Hyvinvoinnin lähteillä

We were excited to see beautiful and warm Bryssel city, but unfortunately it wasnt like that. Mostly of days there were rains and cloudy. We came to Bryssel different days. On monday there were nice weather, over 20 degrees. Part of group stayed at hotel and others were staying at AirBnb apartment.
Day 1 : First program day in our scedule was meeting in European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The EESC has 350 Members from all EU Member States, who has a huge range of professional and social backgrounds. Membership is divided into three groups, representing ”Employers”, ”Workers” and ” Various Interests” (farmers, the professions, and consumers etc.). Man called Pasi Moisio presented to us their work here in Bryssel. They prepare suggestions to European comission. Also they have to network with many participants. Finland is so small country that networking is very important. He was speaking in finnish so it was easy to ask whatever we wanted.

In the afternoon we had presentation in European parliament. Young and excited woman told us how everything works in that house. We supposed to have appointment with MEP (Member of European Parliament) Elsi Katainen, but unfortunately she was too busy to meet us. Her assistant Taru Jokinen told us what is it like to work with MEPʼs. Taru described that she made open application to Elsi and got that job!

At the end of the day we had opportunity to see how it looks like in chamber. We took many pictures but we didn’t saw Teuvo in that house 🙁

Picture 1. EU parliament from outside. (Utta Kolehmainen)

Day 2: In the morning we took the train to Gent. Two nice woman was expecting to us in the Gent station. Inga is manager of old peoples house and Marin works in school, she is teaching at secondary school.

In program was planned that we go to psychiatric clinic but quickly we noticed that we were at museum area. Man who has worked there 37 years showed us to many historical treatments in psychiatric illnesses. It was interesting but quite shocking. Many treatments was like that in Finland in that time, like lobotomy. ´Kuppaus´ was one of those similar treatment what we also use nowadays in Finland.

Picture 2. Gent museum. (Heli Nissinen)

Day 3 First in the morning we met Kari Aalto how works at the Eastern and Northern Finland European Office. He told that there are many differences between western and eastern Finland how we can get money from EU to projects. Northern and eastern Finland are in special position. In that work is important to inform. In lunch time many of students started to getting ready for coming back to Finland.

In the afternoon the rest of us traveled by train to KU Leuven University. KU Leuven has been selected as Europe’s most innovative university for four consecutive years. It has the opportunity to study a wide variety of disciplines and there are almost a hundred programs in English.

In auditory we got presentation from different ages social benefits. We regonised many similarities between Belgium and Finland. Difference between Belgium and Finland is that in Belgium it is possible that you don’t get any benefits from the covermount! Its like lottery what kind of social worker you can have. So there may have differences’ between workers.

Picture 3. KU Leuven (Utta Kolehmainen)

Traveling often hurts and happens, and this trip was no exception. On the way to Leuven experienced Brussels visitors Pirjo and Riitta were lost and could not find the train station, while our students were already waiting for the train at the right train station. Finally our whole group was on the right train, but with the Savo dialect ”eessuntaas” tickets going to the wrong Leuven. Fortunately, the ticket inspector did not throw us off the train, even though we had learned it with great skill. The laughter roared on the train and we live with those laughter for at least 100 years.

The best part of that journey was see how European parliament works, everything is quit slowly and hierarchy. Founder countries like France, Germany, Spain and Great Britain with or without brexit told another EU how it rolls. Small countries like Finland doesn’t have so must to say about decisions.

This blogpost is part of the welfare coordinator students (Master Degree Studies) study module Working and Studying in International Environment. The focus of this study module is that the students can strengthen their communicative skills and professional experience in an international learning environment and learn effectively as a team member in another cultural environment. You can read more www.savonia.fi.

Authors:
Utta Kolehmainen, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Jonna Martikainen, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Hanna Venäläinen, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Riitta Turjamaa, Senior Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Pirjo Turunen, Senior Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

References:
https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/members-groups
https://www.kuleuven.be/english/why-choose-kuleuven.html

Study trip to Brussels 23.-27.9.2019

European Parliament. Picture: Heli Nissinen

Does the digital services promote of well-being?

