Strengthening young parenthood - Vanuva

The objective of the project is to prevent the experiences of invisibility and incompetence of young parents at risk of exclusion.

The main objective of the Vanuva-project is to prevent the experiences of invisibility and incompetence of young mothers and their spouses at risk of exclusion by supporting their inclusion and ability to function, especially as parents, and strengthening their self-esteem, self-efficacy, and empowerment as well as favourable attitude towards education. The project reaches young mothers and fathers / mothers' spouses under the age of 20 in Pirkanmaa. An expert network of professionals working with young parents at risk of exclusion will be formed in this project.

The project develops new ways to empower young parents through reinforcing positive experiences and positive insights gained in their role as parents. The aim is to strengthen the involvement of young parents in the services provided by society, especially from the point of view of parenting and their role as educators. The project innovatively applies existing methods and interventions that are proven efficient and develops a new experiential 360VR video intervention based on virtual reality. Using individually appropriate interventions and positive experiences that strengthen inclusion, the aim is to bring new insights and experiences in strengthening resources and self-resilience.  

As a result of the project, young mothers at risk of exclusion and their spouses have been reached. Their self-esteem has been strengthened, their ability to function has improved and their prerequisite for working as a parent and educator has been strengthened. They have been supported on their chosen study and employment paths, and their involvement in the services of children and families has been strengthened. The cooperation between service providers working with young parents has increased through a network of experts. In the long run, it is possible to interrupt the development of exclusion and prevent the inheritance of intergenerational disadvantage.

Based on the information produced in the project, an action model will be developed to strengthen the capacity of young parents and positive experiences of their own role as educators. In addition, the professional networks have learned a new approach to working.  

The project is implemented by Tampere University of Applied Sciences in co-operation with public, private and organizational actors in the Pirkanmaa region.