Kuopio. Some 60 visitors per day Children’s experiences were collected using the ”Ilojen
took part in the open house activities at both locations. aurinko, Harmitusten haamu ja Toiveiden puu” (“Sun of
In addition, there was plenty of visitors in groups, sum- joys, ghost of worries and tree of wishes”) method.
mertime activities and events.
The Familyhouse concept makes it easy to support
In 2017, the accessibility of all three Familyhouses was employment: there are several work experiment partici-
improved to make the activities genuinely open to all pants, interns and summer employees each year, as well
families. The Valpas and Lastu projects introduced the as occasionally persons included in the scope of rehabil-
point of view of disabled children, children with spe- itative work activities. In 2017, two youth living in foster
cial needs and immigrant children to the Familyhouse families were employed for a summer job at the pedal
concept. The skills of personnel to encounter and sup- car yard and one as a part-time Familyhouse instruc-
port different kinds of families were strengthened. The tor’s assistant. In addition, two other youth worked at
employees attended the Lapset puheeksi (Talking about the pedal car yard.
children) training (Lapsiomainen (Child family member)
project) as well as Selkokieli (Plain language) and Sa- Volunteers’ induction and recreational activities were
manlainen mutta niin erilainen (Similar, yet so different) strengthened in 2017. There were two induction events,
trainings (Valpas project). The accessibility criteria of the and one evening for active participants and volunteers. A
familyhouses were developed and the operations of the summer trip and trainings (“Erilainen mutta niin saman-
houses assessed from the point of view of these criteria. lainen” (Different, yet so similar) and “Lapsi omaisena”
Graphics were also brought to the day-to-day lives at (Child as family member)) were organised in coopera-
the house to support communication. tion with the network for volunteers and active partici-
In 2017, the personnel of the Familyhouses took part in pants.
the Lapset kokemusasiantuntijana (Children as experts
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 19SUMMARY OF SUCCESS IN
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
PERHEHOITO KOTOUTTAA! (INTEGRATION
THROUGH FAMILY CARE)
The Perhehoito kotouttaa! project began the develop-
ment of family care for children and youth who have im-
migrated to Finland without a guardian. Experience from
family care has been good in Europe: children integrate
and feel better than in institutional care, but family care
has not yet been used in Finland for integrating children.
The project modelled a training in family care for fam-
ilies interested in providing a home to a child who has
immigrated without a guardian. During 2017, a total of
14 families received training and one child was placed in
family care. The families have been very satisfied with
the training given. It met the families’ expectations and
was considered to be diverse and comprehensive. The
training provided them with sufficient information for
weighing their own readiness for foster parenthood.
TOGETHER TO SUPPORT CHILDREN
– FROM RECEPTION TO INTEGRATION
The project develops and supports the psychosocial
well-being of children and families with children who
have been granted asylum seeker and residence permits.
It is an extension to the (LYT, child-friendly space) activ-
ity brought to Finland in 2015 among families seeking
asylum, and it creates new forms of activities to support
the well-being and integration of families who have been
granted a residence permit. The project also develops a
model for helping children in crises in Finland.
Within the project, LYT activities continued at the Oulu
and Kitee reception centres during 2017. The activities activities calm him down. The child is willing to take part
covered a total of 146 children and their parents during in the activities. If the LYT room doors are locked, the
2017. 71 new volunteers were trained for the activities. boy sometimes waits behind the door for it to open.”
LYT activities have received positive feedback from par-
ents, volunteers and employees of reception centres. The VOLUNTEERS AS A RESOURCE IN
children have learned teamwork skills and been able to SUPPORTING FOSTER FAMILIES – THE
develop their skills relating to dexterity, problem solving PEPPI PROJECT
and expression of emotions under guidance. Through the
activities, the children have also learned Finnish and Finn- Volunteers as a resource in supporting foster families
ish manners, which has been commended by the parents. has turned out to be an effective way of supporting the
One parent describe the impact of the activity on her well-being of foster families and children living in them.
child like this: The children estimate that a family friend has greatly
decreased their loneliness and increased their self-confi-
“There has been development. The child’s glossary has dence and courage a lot, as well as provided them with
expanded and he is calmer. There is noise on the resi- fun activities. From the point of view of foster families
dential floor of the reception centre upstairs, and LYT and social workers, family friend activity has significant-
20 SAVE THE CHILDRENly improved the well-being of the children and families. DIGITAL SOCIAL WORK TO SUPPORT CHIL-
Long-term family friend relationships have benefited the DREN AND YOUTH
children and families the most. Many family friend rela-
tionships which began in 2013 are still going on. Family The project launched in 2017 introduces new aspects to
friend activity offers a new form of volunteer activity, Save the Children’s digital work. The project develops
meeting the expectations of citizens looking for exactly digital social work through various experiments to-
this kind of volunteer activity. gether with children, youth and professionals. The aim is
to act as an example, inspirer and trainer to make the
The project has emphasised the foster parents’ own opportunities provided by digital social work more ex-
volunteer input in foster parents’ small groups. The PePPi tensively known. The engagement of children and youth
project has highlighted the experience of foster parents is the most central value of our operations, and we want
of small group peer support being the most effective to act as an example in that respect as well.
form of support.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 21ADVOCACY WORK (CITIZEN AND ADVOCACY
WORK)
Lack of money is a significant obstacle to education The initiative received nationwide publicity in newspa-
among youth. Up to one in four of those who have inter- pers as well as TV. By the end of the year, more than
rupted their studies for a secondary level degree report 13,000 had signed the citizens’ initiative, and it was
that the lack of money was among the reasons why supported by politicians across party boundaries.
