Anti-Racism Week promotes equality

Anti-Racism Week is observed in March, during Week 12. In Kotka, events related to the week will take place throughout the entire week, from March 17 to 23. All events are free of charge.

The purpose of Anti-Racism Week is to promote equality and highlight the responsibility of individuals to act correctly in racist situations. The theme week coincides with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed on March 21.

Events in Kotka during the week include the Worlds’ Fair at Langinkoski Church on Sunday, March 23, Vellamo Open Mic at Maritime Centre Vellamo on Wednesday, March 19, the “Ball for Everyone” futsal event at Käpylä School on Saturday, March 22, as well as various exhibitions and international food tastings.

At Karhula Parish Center on Tuesday, March 18, at 6 PM, the film Kivinen tie (A Rocky Road) will be screened. It tells the story of an aging Afro-Finnish woman searching for her place between two cultures.

At the Multicultural Activity Center Mylly, Juha Vasku’s exhibition ORISA – From Africa to Bahia and from Bahia to Finland will be on display. At Mylly’s location in Pasaati Shopping Center, visitors can admire colorful national costumes from different countries. In addition, the Red Cross Skills House will feature a doll exhibition in its window display.

A Taste of the World
During the week, international cuisine will also be featured. On Tuesday, March 18, Korttelikoti community homes will serve Indian stew and Russian quark pancakes. At Skills House, food tastings from Burma and Africa will be available on Thursday, March 20. Meanwhile, Café Myllytär will serve baklava on Friday, March 21.

The week’s theme will also be present in youth centers, the Ohjaamo support services, early childhood education, schools, and the main library.

Organizers and Partners
The organizers of Anti-Racism Week in Kotka include Kotka-Kymi Parish, the City of Kotka, the “Kotona täälläkin” (At Home Here Too) initiative, Maritime Centre Vellamo, the Multicultural Activity Center Mylly, Kotka Korttelikodit (community homes), Leader Sepra, and the Finnish Red Cross Kotka branch.

Full Program of Anti-Racism Week in Kotka

Tuesday, March 18

  • 11 AM: Indian stew and Russian quark pancakes at Korttelikoti Muorikka and Ratikka.
  • 6 PM: Screening of Kivinen tie (A Rocky Road) at Karhula Parish Center. Light refreshments served from 5:30 PM.

Wednesday, March 19

Thursday, March 20

  • 11 AM – 3 PM: Fearless Tastes at Skills House. Food tastings from India, Burma, Africa, and the Arab world.

Friday, March 21

  • 12–3 PM: Baklava tasting at Café Myllytär.

Saturday, March 22

  • 2–5 PM: “Ball for Everyone” Futsal Event at Käpylä School
    • 2 PM: Mixed game for children and parents
    • 3 PM: Women’s tournament
    • 4 PM: Men’s tournament
    • Team pre-registrations: hiwa.haghi@koskenrinne.fi

Sunday, March 23

  • 10 AM: Worlds’ Fair Service at Langinkoski Church
    • Prayers and songs in different languages
    • After the service, at 11:30 AM, a pop-up café in Toivonsali will offer international food tastings

Exhibitions

  • ORISA – From Africa to Bahia and from Bahia to Finland (until March 23) at Multicultural Activity Center Mylly
    • Artist Juha Vasku will introduce the exhibition and talk about capoeira music on Wednesday, March 19, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.
  • National Costume Exhibition (until March 23) at Mylly’s Pasaati location
    • Guided tour of the exhibition on Thursday, March 20, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.
  • Doll Exhibition (until March 23) at the Finnish Red Cross Skills House window display.

Other Activities

  • The theme will be highlighted in youth centers, Ohjaamo, early childhood education, and schools.
  • The main library in Kotka will display materials related to the topic.
  • At Kohtaamisten keittiö (The Kitchen of Encounters), different services will be presented during meal times:
    • Tuesday & Thursday, March 18 & 20, from 12:30 to 2 PM
    • Friday, March 21, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Keywords Anti-racism
Target groups Immigrants Residents