Inclusion in Finland: Multicultural Families, Racism, and the Search for Belonging
Nordic Diversity Trainers co-founder, Susheela Daniel talking about growing up between cultures in Finland
This week, Finland has been once more reminded: racism and belonging are not abstract issues — they’re lived realities, which affect children, families, and communities every day:
A new study shows that 80% of non-white children in Finnish schools report experiencing racism, often without support.
The newly elected Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, and last year’s Lucia, Daniela Owusu, both young women of mixed and African heritage, have faced a wave of racist abuse in the public sphere.
Against this backdrop, our co-founder, Susheela Daniel, shares her personal reflections in this interview. Growing up as a Finnish-Indian, Swedish-speaking Finn, Susheela has navigated multiple identities, and has worked to empower individuals and organizations through diversity education.
In this vlog, she addresses:
What it means to belong in Finland while carrying multiple cultural identities
The challenges multicultural families face raising children here
How perceptions of race and appearance differ in Finland and abroad
Her personal experiences of safety and inclusion in the Finnish education system
Broader challenges newcomers encounter when moving to Finland