International work has been part of Valo-Valmennusyhdistys since the very beginning. It is not a standalone project portfolio but a principle that runs through everything we do – a way of developing our expertise, strengthening the sense of belonging among the people in our community, and building a future where those in vulnerable situations can participate fully in society.
At the heart of our international work are two complementary goals: to enable our clients and staff to participate genuinely in European exchange and learning – and to continuously develop our methods and models together with international partners.
Valo is an active participant in European networks. We hold Erasmus+ accreditation in both youth work and adult education, as well as the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label. We are also a member of CEFEC (Social Firms Europe) – a European network promoting social enterprises and inclusive employment.
Our international activities include Erasmus+ projects and mobilities, multi-partner project collaborations across Europe, co-development of inclusive methods and practices, and exchange of expertise and good practices. We also maintain strategic partnerships with Finnish universities of applied sciences.
What We Work On
Our international cooperation spans the core areas of our work. We seek partners who share our commitment to inclusion, and we bring our own accumulated expertise to every collaboration.
Low-threshold services and accessibility – We develop approaches to reaching people who are furthest from services, including outreach methods, youth work practices, financial literacy and independent living support. We are particularly interested in how different countries design accessible, non-stigmatising entry points.
Rehabilitation and supported pathways – We work on practice-based and nature-based rehabilitation methods, peer support and lived experience expertise in recovery, Housing First approaches, and low-threshold reintegration for people with backgrounds in addiction or the criminal justice system.
Learning and basic skills – We develop support for participation in education at all levels, with a particular focus on adult basic skills (literacy, numeracy and digital skills), recognition of non-formal and informal learning, and work-based learning environments that make qualifications achievable for people who have struggled in traditional settings.
Employment and social inclusion – We work on WISE (Work Integration Social Economy) approaches to building skills and supporting transitions towards open employment, integration of migrants into working life, and solutions for people facing long-term barriers to the labour market.
International Work with Young People
Working internationally with young people is at the heart of what we do. Many of our clients have grown up in circumstances where the world has not opened up naturally – international encounters have not been part of everyday life, and independent travel or study abroad has not been financially realistic. We want to change that.
Erasmus+ Youth Work Through our Erasmus+ accreditation in youth work, we facilitate international exchanges and mobility opportunities for young people. An international experience can be transformative – especially for a young person whose path has not been straightforward. It can strengthen identity, build confidence in one’s own abilities, and open an entirely new way of seeing one’s own life as part of a broader European community.
European Solidarity Corps (ESC) – Volunteering Valo holds the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label, which allows us both to host young volunteers from across Europe and to send young people from our own community to volunteer abroad – giving those who might not otherwise have the opportunity a genuine international experience. Through ESC, young people can become part of Valo’s everyday work and community. Volunteering is built around four areas: civic engagement and community activities, support and mentoring, practical support tasks, and social entrepreneurship and innovation. Each volunteer receives personalised support and mentoring, and their learning is recognised through the Youthpass certificate.