Roland Nelsson, who was the leader of Erikshjälpen for many years, passed away on Sunday August 24 after a short illness. In a joint eulogy, the current and former Secretary-General share their thoughts and memories of him.
Memorial words by Erikshjälpens Secretary-General
After a short illness, Roland Nelsson has passed away. It is with great gratitude that we remember his life and work. He was Erikshjälpen's director¹, our predecessor, between 1983 and 1998. During this period, the organization was strongly influenced by his creativity, boldness and fearless willingness to try new ways.
It was under Roland Nelsson's leadership that Erikshjälpen Second Hand took shape. An idea that today has developed into a nationwide network of shops that finance aid work, create community, integration and sustainability. He was also one of the initiators of the Scandinavian Medical Bank, which enables hundreds of Nordic doctors to work voluntarily in hospitals and clinics around the world where knowledge and interventions are needed. Through these initiatives, Roland left a mark that is still bearing fruit today, changing the lives of countless children and families around the world.
Roland has always been a colorful personality, marked by a clear calling to serve God and help the most vulnerable. He liked to take over the room with his valve trombone, his ringing laughter and his subtle stories. These stories could be about statesmen and potentates he met, but just as often about vulnerable children and women who touched him deeply. Roland was a preacher at heart, a popular speaker and a popular leader. He thrived on cross-purposes when opinions were divided and the scales of debate rose high. After his time at Erikshjälpen, he was the organization's ambassador and inspiration for the rest of his life. He was interviewed at staff gatherings, spoke in churches and thrift stores. He encouraged and admonished in a good mix.
Roland was deeply attached to his wife Gudrun, or Guggan as she came to be known. He was also enormously proud of his children Camilla and Putte, and later his grandchildren, who often featured prominently in his stories.
Roland Nelsson leaves behind a rich legacy, a life characterized by faith, commitment and joy. For many, he is the very essence of Erikshjälpen. His importance for the organization and for children around the world cannot be overestimated. Many of us remember with great gratitude a friend, leader and inspirer. He has left a deep mark - in the wider world and in the hearts of individuals.
Authors: Lars Anderås, Bengt Swerlander, Daniel Grahn, former Secretary-General
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen
The title Secretary-General used to be called Director of Erikshjälpen. In the eulogy both titles are used.
Almedalen Week 2025 is underway and Erikshjälpen is there! This year, our seminar is led by young people from the Skäggetorp neighborhood in Linköping. The young people themselves have planned the content and participate as experts together with the Children's Ombudsman Juno Blom.
The impact of housing segregation and exclusion on young people is an ongoing issue. Everyone agrees that we need to do more and reverse the trend, but are we doing enough to engage young people themselves in the solution?
Young people from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad have prepared both content and message for our upcoming seminar in Almedalen. The young people are speakers, panelists and have had an active role in the planning, not only as "inspiration", but as expertise to challenge the image of the suburbs.
Adults need to listen to what young people want and not just make decisions over our heads.
Young people working together for solutions to societal problems
Before the seminar, the young people participated in workshops where they discussed the challenges they see in society, based on their everyday lives and experiences. They also shared their solutions and what they would like to send to politicians and decision-makers.
We give young people a platform at Almedalen
We see youth participation as a natural part of our work for children's rights. Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad exists to give children and young people the opportunity to create positive change for themselves and others based on needs, interests and dreams. Through leisure activities, study support and training in leadership and children's rights, young people are given the opportunity to develop their voice and to influence.
The seminar in Almedalen is a clear example of how the Convention on the Rights of the Child becomes a reality - young people are given both space and power to influence.
- "We want young people to feel that their experiences and opinions matter," says Jonatan Saldner, Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden. "Only then can we really talk about participation and sustainable community development.
Listening to children is not just nice, it's an obligation.
Seminar: We do what you talk about - how young people's drive creates change
Time:Wednesday 25/6 at 11.00-11.45
Location:Hamnplan, place 209 - Barnrättstorget in Almedalen
Lena Elf
Press officer
Nancy Mbiti is the 18-year-old in Western Kenya who is calling for sanitary pads to be free for all girls and women in Kenya. She is one of several brave girls at her school who have started to speak out against an unequal society.
