Leah is a five-year-old girl from Uganda. She is one of many children who have been forced to live on the streets, subjected to trafficking, and exploited by criminal adults. She has gone through experiences that no child should ever have to endure.
Leah’s parents abandoned her when she was only a couple of years old. She then grew up with her grandmother in extremely poor conditions. Eventually, things got so bad that Leah was forced to beg on the streets. Leah was then taken, along with other children, to the capital, Kampala. There, they were forced to beg under accountability adults who exploited them.
They hid the children in paper bags and sacks so the police wouldn't find them.
The children were subjected to violence and threats
The trip to Kampala was chaotic. The children told a social worker from one of Erikshjälpen’s partner organizations that they were forced to hide in paper bags and sacks. They were squeezed under the bus seats and told to be completely silent and hold their breath so they wouldn’t be discovered during police checks.
In Kampala, Leah and the other children were then forced to collect between 20,000 and 50,000 Ugandan shillings per day. 50,000 shillings is roughly 150 Swedish kronor (SEK) which covers a family’s food needs in Uganda for a couple of days. If the children failed to meet the quota, they were punished. They were denied food and beaten. And this went on for several months.
Leah with her classmates Photo: Dwelling Places
Leah with her classmates Photo: Dwelling Places
Leah was rescued and was able to return home
Leah was identified by staff members from one of Erikshjälpen’s partner organizations. They rescued her and took her to a temporary rehabilitation center. There, she received shelter, medical care, support, and psychosocial assistance. Her situation was assessed, and a plan was developed to give her the opportunity to return home. Today, she is attending school and has returned to Napak.
I'm happy to be able to go to school and learn new things.
Many children still live on the streets
Leah is far from alone in having gone through this. As many as 15,000 children are living on the streets in Uganda. Erikshjälpen has many years of experience in reaching out to these children and offering them rehabilitation, family tracing, and reintegration. But it also involves supporting parents, creating networks, and building capacity to empower people and government agencies to take responsibility. And this work is yielding results—not only when children are rescued from life on the streets, but also when parents, police officers, community leaders, and government officials who previously lacked knowledge about children’s rights are now joining us in the fight to stop trafficking.
Your support makes a difference
In 2025, 711 girls in Kampala and Mbale who had been living on the streets due to poverty were able to return to school thanks to Erikshjälpen’s interventions.
Would you like to help give more children a safer future? Become Monthly Donor or make a donation to Safety and Protection.
During Almedalen Week 2026, Erikshjälpen met with politicians, government agencies, Corporate other organisations discuss children’s rights, climate change, and sustainable development.
Among other things, Erikshjälpen highlighted how climate change affects children’s right to safety, health, education, and a secure future.
We are now making it clear that the climate crisis is also a children’s rights crisis and must be treated as such.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand also Erikshjälpen Second Hand the importance of not losing sight of the children’s rights perspective in climate work. A sustainable transition is not just about systems and business models, but also about children’s lives here and now and their right to a sustainable future. Discussions on textiles, circular economy sustainable resource use showed that more stakeholders are now moving from words to action and that collaboration is crucial to driving the transition forward.
The proposals are no longer just aspirations; there is a clear drive to move forward. More concrete initiatives and a willingness to actually make a difference.
Focus on Parental Strength
Sarah Campbell from Erikshjälpen’s “Föräldrakraft” project was among the participants in Erikshjälpen’s seminar titled “What Do We Need Parents For? – Trust, Support, and the Way Forward for Parents in Sweden.” The project, which is supported by the Swedish Postcode Lottery, works to empower parents in their important role and create better conditions for children to grow up in a safe environment. During the discussion, participants explored how society can better support parents and prevent children from falling into crime or long-term social exclusion.
Parents want to and are able to do the right thing. It’s about giving them the right conditions to be good parents and to take on the important responsibility they’ve been given as parents.
Exciting new collaborations
The fact that Almedalen brings together politics, business, and civil society in one place is precisely what makes this week so valuable. Through seminars and panel discussions, Erikshjälpen highlighted the importance of including children’s perspectives in decisions regarding both climate and social development. The discussions in Visby have concluded, but the work for children’s rights continues.
“We talk, share ideas, and inspire each other, and that often leads to new, exciting collaborations,” says Mattias Ingeson. “This week, we’re working hard to create the best conditions for our work for the rest of the year.”
