Projekti Uudised

From pencil to AI: creating our project’s visual identity

The Mitra France team created the project’s original hand-painted logo through a collaborative and creative process. We began with several pencil sketches, which we discussed and refined together with our project partners. Once the concept was agreed upon, we brought the logo to life using colorful pencils, giving it a unique, handmade character.

The next stage was to transform this hand-drawn identity into animated intros and outros for the project videos. Using the latest AI creative tools, including Kling and Nano Banana 2, we first developed key frames and then experimented with different versions of the animated logo. We also incorporated project details, partner identities, and the EU logo into the final compositions.

From the first pencil sketch to AI-assisted animation, the process combined traditional hand-drawn creativity with new digital technologies, resulting in a distinctive visual identity for the project.

Inclusion of Ukrainian Refugees in the Estonian Labour Market

Approximately 79% of working-age Ukrainian refugees under temporary protection are employed, making Estonia one of the more successful European countries in integrating displaced Ukrainians into the workforce. Young refugees aged 15 to 24 find jobs faster than older adults and often match or exceed local youth employment levels. Many young people start out in retail, food service, or manufacturing, as these sectors require less initial language proficiency. Roughly 28% to 29% of displaced Ukrainians express interest in launching their own businesses. Proficiency in Estonian remains a primary hurdle: while about 47% can communicate in Estonian, flexible learning opportunities and more space for daily practice are still very much needed (source: UNHCR Nordic and Baltic Countries and the Estonian Refugee Council / Eesti Pagulasabi).

Nearly half of employed refugees work in jobs that do not match their higher education or professional background, such as cleaning, manufacturing, or kitchen assistance. Jobs that call for creativity are also popular.

Organisations such as the Estonian Refugee Council, the largest humanitarian organisation in the Baltic region, offer guidance on career paths, integration, and language practice for newcomers. Garage48 has supported Ukrainian women entrepreneurs in Estonia, giving founders the chance to learn from a highly digital business environment and Estonia’s digital-state expertise. The first programme for Ukrainian refugees ran from 2022 to 2024. In May this year, Garage48 wrapped up another Empowering Women Accelerator, and on 16–18 October 2026 it will hold a hackathon for locals and newcomers in Ida-Virumaa. One participant, Eva Golushko, went on to launch her own design studio after the Garage48 project, bringing together a small group of Estonian and Ukrainian women who sew small batches of fashionable women’s clothing while developing their creative skills together. Empowering Women is not only about building businesses — it’s also about building confidence, connections, and a strong community of women who support and inspire one another.

K-pop Classes Bring Young People Together in Vaasa

On 16 August 2026, What The Finland launched its new K-pop dance classes in Vaasa, Finland, bringing together 14 young participants aged 13 and above with a shared passion for K-pop, dance and music. The first session opened with a lively Random Play Dance, creating an energetic and fun start to the new K-pop community in Vaasa. The classes are part of activities exploring how dance and music can create strong communities, boost creativity, support entrepreneurship and contribute to integration.

The group is international and the classes are conducted in English, creating a natural space where local and international young people can meet, communicate and build connections together. Beyond learning choreography, participants are developing confidence, friendships and a stronger sense of belonging in the local community.

The initiative is also building connections beyond Vaasa. What The Finland has established cooperation with K-pop communities and organisers in other Finnish cities, including Oulu and Turku, who have expressed their willingness to support the development of the K-pop community in Vaasa and share their experience.

The K-pop classes are just the beginning. Future activities will include workshops, Random Play Dance events, day camps and other creative activities, giving young people opportunities to dance, create, connect and grow together. Through K-pop, different backgrounds, languages and experiences come together — showing how creativity and shared interests can become powerful tools for inclusion and integration.