For us in Sweden, it may not be seen as a big problem. But for girls and women in Kenya - especially in rural and poorer areas - access to sanitary protection is not a given. And even if it is available, it is not certain that everyone can afford it.
Nancy talks about girls her own age who have been forced to use rags or other textiles as sanitary pads because they can't afford to buy pads at the store. Sure, sometimes sanitary pads are distributed at school, but the distribution is often unfair and can end up in the wrong hands.
Nancy Mbiti is passionate about girls' rights. Photo: Kakenya's Dream
Nancy Mbiti is passionate about girls' rights. Photo: Kakenya's Dream
- We want politicians, especially those in Parliament, to pass a law that provides free access to sanitary protection across the country. If it's free, it's not worthwhile for teachers, for example, to get hold of pads and then resell them. It would also mean that no more girls would have to sell sex to afford sanitary pads and that the number of teenage pregnancies would decreasesays Nancy.
We cannot be silent. Menstruation is a natural part of life and something we must dare to talk about openly.
Writing opinion pieces to influence
When Nancy was in fourth grade, she came into contact with Erikshjälpens work in Kenya and was able to continue going to school thanks to ourcollaboration with the local organization Kakenya's Dream. Last year she graduated from high school and now she dreams of getting into university and studying to become a teacher. Another dream is that the view of menstruation in society to change.
- Free sanitary pads should be available in all health centers so women and girls can pick up pads whenever they want. This should be be as normal as having condom machines everywhere," she says.
Every month, Nancy meets girls of the same age who are struggling to get hold of sanitary towelsand she realizes that it's a topic that no one really wants to talk about. Something she wants to change. So she tries to talk about Menstrual health with her classmates and write op-eds in local newspapers to bring about change.
- We cannot cannot be silent. People are a natural part of of life and something that we must dare to talk openly about. It is our right to have access to menstrual protection andand should not depend on whether you can afford it or not.
Consequence of menses
In May, Erikshjälpen draws attention to Menstrual health and girls' right to health and hope for the future. You can join us and make a difference!
Read more about Erikshjälpen's work for men's health.
Svante Wendal is going to ski slalom and for every meter of altitude he manages, money is raised for children living on the streets in Uganda. In the past, Svante has raised over 20,000 Swedish kronor (SEK) for Erikshjälpen when he swam for children in Ukraine!
Svante will complete the challenge in Sälen on Tuesday of week 16. Several people have chosen to sponsor Svante's fundraising where they promise a certain amount for each meter of altitude that he manages to complete during Tuesday on the slopes. Svante's father Markus is helping him with the administrative side of things.
Svante Wendal from Bodafors raises money for children in Uganda through a slalom challenge. Photo: Markus Wendal
Svante Wendal from Bodafors raises money for children in Uganda through a slalom challenge. Photo: Markus Wendal
Svante wants to donate the money collected to Erikshjälpen's work for children living on the streets in Uganda. The work is to support children to get away from life on the street and be reunited with their families.
Svante's father Markus explains on Facebook how you can support Svante's fundraising by becoming a sponsor of the challenge. If you want to support Svante with a single sum, you can swish to 900 92 83 and mark your payment with "Svante".
On March 28, Myanmar was hit by a strong earthquake. Över 7.5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and the need for support from the outside world is great. Erikshjälpen acted quickly and startedthe a disasterntervention on the very same day.
The earthquake, which consisted of two tremors, mainly affected the regions around the city of Mandalay in central Myanmar. Over 2,000 people have died and more than 30,000 have been injured. In addition, around 3,000 people are estimated to be trapped under collapsed buildings.
- Many families have lost their homes and lack access to clean water. The situation is exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis in the country following years of internal conflict and refugee disasters. Although Erikshjälpen was quick to respond, there is still an urgent need for further assistance to address the crisis," says Rathy Chheng, Program Coordinator at Erikshjälpen's Regional offices in Southeast Asia.
In addition to homes and schools, key infrastructure such as airports, highways and bridges have been completely destroyed in the affected regions. Damage to dams in Pyin Ma Nar resulted in severe flooding and a major fire in Mandalay destroyed 50 homes. In total, 7.6 million people in Myanmar are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
- Children and families are the hardest hit. Many are displaced and living in difficult conditions without adequate protection from weather and health hazards. Children can no longer go to school because schools have been destroyed and they lack a safe place to recover from traumatic experiences. The psychological strain is enormous and families are struggling every day to cope with loss, uncertainty and just trying to survive," said Rathy Chheng.
