Free hobbies in schools reach hundreds of children

During the autumn term of 2025, Vaasa’s basic education schools will offer free hobby groups and clubs for pupils in grades 1–9 as part of the Vaasa model for leisure activities.

Registration for the 2025–2026 hobby activities will open on 1 September 2025.

This autumn, registration for hobby activities will for the first time take place through the Hellewi online service, which shows each school’s own activities as well as the joint activities available for lower secondary schools (yläkoulu).

• Register here

Previously, registration was managed through Wilma.

– The new registration system gives us up-to-date information on children’s and young people’s registrations and any available places, and it also makes it easier for us to communicate any changes, says Anne Lamminen, Youth Services Coordinator.

Keep an eye on school announcements in Wilma

The hobby activities at schools will begin during September.

– We advise families to pay close attention to your school’s messages and announcements in Wilma. There are a few school-specific arrangements for registration, Lamminen points out.

Vaasa aims to give every child and young person in Vaasa the opportunity to take part in a fun and free hobby or activity as part of their school day.

– There are plenty of new activities, as well as old favourites requested by pupils, such as sports and creative activities, Lamminen says.

In addition to the activities offered through the Vaasa model for leisure activities, schools will also organise a variety of other clubs and groups, which vary from school to school. Each school communicates about its own clubs through Wilma.

The range of activities varies by school

The range of activities on offer varies by school. An activity or hobby club organised in a particular school is aimed exclusively at pupils of that school.

The activities offered by each school depends on the wishes of the pupils, the school itself, and the organisations involved in running activities in each area.

There are also joint activities for lower secondary pupils, which any student in grades 7–9 can join, regardless of their school.

– For example, Vaasa Main Library will host the Pöllöpiiri writing circle for lower secondary pupils, organised by Haamu Publishing. The activities have a strong local focus, Lamminen says.

The activities are organised in collaboration with various City of Vaasa units, such as TaiKon and the library, as well as other partners. Many local associations and sports clubs have eagerly joined the Vaasa model this year.

Hobbies selected based on suggestions from pupils

When planning the selection of activities, it is important to listen to the wishes of children and young people.

Hobby activities in Vaasa’s basic education schools are organised using state funding for the Vaasa model for leisure granted by the Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland, as well as clubs funded by a special grant from the Finnish National Agency for Education.

The main objective of the Vaasa model for leisure activities is to increase the well-being of children and young people. Its implementation is coordinated by the City of Vaasa Youth Services.