Erikshjälpen's partner organization in Bangladesh, Friendship, has been named the winner of the prestigious Earthshot Prize 2025 in the Fix Our Climate category. The prize was awarded on November 5 in Rio de Janeiro and celebrates the most innovative solutions to save our planet.
The Earthshot Prize was established in 2020 by Prince William and the Earthshot Foundation with the aim of finding, highlighting and scaling up the most effective solutions to our planet's biggest challenges.
Often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize of the environmental world', the prize is awarded to projects that can make a real difference to climate, nature and society. The fact that Friendship is now a winner shows that their work is making a real difference on a global scale.
Climate adaptation that saves lives
Friendship works in some of the world's most vulnerable areas along Bangladesh's rivers and coastal areas, where climate change is already dramatically affecting people's lives. The organization develops local and long-term solutions that make communities more resilient to floods, erosion and cyclones.
Among Friendship's interventions are:
- portable schools - modular schools that can be dismantled and moved when the land is flooded.
- Replanting mangrove forests to protect the coast from erosion and storms.
- Elevated housing, schools and health centers that can withstand rising water levels.
- Floating hospitals and mobile clinics that reach people in remote areas.
- Education, health and livelihood support for millions of people every year.
Erikshjälpen is on the journey
Erikshjälpen is a proud partner of Friendship and supports their projects through our Regional offices in Bangladesh. Together we work to strengthen local communities and protect children's rights.
With the Earthshot Award comes international attention and new resources that will allow Friendship to scale up its climate solutions and reach even more people. Erikshjälpen will continue to be a close partner in this work - and together we will continue to fight for a just and sustainable future.
Stärkta parentsparents provider safe children. Through the Erikshjälpen project Forparent power project, the adults meet in a safe community and grow in their parenting. Every week, families gather in the residential area Skäggetorp in Linköping to share their everyday lives, joys and experiences.
The large room in the activity center Kulturhuset Agora in Skäggetorp is filled with laughter, music and movement. Children and parents drum together with joy and enthusiasm. When the music stops, one of the participants says:
- We needed this! The stress disappears. It's so nice to just be who you are.
After the djembe drums, the evening continues with the children relaxing with fairy tale reading and the adults gathering for a chat. Several parents describe that it feels good not to be alone.
They say it's the first time they've talked openly with other adults about what it's like at home and what it's like to be a parent.
Chrysanthi Tsafantaki.
Chrysanthi Tsafantaki.
What is Parental Power?
Parental Power is a new project within Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad, which is currently available in six locations in Sweden. Earlier this fall, Erikshjälpen received 11.3 million Swedish kronor (SEK) from the Postcode Lottery to start and run the project for four years.
The aim is to empower parents to support their children in the challenges they face at school and in life. During parent meetings, participants exchange experiences, but also learn more about how society works and how they can support their children.
- Parents are the most important people in children's lives. We want to give them the strength and courage to grow," says Chrysanthi, also known as Chrissa. "There are many parent-strengthening interventions in the municipality, but we feel that far too few take advantage of them.
Skäggetorp Family - children and adults create together
Many parents in Skäggetorp are foreign-born and have lived in Sweden for different lengths of time. Being a parent in a new country can be a big challenge - you need to learn a new language, a new culture and understand the rules of society.
- "Many people want so much but need support and safe meeting places to dare to be involved," says Chrissa.
In the Skäggetorp Family activity in Linköping, families get to create something together. At the first meeting they were asked to introduce themselves. The children took the initiative and were keen to talk, while some of the parents stood in the background.
- The children often have a better command of the Swedish language, but when we encouraged the parents to dare to participate, it became a nice moment for everyone, says Chrissa. "It's important to find a balance where both children and adults are given space.
"Here I can speak Swedish and meet other mothers"
Ruun is from Somalia and has lived in Sweden for five years. She participates in Skäggetorp Family with her children Geedi and Madhi.
- I wanted my children to make friends - and me too. Here I can meet other parents, but also speak Swedish and listen to others speak," says Ruun.
Geedi and Madhi are involved in several of Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad's activities such as homework and various leisure activities. Ruun is often with them, but always feels safe even when the children are at the Future Workshop themselves.
I think you should trust your children. Trust creates a good relationship.
Towards the future
The goal of Föräldrakraft is for more parents to feel safe, engaged and involved - both at home and in society. During the project period, Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad will establish meeting places and platforms for children and parents, and the plan is for the work to become an important part of Erikshjälpen's regular activities in the future.
