The scenic landscapes of Langinkoski in the Kymijoki delta have become an important place of tranquillity for Farook Al-Dulaimi from Iraq, where he often goes for a walk from his home in Hovinsaari, Kotka.

–Whenever I have time, I go for a walk in the local countryside or down to the seaside, he says.

When Farook moved to Finland in 2015, the Finnish language seemed difficult. The climate and the seasons were also new to him. Now, 11 years later, nature, the forests and the lakes are the things he values most. Farook likes the fact that people in Finland are treated equally and have a great deal of freedom. In his home town of Kotka, he appreciates the good services and transport links.

–Summer is my favourite season, and Midsummer is the best of all the festivals! he says.

During Midsummer, many locals spend time in the great outdoors. They head to their summer cottages, have a sauna and spend time by the water. Farook has also become an avid sauna-goer.

Everyday skills helped me get started

How did Farook settle into life in Finland, a country so very different from Iraq with its deserts and mountains?

– In my view, the most important thing is to learn the language, for example through language courses, by watching the news and by speaking Finnish confidently. I’m still improving my Finnish every day, as I need it at school and whenever I’m out and about, he reflects.

Various integration training programmes, support from the city and good support networks – that is, the people and services from whom you can get help – also helped him adapt to his new life.

– Among other things, I’ve taken part in Ekami’s integration training for immigrants and the Sotek Foundation’s ‘Tulevaan!’ project. The project involved practising how to manage finances, use a computer and online services, and develop the skills needed for work. At the same time, we learnt about everyday life in Finland, Farook explains.

Iraqi culture still coexists naturally with Finnish culture as a natural part of his daily life.

–I often cook Iraqi food and use Arabic every day when reading the news or social media.

As a ship’s cook, the world is your oyster

Building social relationships in his new home country began by getting to know other immigrants first.

–Since then, I’ve made friends at various workplaces, says Farook.

–I’ve worked in various restaurants, including the Kalaranta Lunch Café, which gave me the idea to go into this line of work, and I’m currently studying to be a ship’s cook at Ekami. At weekends, I work in a restaurant. I’m already looking forward to the time when my job as a ship’s cook takes me out into the world, says Farook, describing his daily life in Kotka.

He believes the region offers good opportunities for study as well as interesting career paths.

–As well as Ekami vocational college and upper secondary schools, Kotka is home to the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), which offers a wide range of study options. Jobs are available in Kotka in sectors such as industry, logistics, the public sector and various service industries.

Farook feels that the future in Finland looks secure.

–The Kymenlaakso region has everything you need. It’s easy to get around, whether by car or on public transport. Of course, there could be a few more restaurants!

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