they did not complete their studies. Of youth without a A survey of the costs of secondary level education and
degree or study place, up to one in two have had to trim their impact on the day-to-day lives of youth and their
down or give up their studies due to lack of money. In families was conducted in conjunction with the campaign.
particular, purchasing learning materials causes costs in 575 youth or parents of youth shared their experienc-
secondary level education. es, and the results of the survey were reported by the
Helsingin Sanomat newspaper and Yle’s news. The report
Therefore, Save the Children launched the Maksuton was also distributed to members of Parliament for them
toinen aste (Free Secondary Level) campaign in cooper- to use as part of legislative work.
ation with secondary level student associations, Allianssi,
Yeesi ry and Finnish Parents’ League. The Maksuton
toisen asteen koulutus kaikille (Free secondary level
education for everyone) citizens’ initiative was opened
in connection with the campaign on 18 September 2017,
demanding the Parliament to draw up a report and act
for organising secondary level education genuinely free
of charge.
The Lahti local association collected signatures to the citizens’
initiative at Lahti City Library on 21 November 2017.
The purpose of the Maksuton2aste campaign is to secure each every
youth’s right to secondary level education without interfered by lack
of funds.
22 SAVE THE CHILDRENINTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Save the Children Finland is part of the global Save the against violence and abuse by strengthening the systems
Children Fund that boasts 30 member organisations. of child protection. We also promoted children’s educa-
tion, health and nutrition. We invested in increasing the
Save the Children works for the well-being of children engagement of children and gender equality in all of our
in approximately 120 countries. We promote children’s operations.
rights and support their growth and development into
their full potential. In accordance with the shared ‘Am- Our operations supported and influenced families,
bition for Children 2030’ strategy of Save the Children, authorities and all other responsible parties so that
spanning to the year 2030, our efforts are focused children’s rights could materialise in full, equally and
on three central principles: children have the right to without exceptions for each child. As part of this, we
survive, learn and be protected. We are committed to strengthened the civic society in the countries where
doing anything in our power to make each child’s right we operate to monitor and demand the realisation of
to survive, learn and be protected a reality, particularly children’s rights.
focusing on the world’s most deprived and marginalised
children. Our projects were implemented in the poorest and least
developed countries in the world. They all are fragile
In 2017, Save the Children directly reached 49.6 million states that have been or are at risk of become unstable
children globally, half of whom were girls. Through devel- societies. Regularly occurring natural disasters also pres-
opment cooperation, humanitarian aid and campaigns, ent special challenges in the countries where we operate.
we were also able to directly reach 30.7 million adults. We ensured, taking the local conditions and challenges
Moreover, through our indirect operations, we reached into consideration, that the communities, authorities and
more than 105 million children. other key parties have the resources required for pro-
tecting children. At the same time, we strengthened the
In 2017, Save the Children Finland promoted children’s children’s and their families’ abilities to prepare for and
rights and built a better future for children who are in act in diverse crisis situations.
the most vulnerable position in twelve countries in Africa,
Asia, the Middle East and Russian Karelia. Our direct We carried out aid projects in the Middle East, for
operations reached more than 125,000 children, more example, where relatively speaking the most children
than half of whom were girls. in the world live in conflict zones. We also provided
support for children in Somalia and Sudan, both of which
The focal points in international activities included re- are struggling with complicated humanitarian crises. In
ducing child poverty and strengthening child protection Somalia alone, over half of the population was in need of
in accordance with the new programme for 2017–2021. humanitarian aid during 2017. Our operations were ad-
Families living in extreme poverty are helped to obtain justed to address the challenges faced in each situation.
a more secure livelihood by developing social security In addition to our humanitarian aid projects, we support-
systems in cooperation with the authorities and NGOs. ed the emergency aid operations of Save the Children
Correspondingly, we promoted the protection of children International in different parts of the world.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 23RESPONDING TO CHILDREN’S
NEEDS IN DISASTERS
As a humanitarian organisation, Save the Children
provides aid during natural disasters, epidemics, armed
conflicts and migration-related crises. Our life-saving aid
operations include providing food, clean water, shelters
and healthcare. We ensure that children are protected
and given the opportunity to learn. We also help children
and families recover from crises and rebuild their lives
and improve their abilities to pull through in crises and
disasters.
In 2017, Save the Children responded to 121 disasters in
61 countries. Our operations directly reached 10 million
children though relief aid, preparedness activities and
operations designed to mitigate the risk of disaster.
Save the Children Finland responded to the need of
children suffering from disasters in the Middle East and in
East Africa. In Sudan, we provided life-saving, integrated
services by improving access to nutrition programmes
and healthcare and promoting the availability of clean
water, sanitation and hygiene. In Somalia, our activi-
ties focused on child protection, water, sanitation and
hygiene, food security and livelihood. In Iraq, we reduced
the vulnerability of children and families suffering from
conflicts by providing child protection services, distribut-
ing monetary assistance and enhancing the communities’
ability to detect, prevent and respond to child protection
needs.
In addition to our humanitarian aid projects, we support-
ed the relief aid operations of Save the Children Interna-
tional in different parts of the world.
121 DISASTERS IN
61 COUNTRIES FUNDING OF INTERNATIONAL
that Save the Children responded
to in 2017.
OPERATIONS
10 MILLION
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland was the most
significant individual funder of our international opera-
CHILDREN tions. In addition to programme support, the ministry
granted funds for development cooperation and human-
directly reached though relief
itarian aid projects. In addition, operations realised with
aid, preparedness activities and
the support of the European Union were extensive and
operations designed to mitigate
diverse. Projects were carried out using funding from the
the risk of disaster.
European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights
(EIDHR) and Directorate-General for European Civil
Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
International operations were also made possible by the
support of various companies, foundations and private
24 SAVE THE CHILDREN donors.You can also read