In Skäggetorp there is a strong will to cooperate. Many different actors are working towards the same goal - to support families and create security in the area. The community has confirmed that Föräldrakraft is really needed, and the commitment is great.
- "As parents grow, children grow too," says Chrissa. "We believe that when each family member takes responsibility for their role, there is a balance - children can be children, focus on school and grow at their own pace.
Ruun with her children Geedi and Madhi.
Ruun with her children Geedi and Madhi.
On Saturday, October 4, donate all our stores will donate their daily cash registers to Radiohjälpen's fundraising campaign Världens Barn. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Erikshjälpen's collaboration with Radiohjälpen.
Erikshjälpen's contribution to Världens Barn
Since its inception 25 years ago, Erikshjälpen Second Hand has contributed over 50 million Swedish kronor (SEK) to projects for children all over the world.
Last year, the stores sold for 3,280,072 Swedish kronor (SEK), a fantastic sum that we hope to surpass as we celebrate our anniversary.
The money goes to Erikshjälpen's projects in Bangladesh
The money from Erikshjälpen Second Hand and other collections through Världens Barn goes, among other things, to Erikshjälpen's projects in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is a country severely affected by climate disasters. There, we are working with the local organization Friendship to enable children, especially girls, to continue going to school despite floods, long school distances and the risk of child marriage.
How to celebrate the World's Children in our stores
Many of our stores around the country draw attention to the World's Children in different ways. Tip walks, drawing workshops, fish ponds or something extra tasty in Uncle Erik's Kafé are some examples of what the stores organize.
By shopping in the stores, you always contribute to giving children around the world a better future, but on October 4 it will also be a festive experience.
- In our stores there is a great drive to want to make a difference," says Jerker Sandell.
The World's Children campaign gives us another opportunity to engage and do more for children around the world.
Världens Barn is Radiohjälpen's largest fundraising campaign and is a collaboration between Swedish Television, Swedish Radio P4 and 14 aid and children's rights organizations, of which Erikshjälpen is one. The starting point for Världens Barn is the right of all children to health, school and security.
Anna Tenje (M), Minister for Elderly and Social Security, visited Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Växjö this week. The visit focused on the organization's social interventions, but was also about the importance of sustainable consumption.
A ministerial visit with a focus on social interventions
Monday September 15th Anna Tenje, Minister for Elderly and Social Insurance, visited Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Växjö to take part in a presentation about our social mission. Erikshjälpen Second Hand Hand has a comprehensive social mission where the goal is to be an attractive practice coordinator for both the individual, the organisations and society.
- " Erikshjälpen Second Hand plays an important role in supporting people who are excluded and giving them a way back into working life. Both I and the government know that civil society interventions mean a lot for integration and rehabilitation," says Anna Tenje.
Operations Manager Jan Niklasson and longtime volunteer Sören Andersson received Anna Tenje in the Växjö store. Photo: Lena Elf
Operations Manager Jan Niklasson and longtime volunteer Sören Andersson received Anna Tenje in the Växjö store. Photo: Lena Elf
An insight into the business and its social interventions
During her visit, Anna Tenje learned more about how Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Växjö functions as both a meeting place and a workplace. Operations Manager Jan Niklasson explained that commitment and social interventions go hand in hand. Volunteers, interns and employees together create a warm and welcoming workplace.
The store in Växjö employs a total of around 120 people, including 26 employees, 17 trainees and around 80 volunteers.
Sustainable consumption - Anna chooses second hand even during royal visits
The tour also highlighted the importance of sustainable consumption. The Minister, who often shops second hand, emphasized that in a role where entertainment is part of everyday life, environmentally conscious choices are particularly important.
- I don't want to wear the same dress too many times, but I still try to be environmentally conscious if I can. Second hand is a good option, and at Erikshjälpen I know that the money goes to good things. Several of my dresses from here have been to the Royal Palace," says Anna Tenje.
Civil society plays an important role
The ministerial visit ended with a reflection on the important role that Erikshjälpen Second Hand plays in creating pathways back to working life. As a meeting place for personal development, job training and social networks, the store in Växjö shows how civil society interventions contribute to integration and rehabilitation.
From the visit today, I take with me Erikshjälpen's ability to never give up on people.
Erikshjälpen will open soon its seventh Future Workshop - this time in Linehed in Halmstad. The aim is to strengthen the rights of children and young people and contribute to positive development in the area, together with local actors.
