child participation and inclusion were in focusat this year's child rightsconference in Jönköping, which was organized by, among others, the countystyrelsen and Erikshjälpen.
- When the new Social Services Act comes into force next year, it will be crucial that we intensify work on preventive interventions for children and young people, said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall. For this we neede need a strong civil society that can build bridges and contribute with its resources and knowledge.
During the Children's Rights Conference at Jönköping University, around 300 participants from schools, social services, health care and the non-profit sector gathered to discuss how child participation can be strengthened. Through lectures and panel discussions, they discussed how adults can become better at including children in important decisions.
From left: Hanna Löfstrand, Abdifatah Mustafe, Houler Akhwarzi and Mattias Ingeson.
From left: Hanna Löfstrand, Abdifatah Mustafe, Houler Akhwarzi and Mattias Ingeson.
- "Every day, Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad meets committed children and young people who want to be involved in the development of society," says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen. "But society needs to create structures where children's voices are taken seriously and have a real impact.
In one of the panel discussions, socialtMinister for Social Affairs Camilla Waltersson Grönvall, Police Commissioner Carin Götblad and Jönköping County Governor Brittis Benzler. They shared their perspectives on child participation and were questioned by young people from Vetlanda Youth Council and Underground Råslätt.
- As a as a minister, it is obviously important to listen to children's voices if you are to drive credible changee, said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.
Listening to children's voices is obviously important to drive credible change.
From left: Brittis Benzler, Camilla Waltersson Grönvall and Mattias Ingeson.
From left: Brittis Benzler, Camilla Waltersson Grönvall and Mattias Ingeson.
The day included lectures and seminars on children's rights and how adults can work to ensure that children are heard and taken seriously in decisions that affect their daily lives. By bringing together experts, politicians, civil servants and young people, the conference is an important platform for promoting children's rights work both in the region and nationally.
The conference was organized by the focus group on children's rights in Jönköping County, in collaboration with Save the Children, RF-Sisu, Erikshjälpen, Women's and Girls' Shelter, Share Music & Performing Arts, Region Jönköping County, Municipal Development, Jönköping University, Jönköping Municipality, Vetlanda Municipality and the County Administrative Board of Jönköping County.
After months of uncertainty Erikshjälpen received the long-awaited news that it had reached the final stage of the selection process at Sida.
- We are incredibly grateful for the trust and look forward to deepening our cooperation, says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen.
The government's new aid reform, and Sida's announcement that it would terminate existing agreements, risked putting an end to several of Erikshjälpen's interventions in the world's most vulnerable countries.
Burkina Faso is one of the countries that the Swedish government has chosen to phase out, but which continues to receive support from Erikshjälpen.
Burkina Faso is one of the countries that the Swedish government has chosen to phase out, but which continues to receive support from Erikshjälpen.
Erikshjälpen has previously had its Funding through the Swedish Mission Council (SMR), but now a process was started where they had the opportunity to apply for funding directly from Sida. An application was submitted together with the British organization Cord.
- "With the changes that have taken place, we feel it is time to take this step," says Mattias Ingeson. Cord contributes valuable expertise in areas such as conflict management and peacebuilding, which complements our child rights-based approach. Something that is becoming increasingly important in many of the areas where we operate.
Cord brings valuable expertise in areas such as conflict management and peacebuilding, which complements our child rights-based approach.
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General Erikshjälpen.
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General Erikshjälpen.
Erikshjälpen has now been invited to a first dialog meeting with Sida on November 6 to get more information about the upcoming application. There are still questions to be answered, such as levels of support and what further selection looks like, but Mattias Ingeson is cautiously positive.
- We are happy and excited to have come this far. I do not want to pre-empt the dialogue that we have with our partner and with Sida, but as I see it, we definitely have the capacity to double our interventions compared to today.
We are happy and excited to have come this far.
An in-depth application must be submitted to Sida by February 1, 2025.
This year, Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad turns 5 years old. During its first five years in Adolfsberg in Helsingborg, it has already made a big impact.
Activities coordinators Damir Softic and Mariam Zaoujan tell us how Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad has developed and how they see the future. During the anniversary, we get to meet Ismet, one of the first young people at the future workshop in Adolfsberg. Today he is a committed leader himself.
- The Future Workshop means a lot to me. Here I have gotten help with school, practiced in the second-hand shop and gotten help with finding my first job. I have participated in various leadership trainings and now I organize football trainings and tournaments for other children in the area.
