No more gray walls – the School of Eastern Finland found new premises in Lappeenranta

The School of Eastern Finland has operated for nearly 30 years in Imatra, Joensuu, and Lappeenranta. The core mission of this foundation-based private language school is to strengthen Russian language skills in Finland. Head principal Katri Anttila says that most students speak only Finnish at home, but there are also bilingual and Russian-speaking pupils as well as immigrants who learn Finnish through daily school life. 

 

“Here, Russian is a compulsory subject right from the first grade. Internationalism and language skills are the cornerstones of our school,” Anttila says. 

 

Multiculturalism is visible in many ways in the daily life of the school. Pupils come from across Europe, and Russian is also the home language for many. The main language of teaching is Finnish, but studying Russian supports pupils’ identities and language skills. 

Multilingualism broadens the world 

 

Bilingual teaching brings versatile and long-term benefits for children. Research shows that starting bilingual education early is recommended—the earlier children are exposed to two languages in education, the more naturally and effectively they acquire languages. This supports later language learning and strengthens cognitive flexibility. 

 

A bilingual environment also develops children’s interaction skills and increases their readiness to operate in a multilingual society. Bilingualism not only enriches their worldview but also improves their future opportunities in studies and working life. 

 

The principal of the Lappeenranta unit, Jani Naskali, emphasizes that learning languages is not just a skill, but also increases understanding of different cultures. 

 

“Even though Russian may not be the trendiest language right now, it is still very useful. Multilingualism is the trump card of the future.” 

Room for learning 

 

In summer 2025, the School of Eastern Finland urgently needed new premises in Lappeenranta. Kielo provided a solution that cherishes the unique learning environment of the bilingual school. 

 

“It was important for us that the premises are homelike and comfortable. Learning here is more demanding, because a lot of Russian is studied. Good facilities support motivation,” Anttila says. 

 

The design of the school buildings emphasizes versatility and functionality that supports pedagogy. Classrooms, workshops, and various common areas must allow different teaching methods and group work. In addition, the canteen services must be smooth and sufficient in capacity. Located next to the school in Kielo’s premises, Compass Group‘s Bistro Skinnarila prepares the students’ lunch and delivers it to the school.

 

The new premises of the School of Eastern Finland have been praised by both staff and students. 

 

“Wall-to-wall carpeting, a warm atmosphere, and bold colors make the spaces pleasant. No more gray walls,” Anttila rejoices. 

 

Kielo implemented the spatial solutions swiftly and in a solution-oriented way. Both students and staff have adapted well, and daily life runs smoothly. 

 

“We have our own canteen, our own routines, and spaces where people enjoy being. It’s visible in learning as well,” Naskali says. 

 

“We are truly grateful that Kielo is our partner. The cooperation has been exceptionally good,” Anttila concludes. 

Additional information: 

Heidi Sipponen 

Key Account Manager 

Tel. +358 50 4362 129 

heidi.sipponen@kielotoimitilat.fi 

 

Sources: 

 

Palojärvi, A., Koivula, M., Mård-Miettinen, K., & Rutanen, N. (2023). Manifestations of an expert teacher’s practical theory of language pedagogy in translanguaging situations in early childhood education and care. Apples – Journal of Applied Language Studies, 17(3), 23–43. https://doi.org/10.47862/apples.12919