Surge in multilingual students at Sampo School in Lappeenranta

In the Helsinki metropolitan area, multilingual schools have been a staple for some time. Close to the eastern border, in Lappeenranta, primary schools have also hosted foreign-speaking students, predominantly those who speak Russian. Recently, a truly diverse language hub is emerging near the university, just a few kilometers from Lappeenranta’s center.

At the Sampo School’s Skinnarila branch, the proportion of students who speak a language other than Finnish as their native tongue has surged from about a third to 60 percent in just a few years, according to Assistant Principal Hanna Laukkanen. Currently, students converse in up to 24 different languages, contributing to a vibrant school environment of over 200 pupils.

The school is located near a large immigrant community, and a significant factor behind its international character is the presence of LUT University and LAB Vocational School, which attract international students and staff, many of whom have children attending the Skinnarila branch.

Although the students benefit from instruction in their native languages, such as Persian, Arabic, and Russian, those who speak Chinese, Estonian, or Albanian are not enough in number for the city to offer dedicated classes. Finnish is the main language of instruction, alongside Swedish and English as part of the curriculum, with German and Spanish available as elective options.

For students like 11-year-old Nada Jafili, who speaks Arabic with her friends and Finnish with others, the ability to learn in their native language is invaluable. Assistant Principal Laukkanen emphasizes the importance of supporting students with different levels of Finnish proficiency, fostering an environment where multilingualism enhances understanding and camaraderie among peers. This dynamic not only promotes knowledge but also cultivates lasting friendships and collective support among students.