23.3.2011

Turku celebrated new citizens of Finland

The festivities were now organised already for the eighth time.

The Chairman of the City Council, Mr. Seppo Lehtinen, handed out the certificate of honour to  Wali Hashi and Annika Hongisto.

Last year, 170 Turku residents obtained the citizenship.

On Tuesday night, a celebration was held for new citizens of Finland in the Turku Castle. The City of Turku had invited all Turku residents who obtained Finnish citizenship last year, and their families, to a reception. Amongst the invitees were also people who in their work or voluntary activities promote issues related to immigration.

The festivities were now organised already for the eighth time. It is the City of Turku’s gesture to congratulate the new Finnish citizens, and a reminder of the significance of multiculturalism to the city. Last year, 170 Turku residents obtained the citizenship.

The Chairman of the City Council, Mr. Seppo Lehtinen, handed out the certificate of honour to the New Citizen of Turku and for the Multicultural Act of 2011. The New Citizen of Turku this year is Wali Hashi, Reporter, and the Multicultural Act is the activity supporting multi and interculturalism by Turun Normaalikoulu and Annika Hongisto, Principal.

Claes Andersson, Writer, spoke at the festivities. He reminded us that our modern culture and art are enriched and influenced by the culture of the new Finns. Multiculturality has its own challenges and issues, but it offers plenty of new forms of culture and inspiration, without which we would be culturally much poorer.

Photos:

• Picasa photo album of the City of Turku

Read more:

• At Normaalikoulu multiculturality is a richness
• Wali Hashi is proud to be a Finn