Who We Are
At Finn Church Aid (FCA), we believe in the power of skill training to transform lives and communities. For years, we’ve been providing training in traditional industries such as agriculture, construction, and clothing, but we knew there was more we could do.
That’s when Ville Wacklin, (program director), and his partner Jenni Lähteenmäki decided to bring their creative backgrounds to the table and kick off a whole new project: the Creative Industries Program.
Our Creative Industries program is a one-of-a-kind skills learning opportunity designed to provide creative skill training to young people in marginalized communities. We recognize that access to skills training and entrepreneurship training can be severely limited in many low-income communities around the globe, especially for those interested in creative careers. That’s why we’re committed to providing opportunities for youth to unlock their full potential and thrive in the creative industries.
The Creative Industries program was originally launched as an in-person training program in January 2020, but we quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic and transitioned to online learning.
Today, we have trained more than 400 students in creative industries such as digital marketing, animation, graphic design, animation, web development and game development.
We’re driven by our commitment to creating positive change in the world through skill training and education. Join us in our mission to support and empower young creatives in low-income communities and unlock the potential of creativity for all.
How We Help
We understand that the majority of creative industry workers are self-employed, freelancers, or running their own businesses. That’s why our program not only provides technical skill training but also incorporates entrepreneurship and work-life skills into their learning.
We’re proud of the impact our program has already made, and we’re excited to continue expanding and improving our offerings to help even more young people succeed. Our team of experienced instructors and mentors are dedicated to providing personalized support to each and every one of our students, regardless of their location.
Our program is designed to bridge the gap and level the playing field for aspiring creatives. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, game development, web design, digital marketing or any other creative field, we’re here to help you turn your passion into a viable career.
At the Creative Industries Program, we’re also committed to bridging the gap between creative skills training and employment opportunities. We understand that even with the right skills, talented creatives can still face barriers to entering the industry.
That’s why we focus on providing our students with not just the technical skills they need to succeed, but also with the entrepreneurial and business skills necessary to turn their talents into successful careers. By levelling out the barriers from training to employment or entrepreneurship, we’re empowering young people to make a positive impact in the creative industries.
Learn more about how you can support the FCA Creative Industries program.
Our Core Values
Creativity & Innovation
We believe that creativity is a powerful force for change and innovation. We are constantly exploring new ideas and approaches to support young people and advance the creative industries.
Empowerment
We are committed to empowering young people by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the creative industries.
Equality
We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have access to opportunities and support to pursue their creative dreams.
Collaboration
We work closely with our partners, donors, and the communities we serve to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Quality
We are dedicated to providing high-quality training and support to ensure that our beneficiaries have the best possible chance of success.
Impact
We are driven by our commitment to creating real and lasting impact in the lives of the young people we serve.
Our Team
