Village mentors support new residents in Evijärvi, Finland

Asko Latukka cycles into the yard of a newly built home amid picturesque rural scenery in Haapikylä, Evijärvi, located in Southern Ostrobothnia. In this community, it has become customary to personally welcome all new residents as part of the village mentors’ initiative. Village mentors are available in every village within Evijärvi, functioning as approachable resources for everyday matters, especially when the municipal office may not have the answers.

“The village mentor offers support even in urgent situations,” Latukka assures. Sanna Kivimäki, the development coordinator for Evijärvi, believes having a local contact can be especially beneficial in scenarios where residents need assistance that local authorities might not provide, such as finding the nearest firewood supplier.

The village mentor model was developed through a project called Landemia, which took place from 2021 to 2023. Experts from the Finnish Village Association note that similar initiatives have existed in different forms across Finland. Landemia served as a pilot for this scheme, resulting in tools like the village mentor guide, which is already being utilized elsewhere.

Although interest in moving to the countryside is evident, barriers remain, according to expert Johanna Niilivuo. Many initiatives aimed at promoting rural relocation often fade after their funding ends. However, Niilivuo is optimistic about the sustainability of the village mentor program, emphasizing collaboration among volunteers and municipalities can galvanize ongoing support.

New residents like Iida Mäntylä and Joonas Luoma, who recently completed their own home in the village, appreciate the welcome pack containing information about local cycling routes. They believe village mentors can significantly ease the transition for newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging that is crucial for rural communities.