Applications open for 8–15-year-olds' creative writing school at Tampere's Metso Library

The Tampere Regional Adult Education Centre is accepting applications until 31 May 2026 for a creative writing school for 8–15-year-olds that meets weekly at Pääkirjasto Metso.

Kristiina Kestinen, the centre's curriculum planner for basic instruction in creative writing, says the courses expand vocabulary and self-expression. They also strengthen thinking, reading and writing skills as well as social skills and empathy.

Classes meet on weekday evenings at Pääkirjasto Metso; students need only pen and paper. Applicants are asked to submit a short text sample — an original story or poem, for example — which is used only to confirm adequate Finnish skills rather than to rank entries.

Guardians will be notified of placements in June. If needed, the centre will hold a supplemental application round in August.

Kestinen recommends the programme to young people who enjoy inventing characters, building settings and developing plots, and says the classes provide a friendly, confidential space to explore ideas — a lively alternative to screen time.

Study details and the application form are on the city website; contact is listed as [email protected].