The directors of the two largest public foundations in Finland in managing the students housing, Kalervo Haverinen, the Student Village Foundation of Turku and Matti Tarhio from the Student Housing Foundation in Helsinki met on November 14, the residences of Education Welfare Services of P.PORTO. As part of the presentation of the Participatory Budget for Social Action (opAS) in Berlin - the only Portuguese project distinguished in the 39th French-German Colloquium on Student Affairs - the representatives of Finland expressed an interest in knowing in person the reality of accomodation model of the SAS of P.PORTO.
The visit was attended by Paulo Ferraz, administrator of the SAS, where they had the opportunity to visit the residences of Parada Leitão and Bento Carqueja. The Finnish delegation highlighted the existing facilities in the two residences, namely the new concept of kitchens, the fitness space and the functional organization of the rooms. At the working meeting, it was also possible to approve a line of cooperation between the three institutions, in order to share knowledge and develop transversal skills of students from Higher Education Institutions. A cooperation that will aim, among other areas, interculturality, the sharing of knowledge and to promote a greater connection between students of the two countries.
The Student Village Foundation of Turku is Finland's largest student housing complex. Built between 1969 and 79, it houses approximately 3,500 residents annually in 95 three-story buildings. The Student Village is located in the center of the city of Turku, and in the immediate vicinity of three major universities. Built between 1969 and 1979 and is managed by the Turku Student Village (TYS), founded in 1966 by the Student Association of the University of Turku. Also the Student Housing Foundation in Helsinki (Hoas - Homes for students) is another example of what the student community can gain by joining forces. It all started in 1969, when 16 student organizations from the Helsinki region organized themselves, amassing modest capital, using a bank loan, to provide affordable housing for displaced students. This is the genesis of the Student Housing Foundation in Helsinki which promotes quality accommodation at affordable prices for students. In just over 45 years, the humble start-up capital became an organization with a turnover of 70 million euros and 9400 apartments for students.
