Video details
Produced by: The Peace Education Institute (2024)
Duration: 3 minutes and 30 seconds
Spoken Language: Finnish
Lively music plays in the background.
The Add Something Meaningful project logo appears against a yellow background. Colorful shapes move in the background.
Two people are watching a video projected on a screen. One is wearing a hijab, the other has a dark ponytail. Text appears on screen: Ideathon Oulu, Spring 2024.
The camera then pans to young adults gathered in a tall room with blue walls, seated in a semicircle.
Smiling facilitator Helena Korpela sits in a chair and asks the group:
“What could the City of Oulu offer to young adults, something that doesn’t exist here yet? What kind of free-time activity? What kind of adventure? Practically anything that’s still missing in Oulu.”
Siiri speaks to the camera:
“It should be something that hasn’t existed before, something new and exciting. Something that would attract young people to join in.”
Delina speaks to the camera:
“I want to make Oulu better for young people.”
Shafi speaks:
“We could create a place where there are different kinds of games, or a space that feels like home—where I can feel better. Or just play something, feel good. If there’s a place like that, it would be better for all young people.”
As Shafi finishes speaking and Siiri begins talking in the background, the video shows Shafi discussing with another Ideathon participant. Then we see Riku and Laura talking, followed by three other participants, including Siiri and Helena.
Siiri says:
“It would be nice if it was something that brings everyone together—something everyone can participate in, so no one feels like they can’t join. It should be accessible to all.”
Raseq speaks:
“Let’s create something for young people—maybe a break room or something, with games or such.”
Participants are seated around a table with slips of paper and pens. Shafi writes something on a piece of paper and passes it along.
He begins speaking in the background while the camera shows others at the table:
“What interests me about this group is that I can make a difference in how young people could feel better—because nowadays, people are stressed out or don’t go outdoors much, and that leads to problems or stress or even depression. I’ve experienced that myself. When I was in Kamppi, I managed to get better because I had an idea—how to help myself. Because in that situation, there’s no one there to help you. You have to think: what can I do? And then I started to feel better. I found other places where young people go—to play or to meet others or find friends—and that helped me.”
As Shafi speaks in the background, the young people write on slips of paper and talk at the table. Helena joins the discussions. Participants smile and laugh at times.
The camera returns to Shafi, who says:
“For example, this place—Bysis—I found it, and it’s a better place.”
Relaxed music and background chatter can be heard. On screen:
Hang Out Lounge Opening Oulu, April 2024.
A DJ is playing music. Organizers at the bar hand Shafi a drink. The room is softly lit. A rainbow flag hangs on the wall. Someone sits in a wicker chair. Two other people are seated at a table with drinks. A sign on a pillar reads: K-18 (Over 18 only).
Shafi says:
“Today we’re having the opening, and we’re feeling good. We’re happy. People are coming—everyone over 18—and we’re feeling great.”
The camera shows the Hang Out Lounge. A golden pothos plant hangs from the ceiling. The DJ plays music. A few people sit on a sofa. Someone eats something cake-like. Colorful lights flash gently.
Delina says:
“I’m happy because I’m part of this project.”
Someone dances in the lounge with a drink in hand. People paint and craft a colorful rainbow panel together.
Siiri says:
“As a young person, I get to speak up for youth issues. It’s not the same if only adult decision-makers are involved—they might mean well but just don’t realize. When young people share their own perspective, it works better.”
On the table is a crafted card with cutouts from magazines: a sofa, a cat, a game controller, a guitar, and records. The message reads:
“Hopefully this stays here! Chill.”
Lively music fades in again. On screen appears the European Union logo and the text: Co-funded by the European Union. Logos of all EU project partners are displayed.