Author: Lena Elf
Education, safe school environments, and the opportunity to shape their own future are some of the issues that matter most to young people ahead of this fall’s election. This is according to a survey conducted earlier this spring by Erikshjälpen among 30 young people participating in its “Future Workshops.”
Nearly half of young people have little or no confidence that politicians are doing what is best for them. Only 10 percent say they have a great deal of confidence in politicians.
Adults like to talk about children and what's best for them, but we should listen more to what children have to say.
The survey results show that young people are unsure whether politicians want to prioritize their needs. They also indicate that young people want to get involved in both social issues and matters that directly affect their own daily lives. They want to have a say.
“Politicians should answer our questions directly instead of talking over our heads,” says one of the young people.
School is the key to the future
The majority of respondents are between 13 and 17 years old (90 percent). When they describe what is most important for their well-being, the importance of school comes up time and again. They also link education to the ability to take control of their own lives—to having good opportunities to make a difference and feeling that they can shape their own future.
“I think the most important things for children and young people to feel good and safe are a good education, a supportive family, and financial stability.”
Feeling Safe in Society
Feeling safe both at school and in one’s local community is another clear theme. Several young people express concerns about crime, gang violence, and a lack of safety in public spaces. But safety also takes the form of good relationships, support from adults, and meaningful leisure activities.
It is important for children and young people to have someone they can trust and talk to.
Climate change is an issue that resonates with people, but levels of concern vary. One-third (33 percent) say they are somewhat concerned about climate change, while an equal number are neutral on the issue. The results show that climate change is important to many young people, but that issues such as education, security, and future opportunities are perceived as more pressing in their daily lives.
Immigration, integration, and crime are issues that people care deeply about
When asked what politicians should talk about more, many people mention immigration and integration. Several call for discussions on how people from different backgrounds can live together in society, as well as on how deportations are carried out in Sweden.
“Young people are calling for less polarization on issues related to integration, crime, and social cohesion. It’s important that their perspectives are given a voice in the election debate,” says Jonatan Saldner.
Author: Lena Elf
Erikshjälpen was founded by a child with a strong desire to help other children. That is why our young donors are especially important to us. This year marks the Sponsor anniversary of our “Young Sponsor program—something we want to recognize and celebrate.
Erikshjälpen launched Sponsor Young Sponsor in 2006 to enable young people to make monthly contributions to support children’s rights around the world. Much has changed over the past 20 years, but teenagers and young adults in Sweden still have a strong desire to stand up for children’s rights.
From early involvement to long-term support
Of the teenagers and young adults who became Young Sponsors in the first year, 85 are still involved today—20 years later. They remained Young Sponsors until they turned 30 and then transitioned to becoming Monthly Donor. This speaks to the power of getting involved and contributing early on, and how an initial commitment can grow into long-term support.
Exclusive anniversary merchandise for summer 2026
As part of our 20th-anniversary celebration, Erikshjälpen Ungagerad is offering Erikshjälpen Ungagerad to anyone who becomes Sponsor Young Sponsor the summer of 2026. You can choose between a cap and a tote bag. Are you already Sponsor Young Sponsor? Visit one of our booths this summer and increase your monthly donation by at least 50 Swedish kronor (SEK) and you’ll also get to take home the anniversary merchandise. Please note that the offer to receive merchandise upon increasing your donation is only valid in person at our events. Hope to see you there!
Here’s where you can see Ungagerad this summer:
New Homes Week – Mullsjö, June 13–21
The Torp Conference – Kumla, June 15–21
ReTro – Vetlanda, June 23–28
Gullbranna Festival – Halmstad, July 2–5
A sense of security and community is essential for finding one’s place in a new country. Mtslal Kflom and Yirgalem Gebremikael from Eritrea know this well. Through Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad Motala and Föräldrakraft, they have formed new relationships, strengthened their parenting skills, and found a place to grow together.
Mtslal has lived with her family in Motala since 2013 and works in a school kitchen. Her early days in Sweden were challenging. She was alone with her four children while her husband remained in Eritrea. Mtslal spoke neither Swedish nor English and had no social network.
“In Eritrea, all the parents stick together,” she says. “There, family, neighbors, and friends naturally pitch in to help with the children. In Sweden, the responsibility felt more isolating.”
