Press Release: Bloom ry Receives €5,500 Grant from Tampere University’s DigiSus Research Platform

Contact information:

Bloom ry
Attn: Kelly Keodara, hallitus@bloomtogether.fi, +358 44 9771977

www.bloomtogether.fi

Bloom ry Receives €5,500 Grant from Tampere University’s DigiSus Research Platform to Promote Digital Inclusion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampere, Finland, August 20, 2024 - Bloom ry, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between internationals and locals in Finland through community projects, has been awarded a €5,500 grant by the DigiSus Research Platform at Tampere University. This funding, granted on May 28, 2024, will enable Bloom ry to enhance its efforts in promoting digital literacy and inclusivity, focusing on the societal implications of digitalization.

Bloom ry is a dynamic community organization dedicated to bridging cultural and social divides in Finland. Through a range of empowerment events, workshops, and networking opportunities, Bloom ry supports internationals in integrating into Finnish society while simultaneously enriching the local community with diverse perspectives. The organization’s mission is to build a more inclusive society by fostering connections, understanding, and cooperation between people from different cultural backgrounds.

The DigiSus Research Platform at Tampere University is an interdisciplinary initiative that explores the intricate relationship between digitalization and sustainability. Recognizing that digitalization presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development, DigiSus aims to generate holistic insights that guide society toward more sustainable and equitable futures. The platform brings together experts from various fields, funds innovative research projects, and fosters collaboration across disciplines to address the complex societal transitions driven by digital and technological advancements.

The DigiSus Research Platform’s seed funding round saw a total of €140,000 distributed across 13 promising projects, chosen from a competitive pool of 39 applications. These projects were selected based on their potential to make a significant impact on society, their cross-disciplinary nature, and their innovative approaches to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization. Bloom ry’s project was recognized for its potential to create a substantial community impact by addressing the digital divide and fostering social inclusivity. By empowering individuals with digital skills and knowledge, Bloom ry and the DigiSus Research Platform are working together to build a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.

The grant awarded to Bloom ry will be utilized to create awareness within the community about the multifaceted nature of digitalization. By organizing workshops and buddy circles, Bloom ry intends to equip individuals with the skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape, while also addressing the social and cultural impacts of digital tools. These initiatives will target diverse community groups, ensuring that digital inclusion is promoted across all segments of society.

“We are honored to receive this funding from Tampere University. As an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges of integrating into a new culture and country. This experience has driven me to support internationals, connect them with locals, and use my knowledge and networks to foster a sense of belonging in this beautiful country. Diversity enriches and strengthens our communities, and it’s essential that everyone feels welcome here. With a strong academic background in research, sustainability, digitalization, and society, I have always been passionate about these fields. This grant has provided the opportunity to unite these areas, allowing us to explore the community aspects of digitalization. This is not just a chance to contribute to community work but also to research how digitalization impacts community involvement.” - Ruchira Liyanage, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bloom ry

Bloom ry is an association with a mission to be the bridge between internationals and locals by providing integration support through empowerment events that help members grow, personally and professionally.