“Mahis” (Opportunity is in You) is the longest-running project of Youth Academy, since 1998.
It is a low-threshold tool to support the wellbeing of young people (13–17 years old) in vulnerable positions* through promoting their participation and inclusion in society and strengthening their feelings of being able to control their own lives.
Briefly, Mahis consists of two main parts:
- trainings for youth workers and other practitioners and volunteers working with young people addressed by the project
- grants for projects planned and carried out by young people addressed by the project.
The topics of the 1–2-day trainings include:
- Encountering and supporting young people in vulnerable situations
- encouraging participation with projects and the role of adults in youth driven projects
- elements of functional instruction and cooperation between adults
- taking care of one’s own well-being as an instructor.
Mahis grants up to 1000€ for youth-driven projects in Finland. They usually include 3–12 young people who are supported by a safe and trained adult or adults. The projects provide the participants opportunities for developing their life-management skills, peer-support, encourage their positive self-image and feeling of belonging in a community.
Recent projects funded by Mahis have included, just to name a few, camping, decorating a local skatepark, environmental art, a visit to an amusement park, a gaming event, horse riding, a trip to the neighboring city and a fishing activity.
In 1998-2022
- Mahis has supported over 2 400 projects.
- Over 20 000 young people have participated in group activities.
- Mahis has trained about 2 700 youth workers all over Finland.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, administered by the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organizations (“STEA”). Additionally, Alko, an alcoholic beverage retailing company owned by the Finnish government, provides the project financial support.
*For instance, low income, immigrant, alcohol use, difficulties in learning, loneliness, health issues or otherwise defined by the instructor.
Read more:
Mahis.info (in Finnish)
Mahis – The Opportunity is in You: Guide for Instructors in English