A new study from Umeå University shows that a religious worldview can be an asset in the work against human trafficking.
- "Despite differences in religion, Christian aid organizations manage to create a common understanding of what causes trafficking and how to combat it," says researcher Andreas Henriksson.
Trafficking is a global problem that affected around 49 million people in 2023.
Erikshjälpen is one of the organisations that, together with partners, work against human trafficking in different countries. Strengthening the rights of women and children is a central part of this work.
In his thesis "A matter of faith?The fight against human trafficking in Thailand & Cambodia", Andreas Henriksson has examined how religion shapes the work against human trafficking. The research report is based on case studies of Christian aid organizations working in Thailand and Cambodia, where the children's rights organization Erikshjälpen and the parish and missionary movement Evangelical Free Church (EFK) have been included as partners.
- "I have tried to understand what governs the work of religious organizations and how it is received in the local communities where they operate," says Andreas Henriksson. "A religious worldview can make cooperation with secular aid actors and donors difficult, but at the same time religion is often an asset in relation to the local communities where they operate.
Easier to bridge the gap
International aid is characterized by a secular approach, which means that Christian aid organizations are mainly funded by religious donor networks. Networks that make it easier for organizations to highlight the role of religion.
Henriksson has investigated how religious organizations succeed in reaching out to the secular aid world and shows that organisations that are not affiliated with a particular church or denomination may in some cases find it easier to bridge the distance to secular actors.
- "Our organization is based on Christian values, and this is reflected in how we treat people around the world," says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen. "Based on our identity and background, we have knowledge of the importance of religion for both individuals and societies. Our understanding and respect for other people's religion and culture creates good conditions for working together.
Mattias Ingeson Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Mattias Ingeson Secretary General Erikshjälpen
A motivating factor
Henriksson's research shows that there is local trust in religious actors. That religion is not seen as something negative, even if you do not share the same beliefs. Faith is even a motivating factor.
The results of the thesis can provide insights to improve collaboration with other actors. The hope is a better understanding of religious aid organizations and how their identity and worldview leads to both opportunities and challenges.
- "Erikshjälpen will disseminate Andrea's research results to our partner organisations and use it in our joint work against trafficking," says Mattias Ingeson. We will also highlight the results and spread the knowledge further in our networks.
Saturday April 27 is celebrated St. Erik's Day at Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Ean opportunity to honor the memory of the founder Erik Nilsson, but also an important fundraising day for Erikshjälpens child rights work. By shopping in one of our stores on this day, you are helping to ensure that children have a safe childhood.
I Kenya Erikshjälpen operates Erikshjälpen through its partnerorganization Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS). ICS is a local non-profit organization that works to create awareness and raise public opinion on children's rights. ICS aims to empower children and their families for a safe everyday life both at home and at school.
In Kenya, violence is a common way to solve problems and children are at high risk ofof being abused in their daily lives. Susan Odiambo is 11 years old and in sixth grade at Kodiaga Prison Primary School i Kisumu. In the past, Susan has kept difficult experiences to herself. Talking to any adult has only made the situation worse and the culture of silence when it comes to violence against children is strong. But gith the ICS project Life Skills Susan and her parents have learnedt to talk to each other about difficult things. Susan can turn to her parents or her teacher if she has a problem.
- Adults are not aware that hitting children is forbidden in Kenya, says Lillian Onyango, program coordinator for LifeSkills-project in Kisumu. The use of violence as a method of parenting is common, both at school and at home. Our task is not only to inform guardians and teachers that they are committing a crime if they hit a child, but also to empower children and give them the tools to stand up for their rights.
Adults are not aware that it is illegal to hit children in Kenya.
The aim of Life Skills is to work with children, parents, teachers and authorities to ensure that children feel safe, improve social skills and increase motivation to study.
A safe life is the basis for being able to benefit from a good education and Erikshjälpen works in large parts of the world with children's right to a safe everyday life.
St. Erik's Day 2024
On this year's Eriksdag, the entire daily cash from Erikshjälpen Second Hand's stores will go to Erikshjälpen's interventions for children's safety and protection.
Help stop violence against children. By shopping in our stores on Saturday, April 27, you are helping to ensure that all children have a safe childhood.