In Sweden, the responsibility became more of a solitary one.
Today, Mtslal lives with her husband in Motala, and she feels more secure as a parent in Sweden. She says that parenting is always difficult, but that it becomes especially challenging as the children get older and more questions arise about school, homework, and discipline. While it hasn’t always been easy, her years in Sweden have given her new experiences and knowledge. Above all, she appreciates that children here have rights and the opportunity to attend school regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Mtslal is taking part in the sewing class at Föräldrakraft. Photo: Lisa Carlbäck.
Mtslal is taking part in the sewing class at Föräldrakraft. Photo: Lisa Carlbäck.
Yirgalem has lived in Sweden for nine years, first in Stockholm and then in Motala. She works at a preschool. At home in her apartment in the Eken neighborhood, she has her family, but she emphasizes how important the sense of community with other parents is. Through Föräldrakraft, she has had the opportunity to share experiences and build new relationships. For Yirgalem, participating has also led to new friendships. She and a few other participants come from the same small village in Eritrea, but it is only here in Sweden that they have gotten to know each other.
Yirgalem and Mtslal first learned about Föräldrakraft through other organizations. What initially drew them in was the chance to meet others, but the gatherings have come to mean so much more. In particular, the sewing class and group activities like taco nights and other food-sharing events have become moments they look forward to.
We recognize how important it is to create spaces where parents feel welcome and can grow together.
“When parents feel more confident in their role, it also has a positive impact on their children. Many have also mentioned how helpful it is to have people they can ask for advice and information about Swedish society, for example,” says Helena Hennings, program developer for Föräldrakraft in Motala.
The activities also help strengthen family bonds, and for Yirgalem, they have prompted her to reflect on her own health.
“It’s also made me think about how I’m doing myself,” says Yirgalem. “How I can take care of myself and feel good so that I have the energy to be the parent I want to be.”
Both Mtslal and Yirgalem have high hopes for their children. They hope their children will find a good path in life and avoid falling into bad company and insecurity. And for other parents who are thinking about joining Föräldrakraft, the message is clear: Just come! Here you’ll find support and a sense of community.
I recommend Föräldrakraft to everyone I meet.
Föräldrakraft is a project within Erikshjälpen’s Framtidsverkstad, funded by the Postcode Lottery. Föräldrakraft is currently active in seven locations across Sweden. The goal is to empower parents so they can support their children in the challenges they face at school and in life.
Author: Lena Elf
In the space of two years, M’Po went from being a 13-year-old schoolgirl to being married off and pregnant. She was devastated. But when she was allowed to return to school, it felt like she had been given a second chance at life.
– My parents couldn't afford to pay for school.
This is how 16-year-old M’Po Amanvi begins her story. She is sitting in the shade under a mango tree, breastfeeding her six-month-old son, Samuel. They live in northern Benin, in a small village between the larger cities of Parakou and N’Dali. Here, the houses are the same cement-colored hue as the dry earth, and even though it is only early morning, the sun is already high in the sky. M’Po explains that she was 13 years old when her parents could no longer afford the 25 West African francs—about 40 cents—that school lunch cost each day.
All my dreams vanished when I was forced to drop out of school.
– I was so sad when I saw all my friends going to school every day. So my mom thought it would be best for me to get married so I could move out of the house. But I didn’t like that; I wanted to keep learning and find my own path.
Instead of being able to go to school with her friends, M’po was married off to a man from another village.
Poverty is often the cause
In rural Benin, arranged child marriages are common; sometimes families even exchange daughters with one another. In the vast majority of cases, the underlying problem is poverty—and in every case, this means that the girls can no longer attend school.
It is difficult to say exactly how many girls are affected. But in N’Dali and Pèrèrè alone—municipalities with around 100,000 residents—Erikshjälpen has ensured that 300 children have had the chance to return to school since 2024.
M’Po with her son Samuel. Photo: Johan Larsson.
M’Po with her son Samuel. Photo: Johan Larsson.
I was overjoyed when I got a second chance at life!
A Path Back to School
Through an initiative we call Kingdom of Apprentice, older children can train for a trade and then gain hands-on experience through an apprenticeship. For a girl who has been married off, this is crucial, as it breaks her dependence on her husband and gives her the financial independence she needs. For M’Po, it was like getting her life back.
