School means everything to 15-year-old Soeum Sreynoch in the small village of Chrey Thom in north-western Cambodia. Here she gets to study her favorite subject biology, here she meets all her friends and here she meets her fantastic teachers every day. Her dream is to one day become a teacher herself and contribute to a safe upbringing for the local children.

But not all girls in Cambodia have the same opportunities as Soeum.

Especially in the remote villages of northwestern Cambodia, where knowledge of girls' personal hygiene is low, access to menstrual protection is poor, and schools often lack safe environments for students to maintain good Menstrual health.

All this means that many girls stay home from school - or at worst, drop out early.

- We were completely misinformed about menstruation before and there were many rumors spread among friends and the elderly in the village. That it hurts a lot, that it's dangerous and that it's shameful to talk about. But now we have been educated in school about personal hygiene and how the body works during menstruation," says Soeum.

We were completely misinformed about menstruation before and there were many rumors spread among friends and the elderly in the village. That it hurts a lot, that it's dangerous and that it's shameful to talk about. But now we have been educated in school about personal hygiene and how the body works during menstruation," says Soeum.

Here in northwestern Cambodia, Erikshjälpen is working with the local organization Hagar to increase knowledge about Menstrual health among the inhabitants of the small villages. The work has been very beneficial and has contributed to the replacement of old habits and traditions with new knowledge and greater openness about girls' personal hygiene.

- I want to see a change. This is a problem that hinders girls' access to education and safety," says Soeum.

The menstrual practices that used to exist in Soeum village were often painful and directly harmful to the girls. Like going down to the nearby river to wash and minimizing the pain with the cold water.

Now there is a completely different knowledge in the village about the importance of a good environment with access to clean water, soap and safe toilets. This ultimately means that more girls want to go to school even when they are menstruating.

- Sometimes I don't feel very well when my period comes at school. I can get stomach aches, have a bad mood and can be rude to my friends. But everything can also be just as normal. At least I've never had to stay home because of my period," says Soeum.

Homework help is a popular activity that Erikshjälens Framtidsverkstad in the residential area Ekön in Motala organizes together with the football club Dribbla United. One of those who helps the children with their homework is sixteen-year-old Nassir Ali. Although Nassir has never received help with his homework himself, he would like to give this opportunity to the younger pupils in the area.

- I see myself in the children," he says. When the homework is done, the children have a coffee break to replenish their energy before the football training begins. For those who don't want to play football, other activities are organized.

Ekön is a multicultural area where many children live. It is also the only area in Motala where there is no recreation center. By offering children and young people free activities, homework help and discussion groups, Framtids- verkstaden is helping to even out growing-up conditions in Motala, while giving more young people meaningful leisure time.

- "I wish Erikshjälpen's Future Workshop had existed when I was younger. Then I would have had something to do and it would have been easier for my mom, says Nassir.

Gränby is located just north of central Uppsala. It is one of the areas described in the media as an "exclusion area". There are certainly social challenges in the area, but Sudi Osman doesn't buy the description that Gränby is unsafe.

- A lot has changed for the better in Gränby since 2019. People have looked badly at our area, but those who live here are working to make it better. You shouldn't have to feel worried in Gränby," says Sudi.

Sudi is now 17 years old and came into contact with Erikshjälpen's Future Workshop for the first time in the spring of 2022. She was offered to work in the Future Workshop during the sports holidays and at first thought it could be a good first job and some extra money in her wallet. But once there, she found a place that was more of a context than a job.

-"All of us who meet here become like friends. We can both have fun at activities together but also talk about important things. The Future Workshop has become like my second home," says Sudi.

When you talk to Sudi, you quickly realize that she is a girl with skin on her nose who is passionate about Gränby and the young people who live there. Her commitment and voice took her to Almedalen 2022 where she participated in a panel discussion on young people's growing up conditions in Sweden organized by Erikshjälpen.

Now Sudi can be recognized in Gränby as "You from the Future Workshop!" and it's a role she enjoys.

-"When young people see that I am making a difference, they understand that they can do it too! We all have important perspectives to contribute," says Sudi

He was helped through the Lifeskills project

Talking about violence and abuse is difficult. In Kenya, the culture of silence is strong and few people dare to talk about what they have experienced. Lawrence, who goes to school in Kisumu, lives with his uncle during the semesters. In the past, his relationship with his uncle was difficult, and he was often beaten when they did not understand each other.

Last year, Lawrence and his uncle joined the LifeSkills project together. Lawrence learned to stand up for himself and his rights, and his uncle was given tools to solve problems without using violence.
- "Before, I was uncomfortable talking to my uncle, I felt shy and worried," says Lawrence. "Now I can talk about my problems and he has become better at giving me advice and support.

For a more equal, fair and sustainable Kenya

ICS-SP (Investing in children and their societies - Strengthening Families, Protecting children.) runs LifeSkills together with Erikshjälpen. In order for children to feel good, both at home and at school, they work not only with families, but also with teachers and authorities.

With the support of adults who motivate them to invest in their education and make wise life decisions, the children of Kisumu can build a better future and contribute to a more equal, just and sustainable Kenya.

Support children's right to a violence-free childhood

By supporting our work, more children like Lawrence in Kisumu can have a safe childhood. Thanks to the work of Lifeskills, we can create change and a better and safer future for children in Kenya. You can help by Give a Gift for Child Safety and Protection.

Together, we can help more children grow up in a society free from violence. Thank you for your support.