Radiohjälpen has decided which projects will be awarded money from fundraising for Världens Barn 2023. Erikshjälpen takesr receive 12.5 million Swedish kronor (SEK) for interventions for children's right to education, health and safety.
The collection Children of the World started in 1997. Since then, the the organization collected over two billion Swedish kronor (SEK). In 2023 104.6 million Swedish kronor (SEK) were raised, resulting in the second highest fundraising result since the start.
Money for projects that strengthen children's rights
Radio Aid's fundraising for World's Childrenn, raised 104.6 million Swedish kronor (SEK) in 2023. Now 23 projects in 14 countries are being supported to strengthen children's rights. The projects that benefit from the support contribute to improving the situation of children in three focus areas: School, Health and Safety.
Children's right to education
In the area of children's right to education, seven projects will share a total of Swedish kronor (SEK) 45.3 million. Erikshjälpen's work in Mali is one of the projects that will receive funding. Also our projects with a focus on education in South Sudan have been granted funding from Världens Barn.
Queen Silvia's fundraising goes to Ukraine
In connection with Queen Silvia's 80th birthday, The Queen started a fundraising campaign thattogether with support from Radiohjälpen's disaster fund, resulted in 5.3 million Swedish kronor (SEK).these funds went to three projects in Ukraine with a focus on improving children's mental health. One of these projects is our intervention through partner organizationsn Womens Concortium of Ukraine.
On April April 8, the County Governor of Jönköping Brittis Benzler and the Second Deputy Speaker of the Riksdag, Julia Kronlid, visited Erikshjälpen's head office in Huskvarna and Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Jönköping. The visit was part of a larger county tour organized by the County Administrative Board in Jönköping.
Anders Malmstigen, Brittis Benzler, Julia Kronlid, Birgitta Johansson and Mattias Ingeson
Anette Alm Gustavsson, Caroline Pehrs, Julia Kronlid and Brittis Benzler
Anders Malmstigen, Brittis Benzler, Julia Kronlid, Birgitta Johansson and Mattias Ingeson
Anette Alm Gustavsson, Caroline Pehrs, Julia Kronlid and Brittis Benzler
Headquarters in Huskvarna
The visit to the headquarters in Huskvarna began with Secretary-General Mattias Ingeson talking about the history of the organization and the work for children's rights in Sweden and the world. Julia Kronlid's wishes were among other things to know more about our work in Ukraine, and how it has been affected by the recession and other global crises. Anders Malmstigen, International Director and Birgitta Johansson, Head of Sweden gave an in-depth view of our interventions.
Erikshjälpen took up aid organizations' concerns about the government's new strategy for development cooperation with civil society, Civsamand Julia Kronlid promised to take the issue on board. She said said respect for the fact that Swedish civil society organizationsr have a lot of knowledge about how aid works best and hopes for continued good cooperation.
Tour of the second-hand shop
One of the Second Deputy Speaker's wishes for the day was to visit Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Managing Director Anette Alm Gustafsson and Store Manager Caroline Pehrs welcomed us to the Jönköping store. Both Brittis Benzler and Julia Kronlid showed great interest during the tour and were impressed both by how the store is structured and how Erikshjälpen Second Hand Hand works with social and environmental sustainability.
The day ended with dinner at the county residence in Jönköping.
During Postkodlotteriet's annual gala evening in Stockholm City Hall, Erikshjälpen received 15 million Swedish kronor (SEK) in support that will contribute to the work in 2024. In total, 61 organisations received 1.2 billion Swedish kronor (SEK).
- It is a confirmation that our work is important. The long-term support that we can distribute ourselves means an incredible amount," says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General of Erikshjälpen.
It is a confirmation that our work is important.
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Approximately one in five households in Sweden is a member of the Postkodlotteriet. Everyone who has a postcode lottery is involved and contributes to the surplus that is distributed to non-profit organisations that work with, among other things:
- children and young people
- animals and nature
- research and health
- democracy and society
- climate and environment
- sport and outdoor activities.
All organisations are different but have the same goal - to work together to make the world a better place for people, animals and nature.
