Free preparedness training from Vapepa and Martta in Kymenlaakso in autumn 2026
Do you want to learn how to help, work together and be ready when help is needed? During the autumn, Kymenlaakso village activists will be offered a variety of training, where you will gain practical skills in, for example, search, communication, first aid and mass food provisioning. The courses are free of charge and open to everyone – you can join without any previous experience. Registration is now open.
Vapepa courses
The Kymenlaakso Kylävara project and the Voluntary Rescue Service (Vapepa) offer village actors a diverse course package in different parts of Kymenlaakso in the autumn, where you will gain practical skills in search, communication and first aid. Register at least a week before the start of each course!
Course schedule:
- 1.9. 17-21pm Vape basic course (4 hours), Pyhällö school
- 12.9. 9-17 Search course (8 hours), Pilkanmaan Kuntotöyry, Kouvola
- October 17th at 9am-17.10pm Basic communication course (8 hours), Muurikkala club house, Miehikkälä
- 21.11. 9-17 Basic first aid course (8 hours), Kaipiaisen School, Kouvola
More information about the courses and the registration link can be found at:
Marta mass food training
The Southeast Finland Marttoden PAREMPI VARA – Preparedness skills for border rural residents project is organizing a two-part mass catering training open to everyone. Mass catering is fun to do together. The two-part training will give you the skills to perform catering tasks, both in emergency situations and at various events. Catering expertise in the village maintains and develops preparedness and safety skills. It also supports community spirit and trust in being able to take care of those who need help and support together in emergency situations.
The training consists of a theoretical part held on Thursday 17 September at 17:30-19:00 in Teams and an optional practical exercise on Saturday from 10:00-14:30 either on 26 September in Hamina in the yard of the Summa Village and Cultural Center, 3 October in Korvenkylä in the yard of the Korven School or 10 October in Valkeala in the yard of the Valkeala Youth Club.
For more information and registration for training, see the event calendar of the Southeast Finland Marta.
Village reserve – a toolkit for community preparedness
How can you strengthen the safety and preparedness skills of your own village community? Where should you start in village safety work? The core of Kylävara is community: it determines how well the village functions in exceptional situations and recovers from them. The Kylävara website provides tools and information on matters related to village safety.