The books of the library are borrowed from the machine, doors are opened with electrical codes, purchases are paid to the self-service cash desk, food is ordered from the display board, metro tickets are bought at the vending machine, newspapers are read from the tablet and feedback is provided digitally on the device “happy or not”. The banks, food supply, electric, water, telecommuniacation, logistics, transport and health care need digitalisation to work. Whether digitalisation is a threat or an opportunity? Is it the earning factor of the future and promotion of the welfare?

Digitalisation causes fast and big changes to people´s everyday tasks. Communication does not depend on time and place anymore. The period of the fast communication brings challenges to age classes who behave differently. For example, electronic communication channels and social media offer possibilities, which are still out of reach of people. Correspondingly, some people check their letterboxes infrequently. After all, the changes brought by digitalisation have brought both challenges and relief to everyday life.

Tiina is in the meeting to Finland. Picture: Heli Nissinen

In this blog text we report our observation in course Working and studying the international environment, experience based in Brussels, the European capital. As we visit in the European Commission, we learn that it is up to the commission to examine digital changes, perspective of promoting equality for example. Pasi Moisio, who works in the Economic and Social Commission, said “available digitalisation is a good slave but a bad host”. We think this idea is a great illustration of digitalisation from many different perspective.

European Commission. Picture: Heli Nissinen

Digitalisation has enabled people-to-people interaction around the clock and globally. Communication is easier, faster and more automatic than ever before. Digitalisation has change services, enabled innovations in the business world and to become a part of everyday life. On the other hand, digitalisation will certainly also lead to inequalities in people’s daily lives.

For example, the ability of visually impaired people to use touch screens is very limited. For example, when we were in Brussels, we bought all public transport tickets machines. We visited a restaurant where food could only be ordered via vending machine and pay by card. We were also amazed that in the European parliament vote sometimes manually, although electronic system is to be available.

Tiina is ordering food. Picture: Heli Nissinen

Interaction refers to the mutual communication between two or more people. Interaction can be, for example, words, speech, gestures, expressions, sounds, or even gazes. Interaction with digitalisation is different. Interaction is about typing, emoticons, pictures or even videos. The actual encounter and presence is missing. This even will lead to future generations no longer being able to communicate face to face.

In Brussels, we discovered that interaction skills varied much in people working in service sector. For example, employees working in subway station where we purchased out tickets were sitting in their bubble offices. We felt that it was difficult to ask for help. On the other hand asking for help from people on the street was easy. We asked forguidance using Google maps. It was really helped us to communicate and get help and guidance.

The renewal of data and privacy regulations started in 2012. It had been left behind, and did not meet the standards and needs of global it environment. Goal for renewal was to add privacy as basic human right. Other goals were development of digital trade and prevention of crime and terrorism. We discovered that in kiosks postal parcels were lying in counters for everyone to see. We wondered why privcy issues were not taken to account in parcel transportation.

Regardless of numerous observations of digitalization we discovered that our European capital was not as developed as we thought it would have been. We hope that garbage disposal system would be in better order the next time we visit the capital of Europe. In example digital trash bins might be part of the solution. There should not be garbage lying on the streets in digitalization era.

Garbage bags thrown into the street. Garbage is collected wedneysday and friday. Picture: Heli Nissinen

One junk machine was found. Picture: Heli Nissinen

As a Finnish, we appreciate clean and beautiful nature

Park next to EU Parliament. Picture: Heli Nissinen

In the Picture: Heli, Minna, Tiina, Sirkku ja Petra. Picture: Petra Karvonen

Thanks for the trip. GOOD WORK OUR TEAM!

This blogpost is part of the welfare coordinator students (Master Degree Studies) study module Working and Stydying in International Environment. The focus of this study module is that the students can strengthen their communicative skills and professional experience in an international learning environment and learn effectively as a team member in another cultural environment. You can read more www.savonia.fi.

