Working with the Finnish youth services on the ESC project - Make an Impact - has been a wonderful experience. The town of Raahe is a special gem in the North of Finland and has a community spirit unlike anywhere else I've come across. The youth workers care so much about their work in the town that it made the project such a joy to be a part of and they welcomed us into their family.  

The people of the town were so open to us and we worked with them at the local jazz festival and ongoing events throughout the year. I was lucky enough to help the local theatre with their winter play costumes and ran events in the local community cinema.  

I would recommend to everyone to look at Finland for future ESC projects, especially in the North such as Rovaniemi, Kuopio and Oulu where some amazing events take place. Oulu has been home to the World Air guitar Championships since its beginning in 1997 and is a wonderful and joyous event to be a part of! The city is the European Capital of Culture this year, so it's got a full calendar of diverse and interesting events. Finland has been a very special place to live for the last 10 months, and I have been able to make lifelong connections and memories with the people of Raahe.

By Athene Cosgrave