The Future Workshop means a lot to me.
Damir and Ismet.
Damir and Ismet.
It is in Erikshjälpen Second Hand's shop at Måndagsgatan 6 in Adolfsberg that children and young people's dreams for the future take shape. At Erikshjälpen's Future Workshop, they get the opportunity to explore their driving forces, strengthen their abilities and feel that they can influence the development of their own neighborhood.
- For many, it's simply about finding their voice and daring to believe that it matters," says Mariam. "With us, each individual is supported to develop, not only as a person but also in community with others. It's about more than just activities - it's about building self-confidence and faith in the future.
It's about more than just activities - it's about building confidence and trust.
Birgitta Johansson, Rossol Saaid, Mariam Zaoujan, Damir Softic and Håkan Giselsson.
Birgitta Johansson, Rossol Saaid, Mariam Zaoujan, Damir Softic and Håkan Giselsson.
The celebration included a breakfast with cake. The guests included various professionals working with young people in the area. Neighborhood police officers, social services and politicians, who all meet the same young people, but in different roles.
- " Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad is the glue that holds our collaboration together," says Christina Wideland from the City Planning Office in Helsingborg, who works with "Mitt Adolfsberg" and the "Trygghetsprojektet". "We are so happy that you are here to stay.
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad is the glue that holds our collaboration together.
Collaboration was indeed the key word of the morning. Around the coffee tables, both opportunities and challenges were discussed. Lenah and Olivia, area police officers in Adolfsberg, talked about the concern they felt after Adolfsberg's leisure center closed last year. But how safety in the area could still be maintained by Erikshjälpen together with actors from the City of Helsingborg and various youth associations filling the void together.
- "Many people in Adolfsberg don't even believe they have a future," says Lenah. "Together we can build trust and confidence in the adult world and instill hope in young people.
Together, we can build trust and confidence in the adult world and instill hope in young people.
Sofia Corneskog from Bankeryd has designed dresses for celebrities like Carola and Carina Bergfeldt. Now she has made a unique silk dress for Sonja Aldén and it can be yours if you make a contribution to Erikshjälpen.
- "It has always been my goal to use my knowledge to make the world a little better, and Erikshjälpen was closest to my heart," she says.
Sofia Corneskog has her studio in the old station house in Bankeryd. Here, white, loving wedding dresses share space with sparkling gala dresses for celebrity-packed parties. Sofia Wistam, Carina Bergfeldt, Arja Saijonmaa, Lina Hedlund and not least Carola are some well-known names who have worn dresses designed by Sofia - now you can too.
Sofia Corneskog is known for her stunning tulle creations and describes her designs as glamorous, playful and voluminous. The dress in the picture is not the one being raffled.
Sofia Corneskog is known for her stunning tulle creations and describes her designs as glamorous, playful and voluminous. The dress in the picture is not the one being raffled.
- Whoever wins the dress, wins a garment of the highest quality that is handmade in Sweden based on my style and design language. It could be used at a New Year's Eve party, for example, but is of course equally suitable for any party. The dress is two-piece and it is possible to use only the top or skirt if you want. This means that it can easily be dressed up or down, says Sofia.
The dress Sofia is donating to Erikshjälpen was designed together with singer Sonja Aldén. It is made entirely of silk, including the lining, and the color is best described as grey-blue. Sonja will wear the dress during six concerts this fall and then it will be raffled off to a lucky winner who has donated at least Swedish kronor (SEK) 100 to Erikshjälpen.
- This is not a dress from a large chain that supplies garments from a factory abroad, but a completely unique dress that I have designed in collaboration with Sonja. We have also thought about how it should attract the winner and I am happy to help with styling tips such as which shoes and accessories to match - and of course I adjust the dress to suit the winner.
The bright studio in Bankeryd radiates creativity with a large table filled with fabric in the center of the room. Sofia has about ten garments in progress at any one time and has customers all over Sweden. Her design language is glamorous but playful, preferably large tulle creations.
- I like it to be visible and want it to be quite voluminous. The dress I'm making for Erikshjälpen is solid colored but still with a lot of structure. Most focus is on the top while the skirt is a little simpler so that it does not become a circus outfit. For me and Sonja, quality is also important and that's why we chose silk, which is a durable material. Since silk breathes, the dress is also comfortable to wear," says Sofia.