Authors:

Heli Nissinen, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Minna Roschier, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Tiina Mäkiranta, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Sirkku Kumpulainen, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Petra Karvonen, TYKO18SY, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Riitta Turjamaa, Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Pirjo Turunen, Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

I have done some research on the history of wife carrying event. It has long roots and has a huge impact on residents of Sonkajärvi. Now I try to list a few of these things, that increase well-being of municipality.

1. Money, money… MONEY!

Money, money… MONEY! Picture: Kimmo Tirri.

Of course, first thing, that comes in mind is money. It runs everything and usually it is only thing that counts, when you estimate, if event is successfull. In Sonkajärvi, the main event, is not profitable financially, but it brings thousand of tourist and participants, who buys services from local entrepreneurs. The event itself has nowdays +/- 0 profit. If municipality wants to increase profits, they need to develop the event. That means, that they have to invest money on it and that increases the risk of losing money. One interesting thing about wife carrying is, that China would be interested in hosting the event. In China, there is thousands of sports enthusiasts and probably they could have the support of goverment behind it. It probably means, that China could pay big money for the rights to the event. If every other year, the event would be in China, Sonkajärvi could have good compensation and organizes a qualifying race only. The prize, for the winners, could be a trip to the Chinese Games.

2. Identity of municipality

If Sonkajärvi did not have this event, would it be in the media every year? Not a chance! Journalists from all over the world are coming to do the story, about the event. It determines what kind of image people will get from Sonkajärvi. It has a great story behind it and the residents of Sonkajärvi are very proud of the event. Sure, a municipality is much more than a home to wife carrying, but quite a few things would put the municipality in the same spotlight.

Photo: https://eukonkanto.fi/gallery/folder/eukonkanto-2019/)

3. Togetherness

Every year, residents and entrepreneurs put together a great event. Country fair, karaoke contest, Tonkkumi-competition and other additional spices from the past, have made the event.

”We can do it”-spirit has helped cope with setbacks. But reality is, that the event has been done with the same formula for 25 years and needs renewal. When time past, changes are taking place in the organization, so a new perspective is available.

Associations also contribute to the event and are vital to the success of the event.

Photo: https://eukonkanto.fi/gallery/folder/eukonkanto-2019/)

4. Something to do and wait for.

One big wellbeing contributor is the event itself. It is the place, where everyone, regardless of age, gather around to have fun and meet friends, maybe the only time in the whole year. It has been around, for so long,that many younger people, do not remember the time, when the best weekend of the summer, was not in place. It has build memories and many people have found love in the event. It has offered a chance to meet the love of your life or maybe just a summer romance. But I don’t know better a better way to increase well-being than finding love, even short-term.

Photo: https://eukonkanto.fi/gallery/folder/eukonkanto-2014

This blogipost is part of the welfare coordinator students (Master Degree Studies) study module Working and Stydying in International Environment. The focus of this stydy module is that the students can strengthen their communicative skills and professional experience in an international learning environment and learn effectively as a team member in another cultural environment. You can read more www.savonia.fi.

Authors:

Kimmo Tirri, TYKO18SY

Riitta Turjamaa, Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Pirjo Turunen, Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Experiences of Javelin Carnival in June 2019.

Day 1

First day in javelin carnival start on sunny day. In the morning I was with international group, when they had a throw exercise. The British team is in the javelin carnival every year and that is the group which I worked with all the carnival. Their athletes are 15- 22 years old. In the first training session took them some warm-up like functional stretching, balance and coordination exercises before throwing. I was very surprised, that their shoulder stabilization, abdominal, core and posture were isn`t so good that javelin throwers should be. At the same exercise I got familiar with the British main coaches, Bronwin Carter and Mark Bradford and we talked about their training.

