Monthly Archives: August 2025

ASDA ry hosted Job Shadow Program in Helsinki

Between 7–14 August 2025, ASDA ry had the pleasure of hosting two staff members from Somali Community Service e.V. (Germany) as part of the Erasmus+ project SELF-PATH – improving skills for economic independence of women.

Throughout the week, the visiting staff shadowed our team in:

– Project and administrative management practices

– Applying inclusion tools for women in local and international initiatives

– Supporting community projects that empower adult women

– Running social media campaigns and digital outreach

– Planning inclusive events and activities

This exchange was not only a learning opportunity for the visiting participants but also enriched ASDA’s own practices through mutual knowledge sharing and cooperation.

The Job Shadow is the first step of the SELF-PATH project. In November, the project will continue with a Training Course in Italy to further strengthen staff competences in social entrepreneurship, governance, and women’s empowerment.

We are proud to contribute to this international collaboration and thank Somali Community Service e.V. for their active participation.

Special thanks to our partner Mine Vaganti NGO for their strong contribution to the success of this project — your commitment and expertise made a real difference.

Together, we are building stronger pathways for women’s inclusion and empowerment across Europe

NAIS Project – Training of Trainers in Lohja, Finland Concluded Successfully

From 4–8 August 2025, we gathered at Elontuli Course Center in Lohja for the Training of Trainers under the Nature Connection for Supporting Integration (NAIS) project.

This milestone activity brought together passionate trainers, youth workers, and experts to test and refine the Nature-Based Integration Toolkit — ensuring it is practical, culturally adaptable, and impactful for supporting integration through nature.

Over five days, participants experienced and facilitated powerful nature-based methods, including:

– Nature Within Us – authentic connection with nature

– Breathe the Calming Earth & Breathe the Strength of the Trees – grounding and resilience-building practices

– Nature Walk Storytelling Stations – fostering empathy and belonging

– Nature Mandalas & Nature Strips – creative self-expression with natural materials

The sessions combined learning, creativity, reflection, and movement, offering innovative tools for empowering youth — especially those with migrant backgrounds.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all trainers, facilitators, and experts for their expertise and dedication, and to the Elontuli Course Center team for their warm hospitality and delicious, healthy meals. Special appreciation to ASDA ry as the hosting NGO — especially Vesa Asikainen for his outstanding dedication to achieving the highest outcomes for both the training and the project as a whole. Special thanks also to facilitator Wided Ghadhoun for her professionalism and dedication, which greatly contributed to the success of this activity – and to all NAIS partners for their commitment to making integration more connected to nature.

Together, we continue building pathways for inclusion, resilience, and community through the healing power of nature.

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