Takala couple to open youth café in Laihia, Finland at end of August

Mauri and Jenna Takala are set to open a youth café in the center of Laihia at the end of August. The couple was motivated by their concerns about youth behavior and aimed to create a dedicated space for young people. “This is a small place, and it’s easy to feel isolated here; we’re trying to prevent that,” Jenna explained.

The Takalas involved local youth in the planning process through an initiative called Wilma, also sourcing ideas from social media. Young people expressed a desire for snacks after school, which the café will accommodate. Located next to Mauri Takala’s gym, the café aims to attract a significant number of young visitors. Amenities will include billiard and table tennis tables, as well as a movie room. Much of the equipment has been sourced through donations, while funding efforts via small fundraising campaigns have yielded modest results. The couple plans to apply for municipal support for air conditioning.

The café is envisioned as a welcoming space for young people, where the Takalas feel their own youth could have thrived. They aspire to empower youth with skills for the future, with plans for talks from the local fire department. “It would be nice if they could learn something valuable here,” Mauri stated.

Youth centers have seen increased activity, especially post-pandemic, according to Annika Palola from the Western and Inland Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. Local youth organizations like Allianssi confirm the favorable state of youth facilities throughout Finland. Municipalities manage the opening hours of their facilities, influenced by youth population and available resources. While funding cuts have been limited, some temporary drops in activity have occurred due to budget constraints. New facilities are being built, and existing ones are undergoing renovations.