The British team. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

Because I saw the British problems, I planned the afternoon session functional movements which do good balance and posture on their body. They had many differences of sides. The head coaches took pictures and videos for home training when I learned the British throwers. After training session we had very good discussion with parents why it is important to do functional movement and core training and how often. I thought that posture and core is the basic thing when we talked about one person`s daily health promotion regardless of he/ she is javelin thrower or isn`t. The first day showed me that the carnival was were right place to do health promotion both at the young athletes that at the coaches who need more information how we supported the young athletes. The coaches was very pleased that I was here helping them. And to me it was very interesting day because when I kept them functional movement lesson there isn’t any Finnish people in the same area who I could ask English words. But survived it!!

We try to keep balance!! Picture: Mark Bradford

Day 2

Second day was also very interesting day. I was doing like practice work. I gave five British athletes some advice what they have to do that their pain isn`t so big. They have same kind of problems. Those who have problems in their upper body, every athletes had the shoulder of throw arm turns forward. The pain was little bit different but when I checked out their bodies, the lack of shoulder stabilization is the main reason every thrower. We discuss that they understand why they have problems and what they have to do that they can throw without pain and do long career. Two athletes I made some massage and treatment because they got little bit hurt when I they threw in competition.

Practicing shoulder stabilization. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

I discussed with Bronwin why their posture isn`t so good and they have pain. Bronwin said that track and field is much smaller event than for example football. It` s interesting that track and field starts in England much later than for example gymnastics and swimming. You can start it about nine year old. On my mind it`s too late. When they start, they have so much zest only to throw, not to do upkeeping exercises. In Finland children can start athletics very tiny and it`s possible that that’s why their core, balance and posture it`s better than British javelin throwers. My man and my son were at the same time walking carnival in Jämsä when I was in Pihtipudas. There were Norwegians walkers and they told that they are much to learn Finnish walkers how they do upkeeping exercises. Bronwin said me the same thing. She also told that in athletics are too little coaches who know how to arrange young athlete`s daily living, their exercises, their eating, their sleeping and other stuffs which promote young athlete`s health and long-lasting career. That’s why they come every year in javelin carnival to take advice how to promote young athletes health. And like in Finland the digital solutions are very famous in England when we discuss with parents of British throwers! That’s one reason lack of posture.

Day 3

In javelin carnival there were also quite much Chinese throwers. They only speak as a result of interpreter. On Friday we have lecture where Chinese throwers told us how they practice. On the lecture there were three language, Chinese, English and Finnish. Big difference compared with England and Finland is money. The China is a rich country and good javelin throwers get salary from state when they practice and throw and they don’t have to pay anything. Young throwers can also live and practice in javelin school which they have to pay only 6, 5 euros per month. That’s why they have so much better conditions to become better throwers and their level has risen much. For example in last worldwide competition one Chinese woman thrower got silver medal. They also said that they are strong because they do every exercise, like also upkeeping exercises, on good attitude. That is issue which I discussed very much with Mark. British do throw exercise very good attitude but they have to better their attitude toward upkeeping exercises.

Chinese woman thrower got silver medal. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

On Friday I was with different kinds of exercises. There were for example weight lifting clinic and I analyzed with Bronwin British throwers technic. Bronwin said that many of their boys don’t ever before do weightlifting. Weightlifting needs to good core and posture. Like the picture shows core isn’t enough tough to keep their back on straight and they were problems to go deep squat because of lack of hip mobility.

Practicing weightlifting. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

On Friday I also followed 17 to 19 year old boy´s video analysis from their competition throws. It was quite interesting to try to understand biomechanics of javelin throwers. I understood that if they isn’t good core, their posture is too backward and back is too much on the arc and that´s one reason to back problems on later years. After video session it was technic exercises. There were running with rubber band like they run with javelin. I noticed the same problem than on videos. Core isn’t enough tight to keep back on straight and under control.

Day 4

It is traditional thing that every year all javelin schoolers, coaches and parents march to Pihtipudas marketplace. In marketplace javelin schoolers introduce themselves and there are some playful competition. This year there were three teams, Finnish, British and Chinese. There were three different competition and Finnish team got the win. The British were on the second place and Chinese on the third place.

