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Mother tongue instruction

Pupils whose mother tongue is a language other than Finnish or Swedish are eligible to enrol in mother tongue instruction. Supplementary basic education is also provided for Sámi-speaking pupils.

The aim of mother tongue instruction is to foster pupils’ interest in their own language, develop their functional language skills and thinking, and strengthen their self-esteem and identity.

Instruction follows the curriculum for mother tongue education. Pupils receive a separate certificate for their studies. While studying one’s mother tongue is voluntary, attendance at lessons is compulsory if a pupil enrols in the instruction.

  • Instruction is organised if at least 4 pupils enrol for the same language and a teacher can be found for the group.
  • If fewer than 4 pupils enrol, the group will not be established.
  • Pupils from different grades may be in the same group.
  • Lessons are held outside school hours, for 2 × 45 minutes at a time.
  • Instruction may take place at another school, not necessarily your child’s local school.
  • Instruction is free of charge.
  • Huoltaja vastaa lapsen kuljetuksista oppitunnille ja takaisin.
    • The City does not pay for or arrange transport.

Enrolment for mother tongue instruction for the school year 2026–2027 has closed, but you can enquire about available places: perusopetus@hameenlinna.fi

If you wish for your child to participate in mother tongue instruction during the school year 2026–2027
or if you wish for your child to discontinue mother tongue instruction, please follow the instructions below. Note! This does not apply to pupils whose mother tongue is Finnish or Swedish.

Note! Remember to enrol your child for instruction, even if they participated in the school year 2025–2026.

Important:
Each child must be enrolled separately.

Enrolment instructions

  1. Log in to Wilma via a web browser at:
    https://hameenlinna.inschool.fi
  2. Select Forms from the top bar.
  3. Open the form Ilmoittautuminen oman äidinkielen opetukseen / Registration for mother tongue instruction.
  4. Fill in the requested information on the form.
  5. Finally, press Save.

When you save the form, the information will be transferred to the pupil administration system.
You can check the information by reopening the form.

👉 Enrolments are not accepted by any other method than the Wilma form.

If you have problems filling in the form, you can get help by email:
perusopetus@hameenlinna.fi

  • You can decide whether to enrol your child for instruction.
  • If you enrol your child by 20 March 2026, the enrolment cannot be cancelled after this date.
  • If a pupil begins instruction, they must attend lessons for the entire school year.
  • It is not possible to join the instruction in the middle of a school term if enrolment was not completed by the deadline, unless there is space in an existing group.
  • Jos lapsi muuttaa toiseen kuntaan kesken lukuvuoden, voit:
    • cancel the instruction or
    • apply for a new mother tongue group for your child in the new municipality.

Contact information

Perusopetuksen palveluohjaus ja neuvonta
Telephone
03 621 4145
Email
perusopetus@hameenlinna.fi

Eveliina Honkajuuri-Salokannas

Education Manager
Telephone
040 1563 639
Email
eveliina.honkajuuri-salokannas@hameenlinna.fi
Opetuksen hallinto
Last updated 14.10.2026

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