Children can no longer go to school because schools have been destroyed and they lack a safe place to recover from traumatic experiences.
The importance of long-term interventions
- Our efforts focus on on emergency shelter, food, clean water and medical care. We are also prioritizing the safety of affected children to protect them from exploitation and further trauma. In addition, long-term interventions are crucial to rebuild homes, schools and essential community infrastructure and thus giving hope back to affected families," says Rathy Chheng.
Erikshjälp's intervention in Myanmar focuses on:
Food and water - emergency food parcels and drinking water, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Shelter and materials - temporary housing, blankets, hygiene and household items.
Medical care - emergency care and treatment of injuries.
Safety and security - protection for women and children at risk of exploitation or violence.
Water and sanitation - access to clean water and toilets.
You can help by making a donation to the Erikshjälpen disaster fund.
Exclusion among young people growing up under tough socio-economic conditions is one of Sweden's biggest social challenges. Now Erikshjälpen is awarded 11.3 million from the Postcode Lottery to realize the dream project Parental Power.
- "The need for parental support is something we often encounter in contact with our young people in Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad," says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen. "Through Föräldrakraft, we now finally have the resources to interact with parents as well.
Every year, the Swedish Postcode Lottery's surplus is distributed to the non-profit organisations it works with. By far the largest part of this is unearmarked money, known as basic support. But in addition to the basic support, there are the Dream Projects. A Dream Project always has a specific focus, such as one of the UN's global sustainability goals.
Want to contribute to safe families
Erikshjälpen's dream with the four-year project "Parental Power" is to contribute to safe and stable families. No matter where you live, parents should be able to support their children in the challenges they face in school and life.
A secure start lays the foundation for a lifetime, and caregivers play a crucial role in children's development and life choices. Good family relationships create better conditions for children to cope with adversity and reduce the risks of falling into exclusion, crime, destructive environments and abuse.
- "It is important to meet with other parents and exchange thoughts and ideas about family life and how to be a good parent," says a mother from a parent group in Motala.
One of the best ways to help children is to provide support to their parents.
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad is currently located in Motala, Helsingborg, Linköping, Borlänge, Uppsala and Kristianstad. The work includes giving young people tools to influence and create positive change for themselves and their neighborhoods. With Föräldrakraft, interventions are also aimed at inspiring active parenting and strengthening family relationships.
- With many years of experience working for children's rights in different countries, we know that one of the best ways to help children is to support their parents," says Mattias Ingesson.
Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Mattias Ingeson and acting Sweden Director Jonatan Saldner were surprised with the check during a visit to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Uppsala.
Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Mattias Ingeson and acting Sweden Director Jonatan Saldner were surprised with the check during a visit to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Uppsala.
Building bridges between parents and the community
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad sometimes meets parents who express a lack of confidence in their own abilities and who find it difficult to reconcile present parenting with challenges linked to finances and working conditions. Distrust of authorities can be great, so Erikshjälpen wants to act as a bridge builder to various agencies in society in addition to parent-strengthening measures. In this way, public resources and interventions can be made available to many more people.
Erikshjälpen will also develop meeting places in each location for inspiration, commitment and exchange of experience.
- "Erikshjälpen now has the opportunity to develop an existing business with new perspectives. It is important and urgent," says Anders Årbrandt, Managing Director of the Swedish Postcode Lottery.
The Parental Power project is expected to result in:
- 150 families per year participating in family activities.
- 300 parents who undergo the Parent Focus training.
- 500 parents take part in lectures and activities aimed at increasing knowledge about parenting in Swedish society and confidence in existing support services.
An important part of the project is the Parent Focus training, which focuses on strengthening relationships within the family.
The war in Ukraine has now been going on for three years. The situation remains serious and Erikshjälpen sees a great need for long-term interventions for affected children and families. Therefore, we are intensifying our work in the country and starting cooperation with three more organisations on the ground.