First competition was play ball throwing at the bucket. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

Second competition was taking cone from the ground to toes and throwing cone to bowl. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

Third competition was to do at first paper flight and then throw it as long as you can. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

On Saturday we also chat with Bronwin and Mark how they on coaches can get right support to their throwers. I showed them good shoulder stabilization exercises. And I also got them good exercises to my own teacher`s work!

Day 5

The javelin carnival starts on nice summer weather, but between the start and the end it was colder and quite windy. The last day was again very lovely summer weather. The last day always consists of the main competitions. There were plenty of audience because all the best Finnish throwers were on the line. In this year there were also very good international throwers with in competitions. In podium we saw international color. Women`s win went to China and Chinese man thrower was in the second place.

The Winners. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

Javelin Carnival was very international happening this year. There were people from England, Scotland, Italy, China, USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Korea and Latvia. I had to use English a lot in this javelin carnival. I speak it and hear it almost all the time. It`s challenging that different people speak English different way so I had to keep focus on hearing all the time so I understood what they are saying. All the lecture and announcements also are spoken in English and the internationalism showed very much in javelin carnival. For example for Chinese people had to make their kind of food. I also chat with British young thrower`s parents and they for example asked me help to their own pains.

Timetable of Javelin Carnical: Picture: Anne Kivivuori

I chat quite much with Latvian thrower Lina Muze along carnival different things like her rehabilitation to back on top of the world after very bad knee injury. Lina is a wonderful person and treats other people well although she is a superstar!

Lina Muze and Anne after the competition. Picture: Anne Kivivuori

It was very educational experience to me. I don`t use my normal life English at all. I have been in javelin carnival many, many times, but I haven`t speak English then. It is very nice to speak. It was plenty of situations which I wasn’t remember all the right words but it was also funny that counter side understood when showed something on my body language and then the chat goes on. Besides of using English I got plenty of good exercises which I can use my own teacher`s work to help people to promote their health. It was also nice that I got the trust from javelin carnival coach team that I was as a coach and expert on this carnival. Next year I will go again in javelin carnival and then I will speak lots of English also!! Instructor Anne Kivivuori says thanks and bows deep. Javelin carnival, we see on next summer, also on signs of international.

This blogipost is part of the welfare coordinator students (Master Degree Studies) study module Working and Stydying in International Environment. The focus of this stydy module is that the students can strengthen their communicative skills and professional experience in an international learning environment and learn effectively as a team member in another cultural environment. You can read more www.savonia.fi.

Authors:

Anne Kivivuori, TYKO18SY

Riitta Turjamaa, Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Pirjo Turunen, Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Tuesday 27^th of August 2019

Tuesday morning started with a nice quick breakfastbag at Steelhouse hostel where we were staying for the trip. By the sun went up and warmed the weather around 28 degrees we went again to the trainstation, which was by the way about 7 minutes’ walk from our hostel. There we took a train to Roskilde. It took about 28 minutes from Copenhagen to arrive Roskilde. The transportation system in Copenhagen is just amazing and easy! This is the second blog release from the second day by Sanna T. and Tiina T.

Børnehaven Bredgade

At Roskilde we went to Børnehaven Bredgade which is the oldest nursery in Roskilde. The buildings history is that it used to be a hospital before. At the gate we were met by kindergarten worker Lærke who showed us around the kindergarten and told us about their everyday routines. When we first saw the yard of the kindergarten, we were like wow! There were so many activities build on the yard where imagination is only the limit to children to play. The play outside is often created by the children themselves but they have also guided playtime.

Børnehaven Bredgade, Roskilde. Picture: Sanna Torvinen ja Tiina Tolvanen.

Lærke told us that they have different activities on different spots on the yard for example homeplay area, sandbox, slide, climbing frame, playfield for football and other running games, covered campfire place and even a little forest with small trees. They teach children to respect and value nature. For example, they have a planting day when children plant together with their grandparents a plant to garden boxes at the yard. Afterwards the children are involved on caring the flowers and vegetables they have planted and that way they learn to care nature. The art is also highly valued and brought outside in the form of paintings.

