The history of Kirsikoti

The activities of Kirsikoti began with Raija Mikkonen's dream of creating a community where people with developmental disabilities and their friends could live together and engage in long-term artistic activities. She was deeply moved by the artistic expression and sensitivity of students with developmental disabilities in her school class. These emotions gradually evolved into a vision, leading Raija to purchase the former Saarivaara School in Lieksa. With the help of numerous volunteers and many hours of hard work, the partially burned building was cleaned and renovated. 

The planning of Kirsikoti's activities took shape when the Kirsikoti Association was founded on March 8, 1992 to support, develop, and maintain Kirsikoti's activities. Raija donated the property to the association through a deed of gift and presented the Kirsikoti project to RAY (Finland's Slot Machine Association). A positive funding decision enabled the renovation of the property and the dream came true when Kirsikoti was inaugurated during Midsummer in 1993.

"I started as a special needs class teacher in 1983 in Pankakoski. I got to know a world where life glows in all its forms. Authenticity, honesty, openness, the ability to live in the moment that is going on. I was amazed at their artistic talent. At first, I tried to understand and explain what I had experienced. I've gradually learned to be quiet and just wonder. In our culture, there has been little opportunity for their messages. I wanted to build a place like that. From this dream, Kirsikoti was born. " -Raija Mikkonen