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
The Convention on the Rights of the Child enshrines every child's right to life and development, a safe and non-violent upbringing, a good education, meaningful leisure time and to be involved in matters that affect them.
Yet, we rarely hear children's voices in political discussions or in public debate.
This year, the Convention on the Rights of the Child turns 35, and since 2020 it has been Swedish law. It is high time we took our responsibility and gave children and young people real influence. To fulfill the rights of all children and show that we take the Convention seriously, it is not enough that we work for children, we must work with them.
This year's Youth Barometer report shows that more and more young people feel that they have little or no opportunity to influence society. At the same time, political engagement among young people and their confidence in politicians' ability to tackle societal challenges is declining.
Five years ago, Erikshjälpen started its first "Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad". Today, we work in six neighborhoods and engage children, young people and parents to equalize unequal growing conditions.
During Almedalen, we were present at Barnrättstorget together with young people from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Gränby, Uppsala. In two seminars, we highlighted experiences and lessons learned from our first five years. Together with politicians and other social actors, we talked about how it is possible to create conditions for young people to participate in the social debate, but also about how Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad encourages and safeguards the will that young people have to change society.
Godwin Coyitungiye and Zahara Siraj from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Uppsala on site in Almedalen.
Godwin Coyitungiye and Zahara Siraj from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Uppsala on site in Almedalen.
The need for both urgent and long-term solutions to equalize growing conditions and reduce social inequalities is obvious. Not least to prevent more young people from being recruited into criminal gangs. The government has also come up with several action plans in the area, both repressive and preventive. We at Erikshjälpen are concerned that some of the repressive proposals risk reducing confidence in both authorities and other social actors. But also lead to increased discrimination and stigmatization, something we also highlighted at our seminars in Almedalen.
It is not only about the future of our young people, but also about the life they deserve to live today. A life in a democratic and safe society with equal conditions where they can feel confident about the future. If there is one thing that Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad has learned during its first years, it is how crucial it is for children and young people to be involved in identifying solutions to meet the challenges facing society. This applies to all areas related to crime, increasing inequality, segregation, exclusion and the increased mental health we see throughout the country.
The consequences of segregation are clearly visible in reports and statistics. Opinions on the causes and solutions to the problems vary. But for those of us who meet children every day, it is clear how powerful the power of change is when we involve them.
So let's listen to children and give them the voice they deserve. It is not just a matter of fairness, but a necessity if we are to break the downward spiral together and create a stronger and more democratic society.
Author:
Mattias Ingeson
Secretary General, Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson
Head of Sweden, Erikshjälpen
At the end of May, Cyclone Remal hit the southern coast of Bangladesh. It left behind devastated villages and destroyed crops. Erikshjälpen is now conducting an emergency operation where we help families with children to recover from the cyclone. This includes repairing damaged houses, buying new livestock and supporting small family-owned Corporate. All so that life can get back to normal again.
Cyclone Remal hit southern Bangladesh hard with wind speeds of 135 kilometers per hour. Around 4.6 million people were affected and over 40,000 houses were destroyed. The cyclone hit the regions of Rampal and Mongla the hardest, where Erikshjälpen together with our partner organization CODEC (Community Development Center) has long been working with various interventions to create resilience and facilitate children and their families.
Almost all of the more than 1700 families that Erikshjälpen supports in its projects are fully or partially affected by cyclone Remal. Among these, about 300 families are so severely affected that they need immediate support to survive. In Bagerhat and Patuakhali districts, the floods have caused particularly severe damage to families' homes and primary sources of income such as farming and fishing.
Starting July 1, Erikshjälpen will therefore implement a humanitarian operation in the area, carried out by CODEC in collaboration with the local community. The intervention includes:
- Repair and reconstruction of housing
- Support for fisheries and agriculture
- Support for small businesses.
Give a gift to the effort in Bangladesh
The needs are great.
With your contribution, we can help even more families who have been affected.
Our long-term interventions
Erikshjälpen works long-term in Bangladesh to ensure that children have access to health, education, safety and protection. In communities that are constantly threatened by floods, residents are equipped with disaster preparedness and improve their living conditions for better resilience in terms of, for example, recurring cyclones.
On June 25-27, Erikshjälpen will be in Almedalen as part of the Children's Rights Square. Together with ten other organisations , we will during the week raise current children's rights issues and talk about how we can work together to strengthen children's rights. Welcome to take part in several exciting seminars and program items.
On site at the Children's Rights Square, representatives from Erikshjälpen's Sweden department will be present together with young people from Erikshjälpen's Future Workshop in Uppsala. Our focus during the week will be youth participation.
A warm welcome to Erikshjälpen's seminars:
Neighborhood development - through youth engagement and participation
Wednesday, June 26, 14:00-14:45
According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been Swedish law since 2020, every child has the right to a safe childhood free from violence, a good education, meaningful leisure time and the right to be heard in all matters affecting them. Children and young people who grow up in an area with socio-economic challenges do not have the same conditions to have their rights met. Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad works to engage children and parents in neighborhood development to equalize unequal growing conditions.
We will, together with young people who have been involved in the activity, highlight the lessons and conclusions we have seen during the first five years of Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad.
Participants:
Camilla Waltersson Grönvall, Minister for Social Services, Moderate Party
Nadim Ghazale, Head of Operations, nattvandring.nu
Ehsan Nasari, Municipal Councillor Uppsala Municipality & Group Leader, Center Party
Birgitta Johansson, Program Manager Sweden, Erikshjälpen
Young people from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad
Moderator:
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General, Erikshjälpen.
Young people's political engagement and confidence
Thursday, June 27, 13:00-13:45
Belief in the future is an important measure of how young people assess their ability to influence their life situation. Reports indicate a growing pessimistic attitude towards societal development, a decline in political engagement and widespread skepticism about the ability of those in power to effect change. This is a dangerous development.
Together with young people, we want to take a closer look at what is behind this trend and how we can work together in the long term to reverse it. During the seminar, young people will have the opportunity to raise their thoughts in discussions with those in power.
Participants:
Juno Blom, Ombudsman for Children
Evin Cetin, lawyer, author, lecturer
Jakob Olofsgård, Member of Parliament, Party Secretary, Liberals
Ehsan Nasari, Municipal Councillor & Group Leader Uppsala Municipality, Center Party
Young people from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad
Moderator:
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General, Erikshjälpen.
Where to find the Children's Rights Square?
You will find Barnrättstorget at Hamnplan (H209). If you can't make it to Visby, the seminars will also be broadcast live on Erikshjälpen's Facebook page.
Listening 