For me and Sonja, quality is also important, which is why we chose silk, which is a durable material.
Sofia studied at the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås and then did her apprenticeship in Gothenburg. After a few years outside the forests of Småland, she moved to Bankeryd in 2013 and started the company Sofia Corneskog Couture. She has also been a monthly donor to Erikshjälpen for almost 30 years.
- I am a preschool teacher and have my own children, so children's rights issues are important to me. Erikshjälpen is really on the side of the children and I am confident that the help will arrive.
The competition closed on November 18, 2024
The winner was Madeleine Bergenkull!
Together we raised 62 140 Swedish kronor (SEK). Thank you to everyone who participated in the raffle!
On Saturday, October 5, all daily cash registers from Erikshjälpen Second Hand's stores will go to Radiohjälpen's fundraising campaign "Världens Barn". The project that we highlight in this year's campaign is about how portable schools in Bangladesh ensure that children can continue to go to school despite poverty and climate disasters.
Erikshjälpen is contributing to the Världens Barn campaign for the 27th year and has been involved since the start. Last year, the second-hand shops sold for an unimaginable 3,703,294 Swedish kronor (SEK). In addition to donating the daily takings, many of Erikshjälpen Second Hand's 52 shops draw attention to Världens Barn through various activities.
-"In our stores there is always a great commitment to children," says Jerker Sandell, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand. "The Världens Barn campaign gives us the opportunity to do even more for children around the world.
The World's Children campaign gives us the opportunity to do even more for children around the world.
Children of the World
Världens Barn, Sweden's largest fundraising campaign for children's right to health, school and security, is carried out in a unique collaboration with Swedish Television, Swedish Radio P4, Erikshjälpen and 13 other aid organizations. Every year, Radiohjälpen grants funds to around thirty projects in as many countries. All organisations involved in the campaign highlight a special project each year.
- Around the world, many millions of children live in insecurity due to war and disasters. Our knowledge, willingness and ability to help them affects the future development more than anything else and defines who we are, says Mattias Ingeson, Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General and Chairman of the Board of the Swedish National Fund for Children.
Mim and her friends are playing in the schoolyard.
Mim and her friends are playing in the schoolyard.
Erikshjälp's focus this year - portable schools
Mim, her parents and five siblings live on one of the many sand islands in the Brahmaputra river delta in Bangladesh. Floods, cyclones and other natural disasters strike the area several times a year, causing great devastation. Landslides and soil erosion make it difficult to build roads and schools. But thanks to the portable school, which Erikshjälpen has established together with its local partner Friendship, children in the area have the opportunity to go to school. Mim and her friends have learned about their rights and how to build up preparedness to cope with natural disasters.
Shop for the world's children
Visit one of our second-hand shops on Saturday, October 5 and shop for the children of the world.
In the fall budget, the government is making significant cuts to Sweden's international aid, removing an additional SEK 3 billion per year from 2026-2028.
- As a child rights organisation , Erikshjälpen is deeply concerned about the decisions that are now being made for aid policy, says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen. The government is once again backing away from its global responsibility. Further reducing aid means that Sweden will most likely not be able to meet its international commitments. Only a small part of the global goals are expected to be achieved by 2030.
The cuts are visible in area after area. Climate, peace work, aid, gender equality, trade and not least daring to demand that Corporate take responsibility for human rights.It is now more important than ever that Erikshjälpen continues to work in the hard-hit countries that the government chooses to leave to their fate.
As a child rights organisation , Erikshjälpen is deeply concerned about the decisions now being made for aid policy.
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General of Erikshjälpen
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General of Erikshjälpen
New government decision for Sida support
In the same week as the autumn budget was presented, the government also decided on a new strategy for support to civil society (the CIVSAM strategy). The strategy is valid between 2025-2029 and it is through this that Erikshjälpen and other civil society organizations receive support for their activities.
The situation in Burkina Faso is one of the world's most forgotten conflicts. The country is one of those that the Swedish government is leaving, but where Erikshjälp's interventions continue.
The situation in Burkina Faso is one of the world's most forgotten conflicts. The country is one of those that the Swedish government is leaving, but where Erikshjälp's interventions continue.