February 24 marks the start of the fourth year of war in Ukraine. Russian attacks continue to cause fear and insecurity for children. Recently, there has been talk of a potential peace in which the US would negotiate with Russia. But there are many concerns about what such a peace could mean. What is clear is that even if the bombs stopped falling tomorrow, the children of Ukraine still have a huge need.
The Women's Consortium of Ukraine distributes emergency packages to families in Zaporizhzhia. Photo: Women's Consortium of Ukraine
The Women's Consortium of Ukraine distributes emergency packages to families in Zaporizhzhia. Photo: Women's Consortium of Ukraine
Since the beginning of the warn 2022, Erikshjälpen has been on the ground in Ukraine. Part of our work includes material support and emergency aid, but also psychosocial support to give children safe places in the chaos. The psychosocial support serves as anshelter from the war. Children are given a place to play and be creative as a way to process what they have been through. Quite simply, a place where they can be children. This is work that must not stop just because peace is in place.
New partner organizations
To strengthen the work in the country, Erikshjälpen has started working with three new organisations on the ground in Ukraine.
Through this, Erikshjälpen wants to send a clear signal: We are not leaving Ukraine. We are gearing up to meet the enormous needs that the children in the country have and will have for a long time to come.
Erikshjälpen has previously cooperated with the organization Women Consortium of Ukraine (WCU). The organization has extensive experience in humanitarian interventions, both before and after Russia's full-scale invasion. WCUU supports families with children with cash, food, hygiene items, legal assistance and psychosocial support. Now theoperations in the country have been expanded with three new organisations.
Erikshjälpen's new partner organizations
Voices of Children
The Voices of Children's Center in Mykolajiv offers psychological support to children through individual and group counseling and psychosocial activities. Each month, the center receives around 300 participants, of which around 100 are new. The organization focuses on helping children cope with the trauma of war and creating a safe environment for their recovery.
Dobrobut
The Ukrainian charity 'Eudemony of Ukraine' works with children on a non-violent basis, emphasizing safety, respect and empathy. During the war, the focus has been on psychosocial support and strengthening children's resilience through a safe and communicative environment. The approach is adapted to the age and needs of children to provide the right support and engagement.
Martin Club
The GO MARTIN Club has been supporting children and women affected by poverty, war and violence since 1999. The organization works to provide them with social skills and opportunities for a better life. They promote a safe environment for children to grow up in, have zero tolerance for violence, and work with government and civil society to drive social reform.
Lena Elf
Press officer
Erikshjälpen's raffle of a unique silk dress was decided at the end of 2024. The dress was designed by Sofia Corneskog from Bankeryd and was worn by Sonja Aldén during six concerts. Now the winner has received her dress - and don't be surprised if it will be seen on stage again.
Actually, it was mom Madeleine who won the dress. But the one who will wear it in the future is her daughter Miranda Bergenkull Lorentzson from Gothenburg. In mid-January, Sofia Corneskog visited her to take measurements for the small adjustments that need to be made.
- I feel just like when I wore my wedding dress, a bit like a princess. It's very rare that you look this good. It feels incredibly luxurious and I'm so excited to wear it on stage," says Miranda as she tries on the dress.
It feels incredibly luxurious and I'm so excited to wear it on stage.
"I hope I get the chance to wear this dress on stage one day," says Miranda Bergenkull Lorentzson as she tries on the dress made by Sofia Corneskog.
"I hope I get the chance to wear this dress on stage one day," says Miranda Bergenkull Lorentzson as she tries on the dress made by Sofia Corneskog.
Miranda is 32 years old and is studying to become a psychologist. She is a musical artist with a degree from the Ballet Academy in Stockholm. While studying, she keeps her showmanship alive and performs as much as she can.
- I'll probably wear the dress for more formal concerts, like when I sing in churches. It's so good that the top and skirt can be used separately, then you can dress down the dress if you want. I have a friend who will soon turn 40 and then I have thought of using only the skirt, but it might be the top too.
The dress is made entirely of silk, including the lining, and the color is best described as gray-blue. "It's incredible. The color is so beautiful. Wow," says Miranda Bergenkull Lorentzson.
The dress is made entirely of silk, including the lining, and the color is best described as gray-blue. "It's incredible. The color is so beautiful. Wow," says Miranda Bergenkull Lorentzson.
At the end of November, her mother Madeleine found out she was the winner and called Miranda straight away.