In Børnehaven Bredgade they have an annual plan of the activities they provide for the children and activities where the whole family is invited participate. The daily routine is similar to a Finnish kindergarten: morning starts with a shared morning where the children gather together, followed by a moment of activity and then dining and also daytime rest is provided for those who needs it after the meal, otherwise afternoon is spend at the playground. Singing and music is strongly involved in their everyday daycare. Food is made on their own kitchen or outside at the campfire and children are involved with the making of food. The feeling of warmth and presence is strong in the care of children. The main aspects of childcare are positivity, recognition and presence.

The pictures of the Børnehaven Bredgade, Roskilde. Picture: Sanna Torvinen ja Tiina Tolvanen.

We met also the Director of education Mikkel Ekeløf at the end of our visit. He told us about the political view of childcare at Roskilde and in Børnehaven Bredgade. Directors of education in Roskilde cooperate and have meetings. Staff members in Børnehaven Bredgade gather together with Mikkel repeatedly to evaluate pedagogical practice and make needed changes to improve. The pedagogics approach is quite similar to Finnish, for example an educational plan for every child with the parents is made which they follow, evaluate and document.

Staff uses a digital Pic Collage APP which allows the staff to import pictures of the child’s day in it and child’s parent has their own log on at home. That way they bring family closer to the happenings on daily bases at the kindergarten.

Links about Børnehaven Bredgade:

http://www.bredgade.roskilde.dk/om-os

www.emu.dk/omraade/dagtilbud

Practice and Innovation House
After a visit to the kindergarten, we travelled back to Copenhagen to visit the Practice and Innovation House. We met project manager Ann Rasmussen there.

The Practice and Innovation House is part of Metropolitan University of Applied Sciences, Copenhagen. It develops welfare technology products in collaboration with companies, students, teachers and researchers. A company have a prototype of some product that can be tested and developed safely and extensively in Innovation House before it is put into use for example in a hospital.

Students can also practice different patient situations in the simulation rooms. The simulation room contains a control room from which the teacher or researcher can control and evaluate the situation. There is, among other things, a patient room, a medicine room and a simulation rooms from home, like a bedroom or a kitchen. The House also has two sensory rooms. One room relaxes and the other room provides sensory stimulation. The rooms are used to treat a variety of illnesses and symptoms.

The Practice and Innovation House. Picture: Sanna Torvinen ja Tiina Tolvanen.

Many ideas of the simulation rooms come from Finland but they want to be one step ahead, so they are constantly developing the use of the innovation house.

In our experience, there are simulation rooms in health care schools in Finland too, but maybe not as widely. Schools and businesses in Finland should also work more closely together to develop health and well-being. We also think that it is important that for example nurses, physiotherapists and midwifery students be able to work multi-professionally as students.

Links to about the Practice and Innovation House in Denmark:

https://www.phmetropol.dk/praksishuset/erhvervssamarbejde

https://www.phmetropol.dk/

The main feelings and ideas after Tuesday:

At Børnehaven Bredgade the yard was amazing, and we met lots of happy children playing and singing. The presence of the staff was very warm. Maby the communication between staff and children and the method of involving the children at everything they do is improving wellbeing?

Their digital approach to share the childs day on time with parents through APP was new to us.

The visit in the Practice and Innovation House opened our eyes to how welfare product development and studies can be done.

This blogipost is part of the welfare coordinator students (Master Degree Studies) study module Working and Stydying in International Environment. The focus of this stydy module is that the students can strengthen their communicative skills and professional experience in an international learning environment and learn effectively as a team member in another cultural environment. In August of 2019 part of welfare coordinator students visit in Denmark during this study module. You can read more www.savonia.fi.

Kirjoittajat:

Sanna Torvinen ja Tiina Tolvanen TYKO18SY

Riitta Turjamaa, lehtori Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu

Pirjo Turunen, lehtori, Savonia- ammattikorkeakoulu