– I was overjoyed when I got a second chance at life. Now I’m learning a skill that will allow me to earn a living in the future.
“I’ve started dreaming again”
M’po has found new hope. Every morning, she takes a short walk from her home to a small house across from the big mango tree. At the entrance hangs a canvas with sun-faded pictures of hair models and false nails. Inside the salon, it’s cool, and by the time the first customer of the day arrives, M’po has already finished cleaning.
"Maybe," she says, "I can do a client's hair extensions on my own. But if it gets too difficult, I sit next to my supervisor to learn how to do it." On her back, wrapped in a colorful shawl, little Samuel hangs with his legs kicking along his mother's back.
– Thanks to this program, I now see more opportunities in life. The future feels wide open, and I’ve started dreaming again. I want to be able to provide for my son so he can make his own choices in life.
Photo: Johan Larsson
Photo: Johan Larsson
On Saturday, April 25, we celebrated ERIK's day our secondhand stores. Thanks to the tremendous dedication of volunteers, visitors, and customers, sales totaled 3,626,625 Swedish kronor (SEK). These funds will support our work for children’s rights.
Every year on April 25, we celebrate ERIK's day our secondhand stores across Sweden. It’s a day when we honor the memory of our founder, Erik Nilsson—and at the same time make a real difference for children around the world. Every day, our stores’ surplus goes surplus children’s rights. But on ERIK's day , the entire day’s proceeds ERIK's day to Erikshjälpen’s children’s rights work. Since ERIK's day in 2008, the day has raised a total of 44 million Swedish kronor (SEK).
New sales record
Thanks to the tremendous dedication of volunteers, customers, and visitors, this year’s ERIK’s Day was a huge success. Together, we set a new sales record for ERIK's day raised 3,626,625 Swedish kronor (SEK) children’s rights to education, health, safety, and protection.
Celebrations at many stores
Several stores celebrated with activities for both children and adults. These included face painting, crafts, and contests. Some locations featured bouncy castles and visits from groups such as the fire department.
Together for Children's Rights
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this day possible. Together, we will continue our work for children’s rights.
Celebrate ERIK's day us on Saturday, April 25, at any of our secondhand stores. It will be a day filled with joy, community, and bargains that make a difference. All proceeds from each store’s daily sales will go toward Erikshjälpen’s work to give children a better future.
On Saturday, April 25, we’ll be celebrating ERIK's day our secondhand stores across the country. It’s a day when we honor the memory of our founder, Erik Nilsson—and at the same time make a real difference for children around the world. Every day, our stores’ surplus go surplus children’s rights. But on ERIK's day , all proceeds from the day’s sales ERIK's day to Erikshjälpen’s work for children’s rights.
A festive day filled with activities, refreshments, and great finds
Many stores will be offering a festive atmosphere with activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy face painting, crafts, contests, and delicious treats, for example. It will be a day filled with joy, togetherness, and great finds.
That's why we celebrate ERIK's day
ERIK's day annually in memory of Erik Nilsson, the boy who laid the foundation for Erikshjälpen. Despite his own illness, Erik chose to bring hope to other children. This commitment is carried on today by people throughout the country and even internationally.
Erikshjälpen is celebrating its 80th anniversary
This year’s Eriksdag takes on a special significance as Erikshjälpen celebrates its 80th anniversary. The anniversary commemorates a journey that began with one young person’s desire to help and has grown into one of Sweden’s largest children’s rights organizations.
Erik Nilsson, 16 years old.
Erik Nilsson is playing with children at the hospital.
Erik Nilsson, 16 years old.
Erik Nilsson is playing with children at the hospital.
How Erikshjälpen Works to Promote Children's Rights
Today, Erikshjälpen works toward long-term goals to strengthen children’s rights in 16 countries, with a focus on areas such as education, health, safety, and protection. In Sweden, we work to ensure that all children have the right to equal and safe conditions in which to grow up.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand a crucial role in this work. The stores help fund our children’s rights initiatives. They also foster a sense of community, provide job training, and open new pathways into the workforce for people who are far removed from the job market. And by focusing our efforts specifically on parents and guardians, we improve the future prospects for many children and young people.
Celebrate with us and shop for the kids
So come celebrate ERIK's day us. Find great deals, socialize, and support Erikshjälpen’s work for children’s rights. When you shop during ERIK's day helping to give children a better future.
Listening 