- My first thought was: How crazy, how can this even happen! Then I thought it was really cool. When my mom said she was going to give the dress to me, I asked if she was really sure. If she didn't want it instead. But my mom was sure that I would get it," says Miranda.
- She really wanted to do it for me and I am very grateful for that.
62 140 Swedish kronor (SEK)
Over 380 people participated in the raffle of the dress and a total of 62,140 Swedish kronor (SEK) was raised for Erikshjälpen's work for children around the world.
Author: Johan Larsson.
Photographer: Lisa Carlbäck.
It takes more than just giving young people a formal seat at the table; we must also give them the tools and support to be able to participate, says Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Mattias Ingeson and Erikshjälpen's Head of Sweden Birgitta Johansson.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Ever since the Convention was adopted by the UN on November 20, 1989, it has been a global symbol for the protection and promotion of children's rights. Sweden also made the Convention into law almost four years ago, but we still need to ask ourselves the question: How far have we come in ensuring children's rights in practice?
The gaps between our neighborhoods are growing at an accelerated pace, a trend that is clearly reflected in the educational achievements, economic conditions and well-being of young people. Socio-economic disparities are not only visible at the individual level, but also stigmatize entire neighbourhoods. Young people's chances of success are strongly linked to where in the country they grow up.
We can no longer turn a blind eye to the downward spiral. Inequalities in children's opportunities must be taken seriously. All young people, regardless of where they grow up, have the right to an equal chance of education and a good life. Political action is now needed to slow down this trend.
Sweden, and other countries that have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are reviewed every five years by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. This is an accountability of how a country lives up to the rights of children. In its latest review, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child gave Sweden several remarks. These included that many children do not feel that their voices are heard and that Swedish authorities do not take children's opinions seriously.
Fine words and promises are no longer enough - our young people deserve real influence and participation.
Mattias Ingeson Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden
Mattias Ingeson Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden
A key aspect of the UNCRC is precisely the right of children to be listened to and to have their views taken into account in decisions that affect them. Sweden has made several advances in involving children. Children and young people now have the right to express their views on issues that affect them in both family and legal contexts.
However, there are still significant gaps in how children's views are taken into account in practice, particularly in situations related to migration and social services. Children's voices are sometimes not given equal weight, leading to their perspectives being overlooked in decision-making processes. This is a democratic problem and a loss for society as a whole. Children's views and experiences contribute to better decisions and solutions, for all of us.
We hear politicians talk about how they want to include young people in societal development, but it takes more than just giving young people a formal seat at the table; we also need to give them the tools and support to participate.
Many of the young people Erikshjälpen meets in its work with people in underprivileged neighborhoods feel like strangers in their own country. No one cares what they think. We believe this can be countered by empowering all children to participate in society, especially when it comes to issues that affect them. Allowing children and young people to own their issues, platforms and meeting places.
Minna and Fadek from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Helsingborg.
Minna and Fadek from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Helsingborg.
Children and parents need help to realize their potential and create the conditions to develop both themselves and their area.
These measures could make it a reality:
- Participation and Influence: Children and young people must be given the conditions and opportunities for platforms to exert influence and be genuinely involved. Municipalities and government agencies need to establish clear structures for issues that affect young people.
- Training: Politicians and officials should be provided with training on children's rights and in particular on children's right to participation and how to promote children's empowerment in a meaningful way.
- Child impact assessments: Child impact assessments should be a mandatory part of decision-making processes, to ensure that children's interests and rights are taken into account.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear. All children, without exception, should have their rights fulfilled. This means the right to education, health, adequate living conditions, protection from violence and to grow up in conditions that allow them to develop and reach their full potential.
So as the Convention on the Rights of the Child turns 35, let's make sure that children's rights are not just something written on a piece of paper, but that they are implemented and apply to all children, no matter where they grow up in Sweden. Fine words and promises are no longer enough - our young people deserve real influence and participation.
Now we want to see concrete action from responsible politicians and officials: Give young people to influence the decisions that shape their future. We want to see it now! Sweden cannot lose another generation to exclusion. Let's work together to create an inclusive society where young people's voices are not only heard, but also taken seriously.
Author:
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General of Erikshjälpen.
Birgitta Johansson, Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden.
Listening 