Mikki Sulle is a pilot project of Moniheli, which aims to strengthen the inclusion of young people growing up bi-culturally in Finnish society. Young people from all over Finland have had the opportunity to learn about and participate in the social debate and to reflect on how to improve the dialogue between young people and society. They have discussed with young people about inclusion and what it means and signifies. The issues raised in the debate have ranged from young people's concerns to their hopes for the future. The events have reached 181 young people aged 15-24 from all over Finland. A diverse range of young people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds have participated in the discussions. This also reflects the reality of the everyday life, where young people do not move or talk only with their own ethnic group.
The discussions have highlighted young people's concerns about substance abuse, its use and effects, and the feeling that they have no control over their own lives. The way in which youth violence is reported in the news is a particular concern. It is important to understand how this news coverage also affects young people themselves, increasing insecurity and fear and reducing trust between young people. Young people are not outside this debate, but also hear and read what is written and said about them. Negatively nuanced discussions about the group or individuals to which young people identify are damaging to young people themselves.
The social debate on young people in the target group of the project is also strongly linked to the terminology used about young people. Precision in the use of terms is important. An immigrant is a person who is actively moving from one country to another. A person who has grown up in Finland is not. The use of the term 'immigrant youth' to describe someone born and raised in Finland highlights the division of young people into those who are closely integrated into society and those who are not, on the basis of appearance alone.
Young people want more leisure activities designed for them. They also want to be treated as individuals. They want to be listened to and understood by both the authorities and their parents. They would like this to lead to a better culture of dialogue, where they could feel that they are met and listened to without being judged.