Erikshjälpen has been a beneficiary of the Swedish Postcode Lottery since 2009 and has received a total of Swedish kronor (SEK) 207 million. In 2023, we were able to support projects in Uganda and Republic of Moldova to strengthen children's rights, give more children the opportunity to go back to school and train school staff to support children who have experienced trauma. In Sweden, we were able to start a new Future Workshop in Kristianstad, where new activities have been created for both children and parents. As the support from the Postcode Lottery is not earmarked, it is particularly valuable. We can use the money where we see the greatest need and build our activities for the long term.
- This is money that will make a big difference for many children. Erikshjälpen would like to thank Postkodlotteriet and all lottery ticket buyers who continue to support our work to give life to children's dreams, says Mattias Ingeson.
The postcode lottery
With over one million ticket buyers, Postkodlotteriet is Sweden's largest lottery, but also Sweden's largest private donor to the non-profit sector. Today, the lottery generates one billion Swedish kronor (SEK) a year for over 60 organisations working to make the world a better place. That's what the Postcode Effect is all about.
In January, the Ugandan government hosted an international summit. In an attempt to make the capital Kampala more attractive for the summit, the ruling politicians chose to remove over 700 children living on the streets of the city center. The children were sent to the Masulita Children's Village where a difficult situation has now been created.
Summit in Kampala, Uganda
Leaders from over 120 countries were invited to an international summit in the Ugandan capital Kampala in January. Ahead of the summit, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) launched an operation to keep children off the streets. Over 700 children and youth were removed from the center of Kampala. The children were taken to the Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) facilities in Masulita.
The children of Masulita
As a result of the government's actions, the influx of children into Masulita has become difficult to manage. There is an urgent need to ensure the basic needs of the children, such as food, medical care and psychosocial support.
Erikshjälpen's partner organization in Uganda
Erikshjälpen has started a short-term humanitarian operation together with our partner organization in Uganda, Dwelling Places. At the same time, we are looking at the possibilities for a long-term solution. The humanitarian intervention will provide direct assistance and protection to the total of 711 children currently living in the UWESCO Masulitas center.
This is done by:
- Ensure that children get enough nutritious food
- Distribute medical supplies and ensure access to specialist care if needed
- Offer all children individualized psychological trauma-informed care
- Improving sanitation conditions in Masulita, through toiletries and cleaning products
- Provide learning materials for children.
Erikshjälpen is now doing its utmost to help our partner in Uganda to ensure that the humanitarian needs of these children are met.
Dwelling Places
Dwelling Places is part of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network and the Children at Risk Action Network. In addition to the direct work of helping children living on the streets, the organization is involved in advocacy work at the national level. Erikshjälpen has an ongoing effort with Dwelling Places in particularly vulnerable areas such as Nepak and Kampala.
February 24 marks two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Two years of war, fear and human suffering. From day one, Erikshjälpen has been on the side of the children and together with local partner organisations we have been able to help Ukrainian children and families. But the need for humanitarian and psychosocial support is still great.
Early in the morning of 24 February 2022, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian children and families have endured 730 days of war. 730 days of fear, air raids and trauma. When Ukraine was invaded, Erikshjälpen was there early on to support children and families, both those who fled and those who remained in the country. Through local partner organisations , immediate help was provided with a special focus on the situation of children. In the early days of the war, assistance focused on providing people with supplies and cash, and helping with information and registration at borders. Today, the need for support and interventions remains high.
UNHCR estimates that over 14 million people are in urgent need of Humanitarian Assistance. Most are women and children.
Give a gift to children and families in Ukraine
Your gift will help ensure that war-affected children in Ukraine receive the help they need to feel safe.
Give a gift to the children of Ukraine
Over time, the need for psychosocial support has increased. Since the beginning of the war, Erikshjälpen has supported the local partner Women's Consortium of Ukraine (WCU), which offers counseling and image therapy. WCU also has a support line that children and adults can call. The psychologists who work with the support line testify to how the calls were initially about getting practical help. Now the calls are more about finding joy in life in the midst of a burning war. Children as young as 11 call in worried about losing a family member or friend. Psychologist Tetiana Grigorieva, who works with the support line, explains:
- The children who call us have often lost a close relative and we can support them in the grieving process. The calls help the children express their feelings and deal with the immense pain of losing a relative. Especially if it was someone who was very close to them and meant everything to them.