Erikshjälpen is cautiously positive about the new strategy. The government will continue to emphasize the rights of women and girls, an area that Erikshjälpen prioritizes in many of its interventions. An area that Erikshjälpen prioritizes in several of its interventions. The following lines also give hope for the future:
"It is by investing in the younger generation that aid can help lay the foundations for longer-term positive change in the welfare of poor countries. For this reason, attention should also be given to activities that include children, their experiences and life situations."
- "The doors for continued support to Erikshjälpen are still open," says Mattias Ingeson. "Now Sida can decide who will be allowed to apply for funding for next year and beyond. We hope for a positive decision within a few weeks.
We hope for a positive decision within a few weeks.
To go to school. Not to be married off. To have the opportunity to dream and to dare to believe that the best is in the future. It is the right of every child.
Today, there are 250 million children around the world who cannot go to school. Jannatul Ferdus, 11, is one of the children at the Pakkhali Education Center, an education center supported by Erikshjälp's donors. We are in southern Bangladesh, out in the countryside where the landscape is constantly changing and children's access to education is limited.
In the area of the Pakkhali Education Center in southern Bangladesh, there are around 500 families. Many of the children come here to receive remedial education and participate in various activities. There is also a parent group attached to the center. Few children here continue their studies beyond grade 5, but at the center they are supported to cope with school and prepare for further studies. Last year, eight children were helped to progress to secondary school.
Currently, 33 students are enrolled at Pakkhali Education Center, of which 22 are girls, grades 2-5.
- We get extra lessons and help with homework. But we also get to dance and sing and have fun together," says Jannatul with a smile.
We get extra tuition and help with homework.
Jannatul Ferdus, 11, attends school at the Pakkhali Education Center in southern Bangladesh.
Jannatul Ferdus, 11, attends school at the Pakkhali Education Center in southern Bangladesh.
Poverty, poor roads, long distances to school, low levels of parental education and marriage are some of the reasons why many children do not attend school for many years. Families cannot afford to send their children to school. Instead, girls risk being married off and boys are forced to work. Many children have parents who did not go to school themselves and therefore do not receive much support with schoolwork from home. This is why the center is so important! Several children have been helped to apply for scholarships that enable them to continue studying despite their family's financial situation.
- Here we get the opportunity to prepare ourselves and we get help to pass school so that we can continue our studies," says Jannatul. She continues:
- We have different study circles and support each other. We also celebrate and recognize each other when things go well.
Inside the center, there are safe adults who support the children. Outside, the children grow vegetables, fruit and flowers. Together they have started a small fund, through which they help each other when someone in the group is having a particularly tough time financially.
Pakkhali Education Center has 33 students enrolled, 22 of whom are girls in grades 2-5.
Pakkhali Education Center has 33 students enrolled, 22 of whom are girls in grades 2-5.
Disaster preparedness, sustainability and equipping children to adapt to climate change is one of the objectives of the activity. Giving children a better understanding of their rights and being involved in influencing their local village is another. Giving children meaningful leisure time and the opportunity to succeed in their studies is a third. And the benefits are enormous. The children shine when they talk about what the center means to them, this is their context.
- We take care of each other and the center together, it's fun to be part of it, says Jannatul and her friends next to her nod eagerly.
Together with our local partner, Erikshjälpen supports several interventions in Bangladesh, to fulfill children's right to go to school, ensure that they feel good and feel safe.
Support our work for children's right to education
Thanks to you, more children can go to school and dream of a bright future.
Give a gift to children's right to education
Gudrun Brunegård Member of Parliament and spokesperson on development policy for the Christian Democrats visitede this week Erikshjälpens head office in Huskvarna. Brunegård is one of those working to shape and influence Sweden's new aid policy, which is currently undergoing major changes.
Gudrun Brunegård met with Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Mattias Ingeson, Sweden Director Birgitta Johansson, and International Director Anders Malmstigen. They discussed the government's aid reform agenda and its potential impact on civil society organizations.
Gudrun Brunegård, Member of Parliament and spokesperson on development policy for the Christian Democrats.
Gudrun Brunegård, Member of Parliament and spokesperson on development policy for the Christian Democrats.
Anders Malmstigen particularly highlighted the importance of organisations such as Erikshjälpen being able to continue working in countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, where both the EU and Sweden are now considering withdrawing their support. He emphasized that Erikshjälpen's future interventions in these countries depend on the future distribution of aid from Sida.
