The Finnish model for leisure activities

The Finnish model of hobbies aims to support the well-being of children and young people by enabling every child and young person to have an enjoyable and free hobby during the school day. The range of hobbies and activities is organised by listening to the wishes of children and young people. The operating model is planned, built and tested together with the parties that produce hobbies.

The city of Ikaalinen has received state funding from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Central Finland to implement the Finnish model of hobbyism starting in 2021.

In Ikaalis, children and young people's desired hobbies are offered after school at every school, taking into account local conditions and opportunities. Activities are organized in cooperation with the municipality and various stakeholders, including third sector operators. 

In the 2025-2026 academic year, free hobby clubs, implemented with the assistance of the Finnish Hobby Model, will be available to students at Valkean ruusu, Kilvakkala and Tevaniemi schools and junior high school. These clubs are intended to complement the existing hobby offerings offered by clubs, associations and entrepreneurs in Ikaalisi.

The 2025-2026 leisure activities can be found at 
http://uusi.kuntapalvelut.fi/ikaalinen

The new hobby calendar is open! http://www.ikaalinen.fi/harrastukset 
The calendar is constantly updated.

Associations, clubs or companies that organize hobbies can contact the project coordinator if they want to offer children and young people a hobby related to their own sport/theme immediately after the school day ends. 

Independent activities can also be arranged for young people according to their wishes. If you or a group of friends have something in mind for which you would need space or materials, you can contact the project coordinator.

Project coordinator Eija Puranen
pages 044-7301353
eija.puranen(a)ikaalinen.fi