Hundreds of children can once again enjoy free hobbies at schools

Vaasa’s basic education schools will once again offer free hobby groups and clubs for pupils in Years 1–9 as part of the Vaasa model for leisure activities.

The activities vary from school to school.

– We advise families to pay close attention to your school’s messages and announcements in Wilma. Each school will announce in Wilma when registration for its hobbies opens, says  Anne Lamminen, Youth Service Coordinator.

The hobby activities at schools will begin during September.

Registration opens on 28 August

Registration for hobby activities takes place through the Hellewi online service, which lists each school’s own activities as well as the joint activities available to lower secondary school pupils.

Registration opens on 28 August, and activities will be added to the service as each school gets its activities up and running.

Registration for activities and clubs will be open throughout September.

• Register here:  https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/welfare-services/everyday-support-for-young-people/vaasa-model-for-leisure-activities/ 

The range of activities varies by school

The range of activities on offer varies between schools. 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.

New this year: American football for lower secondary school pupils

There are also joint activities for lower secondary school pupils, which are open to all pupils in Years 7–9 free of charge, regardless of which school they attend.

– This autumn, lower secondary school pupils will be able to try American football for the first time in cooperation with Wasa Royals, Lamminen says.

Registration is open in the Hellewi service.

– The American football club offers pupils a chance to try a new sport if they have stopped pursuing a previous hobby, or simply to enjoy some fun physical activity in the afternoon. We invite everyone to come along and give it a try!, says Seppo Evwaraye,  Director of Sports for Wasa Royals.

Hobbies chosen based on pupils’ wishes

The range of hobbies offered at each school is always planned based on the wishes and preferences of children and young people. Each schools has its own activity curriculum.

The activities are organised in collaboration with various City of Vaasa units and entities, such as TaiKon and the library, as well as other partners. Many local associations and sports clubs are also involved.

The main objective of the Vaasa model for leisure activities is to increase the well-being of children and young people. The aim is to give every child and young person in Vaasa the opportunity to take part in a fun, free hobby or activity as part of their school day.

The implementation of the activities is coordinated by the City of Vaasa Youth Services.