A Step Toward Integration and Belonging - Tharindu's Journey with the Finnish Red Cross Savo-Karelia District

When my family and I moved from Sri Lanka to Joensuu, Finland, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. My wife, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Languages from the University of Kelaniya, worked as a middle school teacher at a well reputed International School in Colombo, had been awarded a scholarship to pursue her master’s degree in English Language and Culture at the University of Eastern Finland.

As a family, we saw this not only as an opportunity for her academic advancement but also as a path to secure better educational and personal opportunities for our child.

Back in Sri Lanka, I had built a long-standing career in the financial sector, which spanned over 14 years. I began my journey as a trainee in banking operations. Over time, through continuous learning and dedication, I took on more challenging roles in branch operations, compliance, credit control, and financial planning. Eventually, I was entrusted with supervisory and managerial responsibilities, leading teams, implementing operational improvements, and overseeing branch-level audits and reporting.

In my most recent role, I managed the finance function of an entire company, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and working closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders. I was part of strategic decision-making, and I had the opportunity to work on digital transformation projects to modernize financial processes.

I now have a clearer understanding of the Finnish working culture, improved language skills, and a strengthened sense of belonging.

Despite these accomplishments, I understood that moving to a new country, with a different language, culture, and professional landscape, meant starting from square one. Titles and experiences wouldn’t automatically translate across borders. But what I did carry with me was a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, basic knowledge on Finnish through mobile applications and a deep respect for the opportunity to grow in a new environment.

Once we settled in Joensuu and completed the required registrations, I enrolled in the official integration program organized by the City of Joensuu and began studying Finnish language actively. One of the key components of this program was gaining work experience in a Finnish organization to better understand the local work culture and improve language skills.

That’s when I approached the Finnish Red Cross (Savo-Karjala district office) and met Organisation Manager Kirsi Piiparinen. I expressed my interest in joining as part of my integration training and continuing afterward as a volunteer. She welcomed me with warmth and professionalism. From the first day, I felt accepted and included.

At the Finnish Red Cross, I was entrusted with a variety of practical and administrative tasks that supported the daily operations of the office. These included maintaining the coffee area, preparing coffee, watering office plants, assisting with Excel and digital tools, and helping during the office relocation by packing, transporting, and arranging workstations. I also handled regular office purchases and occasionally drove the office vehicle when needed.

These responsibilities might seem basic on paper, but they gave me the chance to contribute, build trust, and grow in confidence. More importantly, they allowed me to use Finnish in real-life contexts and interact with a supportive team on a daily basis.

My responsibilities gave me the chance to contribute, build trust, and grow in confidence.

I am especially grateful to Sari Valkeapää and the entire team, who guided and encouraged me throughout this experience. I learned how teamwork functions in a Finnish work environment, from communication norms to shared responsibilities, and became more familiar with platforms like Microsoft Teams and the internal systems used at the Red Cross.

This experience helped me realize that although I may need time to reach the same career level I had previously, I now have a clearer understanding of the Finnish working culture, improved language skills, and a strengthened sense of belonging and feel more confident in navigating the Finnish job market and embracing new opportunities as they arise.

To Kirsi and everyone at the Finnish Red Cross, thank you for your trust, kindness, and guidance. You helped me take my first meaningful step in Finland, not just as a professional, but as a person finding a new sense of purpose.

This text was originally published on our LinkedIn page.