Children who call us have often lost a loved one.
The situation in Ukraine is serious. Erikshjälpen is present where the need is greatest and together with our local partner organization, our work continues.
Read more about Erikshjälpen's work in Ukraine
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad has been awarded the prize for Child Rights Project of the Year 2024 by the company JP Infonet. Erikshjälpen received the newly established award on February 7, 2024 during the Children's Convention Day conference.
During the 2024 edition of the Children's Convention Day conference, the information and knowledge company JP Infonet awarded the Children's Rights Project of the Year prize for the first time. With this award, the company wants to recognize a project that has contributed with particular value and development in the proactive work for children's rights. Children's Ombudsman Elisabeth Dahlin presented the diploma with a prize of SEK 25,000.
- We have chosen to give the award to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad for their rights-based and long-term work with child participation. The project has produced good results that we think are well worth spreading further, says Helena Reinius, project manager at JP Infonet.
We have chosen to give the award to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad for their rights-based and long-term work with child participation.
Håkan Giselsson and Birgitta Johansson
Håkan Giselsson works as a unit manager at Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad, tells how it was to receive the award.
- The award is a fantastic recognition of our staff at the local Future Workshops. Together with children and parents, they are driving real change and helping to create hope and confidence in the future.
Birgitta Johansson is the head of Erikshjälpen's Sweden department and she was also there to receive the award.
- We are so proud and happy about this award, which means a lot to make our business visible.
Jury's motivation
Erikshjälpen works in a rights-based and long-term manner with child participation as a starting point. Future workshops have produced strong results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Evaluations of the Future Workshops highlight that participants have increased hope and faith in the future, and not least a feeling of being able to influence and make their voice heard. The Future Workshops are well worth scaling up and spreading around our country.
On February 1, 2024 Mattias Ingeson took office as Secretary General of Erikshjälpen. In a time of conflict and economic turmoil, he wants to create a stronger image of what the organization does in Sweden and the world.
-"Sometimes you get the feeling that the good forces only investigate, research and talk while those who cause chaos in the world get things done," says Mattias Ingeson. Erikshjälpen wants to influence and spread knowledge about children's rights but at the same time be a "doer", working every day to make a real difference in people's lives.
A common thread in Mattias Ingeson's career is his commitment to society. His law studies were never motivated by the dream of big law firms, but by commitment and a desire to help others.
Mattias has a background in Erikshjälpen
When Erikshjälpen was looking for a new international director in 2007, Mattias didn't know much about the organization, other than that it was the only one of its kind in the region working with international child rights.
He came into contact with Erikshjälpen at just the right time. The organization wanted to scale up its Sida cooperation and was looking for someone with experience in organizational strategy.
Mattias was given the job of international director, but his position was changed at the very first management meeting. A new Secretary-General was to be appointed and with his skills and experience, it was natural for Mattias to become the boss's right-hand man.
Mattias' first time at Erikshjälpen lasted 12 years, then it was time for new challenges. As regional manager at Bilda, he was given the opportunity to be the sole leader and take the main responsibility. But after five years at Bilda, the offer came that felt so obvious to say yes to.
-I have never really let go of Erikshjälpen. It's been five years since the last time, which is long enough to come back with renewed vigor, but short enough for me to know what I'm coming back to.
Inherited her social commitment from her mother
Mattias Ingeson has always been interested in the identity of an organization. How Erikshjälpen has been formed and become what it is. The story of the founder Erik appeals to him, and he recognizes the drive and social commitment in his own life. Not least from his childhood with a mother who always stood by the children.
-"I definitely got a lot of my commitment from her," says Mattias. "In my new role, I can contribute with my social commitment and my drive in children's rights issues.
Men are bad at second-hand shopping
Living climate friendly
Mattias' commitment is not just about children's rights. Recycling is also important to him and there is more than one garment from Erikshjälpen Second Hand hanging in the closet in Russnäs.
