Children and young people aged 8–15 can apply to the creative writing school according to their age group. Kristiina Kestinen, course coordinator responsible for basic education in the literary arts at the Adult Education Centre, explains that the studies help expand vocabulary and self-expression. Children enjoy being able to use their imagination.
– Creative writing also develops thinking skills, highly important literacy skills, writing skills, social skills and empathy, Kestinen says.
The groups in basic education in the literary arts meet once a week on weekday evenings at the Metso Main Library. The hobby does not require much equipment – a pen and paper are enough.
Kestinen recommends applying to anyone who enjoys creating characters, building settings and developing plots.
– Creative writing is joyful and fun, and you might even make a friend through the hobby. A perfect alternative to scrolling on your phone! In the creative writing school, topics can also be explored in depth in the company of like-minded participants, and anything discussed in the group remains within it, Kestinen explains.
Applications are submitted via a form that includes the applicant’s details as well as a writing sample. The text can be, for example, a self-written story or poem.
– The texts are not ranked against each other; they are only used to assess whether the applicant has a sufficient level of Finnish language skills, Kestinen adds.
Guardians will be informed about study places during June. If needed, a supplementary application round will be organised in August. The language of instruction is Finnish.
The email address is in the format [email protected].
