Turku has over 12000 immigrants which is approx. 7 % of the city´s residents. The number of immigrants increases every year. However, the education of adult immigrants in Turku is unstructured. There is no well organized and regular cooperation between different actors, which would be very important especially in the early stages of immigration. The legislation of non- formal adult education has changed and the role of the adult education centres concerning the education of immigrants has increased. In addition, as the number of immigrants continues to increase, the need for education for immigrants increases as well. Turku Adult Education Centre has examined ways to make the educational situation clearer. Based on the studies we have established a multicultural unit called the Loupe (Luuppi), which organizes educational activities for immigrants and helps them integrate themselves in Finnish society. In  2011, the Loupe aims to organize 1000 hours of teaching.

• Immigrants, international students and (multiculturally oriented) Finnish citizens living in the Turku region 

• Planning and implementing different courses and other educational activities for immigrants.
• Offering student councelling. Marketing. Cooperation with other actors in the field of education.

• In 2010 there have been 24 courses and altogether approx. 800 teaching hours. In year 2011 the course selection has broadened and the number of courses has increased.

• There has been plenty of positive feedback from the target group.

• Number of courses, and students. Evaluation given by students, teachers and other personnel.

• It is difficult to reach immigrants, especially refugees. In addition to traditional marketing/advertising new marketing/advertising strategies are needed in order to activate those target groups.   

• Own funding  combined with benefits from Finnish National Board of Education and the Ministry of Education

• 1 Project Planner, 1 Education Planner and 16 teachers  (Year 2010)