The FIKA Mentorship Spring 2026 cohort kicked off last Wednesday 08.04, and we couldn’t be more excited to begin this new journey together with the matched pairs.
Each season brings a fresh group of people, new stories, and new connections. This time is no different. As our mentorship pairs met for the first time, there was a real sense of curiosity, openness, and mutual respect during the kick-off event. One mentor beautifully said: “It feels like she is going to be my mentor as well. From our first conversation, I realise I have a lot to learn from her too.” That, in many ways, is exactly what FIKA is about, two-way integration, learning, and growing together.
The season always begins long before the kick-off event, with applications from both sides. From individuals who generously volunteer their time to become mentors, and from those looking for support as they navigate life in Finland, whether it’s improving language skills, integrating in Swedish, understanding Finnish culture, or finding their way into the labour market.
This cohort also feels even more meaningful thanks to our cultural collaborations with Ateneum Art Museum and Amos Rex. Through these partnerships, our mentorship pairs received free tickets to visit the museums together, creating opportunities to explore art, culture, and the city while building their connection.
For me, as the coordinator, working with FIKA is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Each season gives me the opportunity to meet new and inspiring people. Through the interviews, I get a glimpse into the many different journeys of living in Finland, stories of resilience, ambition, uncertainty, and hope. It’s a space where conversations often become personal, and where I’m constantly reminded of the willingness of people to show up for one another.
I often find myself reflecting on the mentors, individuals who choose to give their time, share their experiences, and support someone else’s journey. That willingness to contribute, to give back, and to be present for another person is something I deeply admire.
And then there are the mentees. As we know, every migration story is unique. Each person comes with their own background, expectations, and challenges. With every interview, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to find the right match, someone who can support, encourage, and walk alongside them during this chapter of their journey.
At its core, FIKA Mentorship is about connection. It’s about supporting people to find the right networks, creating spaces for meaningful conversations, and reminding each other that integration is not something you do alone.
As we begin this new season, we look forward to seeing these connections grow, and that both mentors and mentees learn from one another.
We wish all our pairs a meaningful and inspiring journey ahead.
Ramona Larsen.