"I want to live in a climate-friendly way, but it's also about the search, the treasure hunt. In general, men are not good at second-hand shopping and I'm happy to lead the way. I wear something second-hand every day, whether for work or leisure.
A varied life
Mattias Ingeson is originally from Linköping, but for the past 20 years the family has lived in his wife Karin's home area, Russnäs outside Eksjö. Life in the countryside and in a small context suits him, but equally important is to be where the action is.
-I like to have a fixed point in my life that is quiet and restful, but I still like to live in the heat of the moment.
Spring is almost here, with its light and hopefulness. But much about the future looks anything but bright. Mattias Ingeson is taking over as leader of Erikshjälpen at a difficult time, and he is aware of this.
-"I'm not intimidated, but instead motivated by finding ways forward," says Mattias. There is a kind of problem-solving spirit within Erikshjälpen that I have great faith in and look forward to being a part of.
Facts about Erikshjälpen's new Secretary-General
Name: Mattias Ingeson
Born: March 8, 1974
Lives: Russnäs in Eksjö municipality
Family: Wife Karin and children Axel, 19, Gustav, 17 and Märta, 14.
Interests: Outdoor life, sports and athletics, has been a football coach for many years.
Favorite food: Lasagna
Listening This is a response to an opinion piece published in JP.
In Staffan Eklöf's (SD) and Ida Kors' (SD) opinion piece in JP on January 17, the Sweden Democrats write that the fears of introducing safety zones are exaggerated and that the risks are not proportionate to the potential gains. "The possibility of saving a child from being recruited into criminal networks outweighs the risk that a child may experience mistrust."
SD also believes that it is the politicians who have fed foreign-born people the idea that they are discriminated against. They cite an example from Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad , where young people feel that everyone dislikes people who live in the suburbs.
That is not the case, of course, but we cannot question the experience of young people. The fact that those subjected to suspicion and searches experience a lack of trust and confidence in the police and society is not a risk but already a reality. Several studies show that discrimination, stigmatization and racism are a fact of life in our society, factors that also deeply concern the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Daniel Grahn, Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson, Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden
Daniel Grahn, Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Birgitta Johansson, Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden
Link to public society
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad meets children, young people and parents in several of Sweden's underprivileged areas. We listen and make their voices visible and want to be a link to public society, which many lack confidence in. We often meet children and young people who have lost faith in themselves and their opportunities.
Violence and crime must be stopped, while we need to build trust in our society. Tougher measures are not enough. Children are both victims and perpetrators, according to Police Commissioner Karin Götblad in her Winter Chat, and describes how children end up in a predicament from which there is no escape. She also points out that collaboration between authorities and an inclusive civil society is necessary. "Society needs to be better at understanding the vulnerability of young people.
Same rights
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear: all children have the same rights, no matter where you live. This is not the case today and Sweden was criticized last year by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for eliminating differences and discrimination based on place of residence.
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad wants to contribute to the realization of every person's potential. This is done by supporting children, young people and parents to be agents of change, both in their lives and in their neighborhood.
It also helps to break the isolation that otherwise risks being passed on. It is not about dressing capable people in "victim's clothing", but encouraging and supporting them to believe in their abilities to influence their future.
This is what a 15-year-old participant in one of Erikshjälpen's Future Workshops says:
"Before, nobody cared about us or our future, not even ourselves. With the Future Workshop, we are not only changing the view of our neighborhood, we are also changing ourselves as people."
People should not be so easily offended, say Staffan Eklöf and Ida Kors. But feeling offended is a personal experience, and it's not something that anyone else can decide if you are. The feeling can only be changed through positive experiences.
Safety zones counterproductive
Special safety zones are a short-term intervention that risks being counterproductive and reinforcing already negative circles. Reinforcing the image that many people already have of these areas, but also how the children living there see themselves. There is no doubt that all forms of crime and violence must be tackled and criminals prosecuted, but this means that everyone should be equal before the law, regardless of their address. We must not forget that most people living in deprived areas are ordinary people, who want to live and have a good life with a job, a home and a family.
Author:
Daniel Grahn, Secretary General of Erikshjälpen.
Birgitta Johansson, Head of Erikshjälpen Sweden.
