TASSU equality and non-discrimination prize granted to activities promoting employment of minority groups in Espoo
The City of Espoo’s TASSU prize-giving ceremony was held on 21 January 2026 at Gumböle Manor. The TASSU competition was now organised for the ninth time, and the prize was given to Esbo Bollklubb ry’s football school and the lobby services of Lagstads skola offering workplace training opportunities for vocational special education students. The weekly Roma boys’ club also received an honourable mention.
Mayor Kai Mykkänen opened the event and thanked the prize recipients for their valuable work. He stressed the importance of young people having supportive communities. The winner of the external category is Esbo Bollklubb ry (EBK). The club’s recreational activities and especially the EBK football school promote the employment of minority groups and prevent the social exclusion of children and young people. Esbo Bollklubb ry’s Coaching Manager Sini Onnela explained that young people run their football school for 3–6-year-olds. It is difficult for young people to find jobs, so the football school offers them valuable work experience.
The lobby services of Lagstads skola, which won the city’s internal category, offer vocational special education students meaningful training positions that strengthen their confidence and encourage them to look for work in the labour market. During their training, students have improved their language and working life skills. Kastehelmi Vähäjylkkä from Lagstads skola said in her speech that we have all at some point been students without a placement, so it is important to offer these opportunities to special education students. Some of the students liked their workplace so much that they have visited the school after their training ended.
The Roma boys’ club received an honourable mention in the external category. The club offers Roma boys a safe and culturally sensitive club environment at a youth centre where they receive support, meet role models, and learn everyday skills. Mertsi Hagert and Dimitri Asp explained that many boys felt excluded from society, but discussions with the group have changed the situation. The club instructors have become trusted adults with whom young people can talk about anything on their mind.
Congratulations to all the prize winners!