Anders Malmstigen, International Director at Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson, Head of Sweden at Erikshjälpen
Anders Malmstigen, International Director at Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson, Head of Sweden at Erikshjälpen
Gudrun Brunegård shared the work that has been done so far and the processes that lie ahead. She agreed on the need for a long-term approach in development policy.
- I have great confidence in Erikshjälpen's commitment and work, both in Sweden and abroad, says Gudrun Brunegård.
The meeting is one of several important steps in the dialogue between politicians and civil society on the future of aid and how Swedish civil society organizations can continue to contribute in the best possible way.
I have great confidence in Erikshjälpen's commitment and work, both in Sweden and abroad.
In Bangladesh, the land of many rivers, Erikshjälpen works together with the partner organization Friendship with portable schools, so that children can go to school despite the climate disasters that constantly threaten the country.
Together with the partner organization Friendship, Erikshjälpen works to strengthen children's right to education, health and safety and protection in northwestern and northern Bangladesh. Here it is far from obvious that the children who live in the remote areas in the countryside around all the river deltas have access to education. Most commonly, children attend school up to grade five. What happens after that depends on the family's economic situation and how close or far away the school is.
It is particularly difficult for girls. Instead of being given the opportunity to continue studying, many risk being married off. If one member of the family is married off, there is one less mouth to feed. Other girls risk missing large parts of their education because the road to school is long and dangerous, or because they prefer to stay at home rather than go to school due to a lack of sanitation and the possibility of good hygiene during periods.
Mim is in grade five at Friendship Primary School Khamarbashpata. She loves school, especially English and is very involved in school activities.
Mim is in grade five at Friendship Primary School Khamarbashpata. She loves school, especially English and is very involved in school activities.
Children can change society
Bangladesh is the land of many rivers. The islands in the river deltas are volatile and prone to recurrent floods and other natural disasters. Because of the islands' impermanence, it has not been possible to establish infrastructure in the form of electricity supply, roads, school buildings and clinics there.
portable schools have proven to be a successful way to reach children living in the most inaccessible and climate-vulnerable areas. Investing in educating children about crisis and disaster preparedness and their rights has also proven to be a success factor. Through their new knowledge, children themselves become involved in changing not only their own future but also entire communities.
Mim studies at home.
Mim studies at home.
Schools make dreams possible
Staying in school and getting a full education is something 11-year-old Mim Akter hopes for. But it's not something she takes for granted. Coming from Khamarbashpata in Chilmari, northern Bangladesh, she knows too many girls whose lives have taken a different turn.
Child marriage and child labor are common in Bangladesh. Mims' own mother was married off at the age of 15. When a girl is married off, she is forced to drop out of school to take care of the new household and in-laws, and contribute to the family's livelihood.
- I will do everything I can to make my future different. I want to become a teacher and help more children go to school," she says.
Mim is in grade five at Friendship Primary School Khamarbashpata. She loves school, especially English and is very involved in school activities. Her biggest dream is to continue her studies. Today, around 650 million girls in the world receive no or very little education. Poverty, menstruation, or long and dangerous journeys to school are some of the reasons why girls miss large parts of their schooling or are forced to drop out completely.
Mims with her friend.
At home, Mim helps her mom cook.
Mims with her friend.
At home, Mim helps her mom cook.
Mim, her parents and five siblings live in a small house on one of the many sand islands that form part of the Brahmaputra River Delta. The area is inaccessible, vulnerable and hard hit by climate change. Floods, cyclones and other natural disasters strike once or twice a year, causing great devastation. Landslides and soil erosion make it difficult to build permanent infrastructure like roads and schools. But thanks to the portable school, which Erikshjälpen has developed and established together with the organization Friendship, Mim and many other children in the area have the opportunity to go to school.
Through the school, Mim and her friends have learned about their rights and how to build up a preparedness force and cope with natural disasters. The whole village has changed. And now Mim dares to hope for a different future than her mother's.
- Now everyone in the village is committed to the issue of child marriage, she says proudly.
Mims on her way to school with her friends.
Mims on her way to school with her friends.
Today, around 650 million girls worldwide receive no or very poor education. Poverty, menstruation, or long and dangerous journeys to school are some of the reasons why girls miss large parts of their schooling or are forced to drop out completely.
Example of costs
- 100 SEK is enough for school supplies and hygiene products for one child for one to two months
- 300 SEK is enough for school supplies, hygiene products and food for one child for one to two months
- 7000 SEK is the cost of dismantling a portable school and establishing it in a new location
Listening 