SWALLOWS OF FINLAND
Founded in 1964, Swallows of Finland is one of the oldest Finnish development cooperation organizations. We work towards a more equal, just and sustainable world.
Our work is based on long-term partnership with Nepalese, Indian and Peruvian NGOs. In Finland we raise awareness of global development issues.
We are a member of the politically and religiously independent Emmaus Movement, and are supported and staffed mainly through volunteer efforts, donations and grants.
OUR VISION, MISSION AND GOALS
VISION
A more just world in which everyone has an opportunity to sustainable livelihood, and people live respecting each other and nature.
MISSION
We work towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable development together with our local partner NGOs.
GOALS
We work with our local partner NGOs to empower members of poor and marginalized communities to demand their rights and make sustainable livelihood.
Sustainable livelihood
We strive for securing ecologically, economically and socially sustainable livelihood for local communities. We provide information and training, support local sources of livelihoods and strengthen food security.
Equality
Equity and equality are the most important values for our organization. We promote empowerment and organization of especially women, persons with disabilities and members of ethnic communities.
Environmental sustainability
Environmental and climate sustainability is the precondition for sustainable livelihood. We support projects in which revival of ecosystem services and improved well-being of people go hand in hand.
WHAT WE DO
Development cooperation in Nepal
Strengthening livelihoods, civil society and community-based natural resource management of indigenous communities (2019-2021)
Partner organization: National Forum for Advocacy Nepal (NAFAN)
Supported by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Mikkeli Association for Sustainable Development and Savonlinna Development Association, the project aims to develop sustainable livelihoods in Chepang and Tamang communities of Raksirang Rural Municipality, Makwanpur by promoting agro-forestry and cultivation & collection of non-timber forest products and strengthening community-based forest resource management.
DONATE: OP FI06 5780 0720 2384 06, reference: 37002
Development cooperation in India
Improving food security through sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening local natural resource management (2017-2020)
Partner organization: Prayatna Samiti
Supported by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, the project aims to improve food security and livelihoods of small farmers in ten villages in southern Rajasthan by promoting ecologically sustainable agriculture and cultivation of nutritious food crops that have traditionally been cultivated in the area. The project also supports participation of local communities, especially women, in natural resource management.
Support to day care center in Peru
Partner organization: Fundación Cuna Nazareth
Fundación Cuna Nazareth is Swallows’ oldest partner organization. Our cooperation dates back to the 1960s. Cuna Nazareth provides quality day care for more than 100 children in Chorrillos, Lima, and runs a recycling center in Pachacamac. Swallows, together with other Finnish Emmaus groups, supports Cuna Nazareth’s day care center financially and by sending professional volunteers.
DONATE: OP FI84 5549 6610 0081 99, reference: 35004
WHO WE ARE
Staff
HELI JANHUNEN
Executive Director
heli.janhunen@paaskyt.fi
tel. +358 45 138 9062
Master of Social Sciences (Development Studies). Professional in organizational and project management with more than eight years of experience in NGOs, coordination of voluntary work and development cooperation in South Asia and Peru.
Executive board
KATRI SIMONEN
Chairperson
I like The Swallows because Swallows are fast and light: a small group of volunteers enthusiastically working for and with their faraway companions. Belonging to the solidarity movement of Emmaus is also important. My own background: M.A. and freelance journalist.
TOMMI NIINIMÄKI
Vice-chairperson
Tommi is a social scientist with a keen interest in digital development. Previously he has worked in Eastern Africa. Loves to ride boda bodas.
ELISA TIKKANEN
Treasurer
Elisa has a master’s degree in education and she is interested in development cooperation. Especially she is keen on cultures and matters related to education. Elisa has been volunteering in Nepal.
HEIDI VIRTANEN
Secretary
Heidi Virtanen is a psychologist interested in languages, cultures and development cooperation.
SAANA YRJÖNEN
Board member
Global development studies master student who is keen on fighting against inequality and climate change.
KRISTIINA UTRIAINEN
Board member
Master student of global development studies
interested in gender equality, climate change actions and migration.
ILONA LOUHIVAARA
Board member
Ilona is a soon-to-be Master of Social Work and Human Rights, whose heart beats for promotion of equality, travelling and dancing.
PAULA LAURINMÄKI
Board member
Paula is an anthropologist working in international development. She considers India as her second home and spends as much time there as possible.
TANJA KÄHKÖNEN
Board member