Many new doors have opened in Åland

–  Åland has become my home. This is where our house is, our everyday life, and everything we have built over 13 years. In addition, Åland has given me new opportunities and opened doors that would likely have been closed if we had stayed in Latvia.

Language is a key

Kristine comes from a town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants, and feels that the range of culture and activities is greater in Åland and Mariehamn, especially for families with children. Despite this, Åland felt small and daily life quiet during the first period after the move.

– To be honest, it was a bit dull. I couldn't speak Swedish and had no idea what was happening here.

For Kristine, the turning point came after the SFI courses. As her Swedish improved, society opened up as well. Events, associations and culture became easier to find and participate in.

– Then I realised that actually a great deal happens in Åland, even though it is a small community. You just need to know where to look, and I am still learning.

Small things that make a difference

As the family grew and the first and second child were born, the picture of Åland became even more positive.

– That's when I truly realised how wonderful it is to live here. It is calm and safe, distances are short and everything is close by.

Kristine highlights what many Ålanders take for granted: that children's meals at nursery and school are free, as are school books and school materials. In addition, education is free all the way up to college level. This is an opportunity she herself chose to take advantage of by studying Hospitality Management at the University of Applied Sciences on Åland.

–  I couldn't believe that education was free, but it was.

The time spent studying not only provided new knowledge, but also a sense of community and language practice.

– For me it was a fantastic opportunity. Many doors opened after my studies.

Engaged in society

As a person, Kristine is both sociable and interested in community affairs. When an acquaintance asked whether she would like to stand in the municipal elections in Mariehamn, she therefore said yes.

– I had actually planned to wait until the children were older before getting involved, but I decided to give it a try anyway.

Already in her first election she was voted onto the Mariehamn City Council. By then she already had Åland regional domicile rights, which is not actually a requirement for voting or standing as a candidate in municipal elections. Today Kristine sits on both the City Board and the Education Committee.

– These are interesting assignments that are very rewarding, but also a little daunting at first because I didn't know how everything works. I am still learning a great deal about how society functions in Åland.

With the children in focus

Both as a parent and through her political work, Kristine has gained a deeper insight into how childcare and schooling work in Åland. She and her husband now have three children: a newborn son, a daughter in Year 1 and a son in Year 6.

– We have incredibly good schools that are tailored to the individual and based on the children's needs. Small classes and dedicated teachers also make a big difference. There is time for the children and extra support for those who need it.

Finding your way into the community

Kristine describes Ålandic society as open and friendly.

– Ålanders are very friendly and curious. People say hello, even if you don't know each other. That's lovely.

Finding your place in a new society takes time, however. In the beginning, the social aspect can be a challenge, especially if you lack the language. Learning Swedish requires practice, time and commitment.

– You need to get the language into your everyday life and use it – it is a threshold you have to cross. I read a lot in Swedish and watched the news.

In addition to SFI courses, she recommends Åland's Multicultural Association and the Workers' Educational Association on Åland (ABF), which offer courses, workshops, language cafés and other occasions where you can meet people with similar interests.

– In the beginning it was a great way to meet people and practise Swedish. A lot also comes down to your own willingness to participate.

The SFI courses are intensive courses with full-day tuition, and you need to be registered as an unemployed job seeker with the AMS in order to be admitted. This makes it difficult for participants to look for work or work part-time during their language studies, which Kristine thinks is a shame. She also wishes that more Åland employers would offer placements for language practice. She herself enjoyed her work placement at the clothing store KappAhl. 

Since then she has, among other things, worked as a project manager for Save the Children and is currently on parental leave from her position as senior administrator at the Municipal Social Services (KST).

The calm that makes everyday life easier

Today Kristine sees the calm and security as one of the great advantages of life in Åland.

– Life with young children is stressful wherever you live, but here I still experience less stress thanks to the proximity and small scale of things.

When the working day is over and between all the leisure activities, there is time to unwind. For her, it is also a great advantage that nature is always close by.

– I have always dreamed of living close to the sea, and here it feels as though that dream has become a reality.