The work of supporting children and young people is intended to take place in close collaboration with the municipality's activities, housing in the area and the local Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Halmstad. Work is now starting on recruiting two activities coordinators and a labor market coordinator to run the business.
- Their first task will be to build relationships with various actors and residents in the Linehed area. This is to find out how Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad can best meet the needs of the area and complement other interventions, says Jonatan Saldner, acting program manager at Erikshjälpen's Sweden department.
The aim is for the Future Workshop to open before the end of the year.
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad is currently located in six places in Sweden. The establishment in Halmstad will be the seventh.
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad is currently located in six places in Sweden. The establishment in Halmstad will be the seventh.
A long-term investment
Erikshjälpen has long been in dialog with the Ljungbergska Foundation about a deeper collaboration. This support now makes the start-up in Halmstad possible.
- When children are given the opportunity to influence their everyday lives, not only their future but that of the whole community grows. We are convinced that Erikshjälpen, in close collaboration with the municipality, the business community and other existing actors, will be a good addition to the work of enabling long-term sustainable change for children and young people in Halmstad," writes Ljungbergska Stiftelsen in a statement.
Focus on children's rights
The work in the Future Workshops is always based on children's rights. In the activities, it is the children themselves who will decide what activities they want and what issues are important for them to pursue. This gives them the power to change their neighborhood, build self-confidence and eventually follow their dreams.
Apply for one of the positions at Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad Halmstad
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
Every year, Erikshjälpen Second Hand compiles the advocacy we have had on the environment and people in our business. Now, the report for 2024 has been released, which, among other things, shows in figures what climate benefit has been achieved.
Last year, 10.9 million products were given a new life through Erikshjälpen Second Hand. In terms of sales of clothing to adults alone, the business has achieved savings of more than 9,500 tons of carbon dioxide, over 1 ton of chemicals and over 2.2 billion liters of water. This is equivalent to filling the Globe with water - four times over.
- I Hhe sustainability report we can we can see in black and white what we are accomplish, says Jerker Sandell, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Together with our donors and customers, we reduce emissions, save resources and create a more sustainable future..
What our second-hand shops do for the planet
Every time someone chooses second hand instead of new, huge amounts of resources are saved.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand's calculations clearly show the difference it makes:
Environmental benefits in figures from the sale of adult clothing in 2024:
- 9 555 000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions were avoided compared to new production - equivalent to 110 aircraft flights around the world.
- 2,287,238,100 liters of water were saved compared to new production - equivalent to the volume of 4 Globes in Stockholm.
- 1 089 000 kg of chemicals were saved compared to new production - equivalent to the weight of 8 adult blue whales.
Profits from the business change children's lives
The profits from Erikshjälpen Second Hand go to work for children around the world. This year, 84 million Swedish kronor (SEK) was distributed to the children's rights organization Erikshjälpen and its partners, which has helped 271,100 children in 89 different projects. Erikshjälpen Second Hand's social interventions in the stores have also supported 4,000 children in Sweden by strengthening parents through job training or internships.
- We would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to all our customers, donors and partners who make our work possible. Together we are creating change - for the climate, for people's lives and for future generations," says Jerker Sandell.
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.
Sara Olsson, one of Sweden's most influential voices in reuse, was today named Sweden’s Second Hand Profile 2025 by Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Sara wants to get more people to understand the problem with fast fashion, but also inspire to discover the joy of second hand.
Sara Olsson is agrew up and lives in Luleå. She has a background has a background as a waste engineer but chose to change career to inspire sustainable lifestyle choices. During her parental leave in 2020, Sara started the Instagram account @HallbaraSara (now more @sara.ohlsons) to share her knowledge of circular economy and recycling, combined with her interest in fashion. The account grew quickly and became a platform where she shows her followers how to make conscious and sustainable choices in everyday life.
- I want to be the inspiration that I was missing i my flow; to highlight the benefits of transition and everything we have to gain from living sustainably," says Sara.
Through her Instagram account, Sara inspires thousands of her followers to live more sustainably.
Through her Instagram account, Sara inspires thousands of her followers to live more sustainably.
Prize money for portable schools in Bangladesh
As part of the award, Sara will receive the right to allocate 25,000 Swedish kronor (SEK) to one of Erikshjälpen's projects. Sara has chosen to donate the prize money to Erikshjälpens project for portable schools in Bangladesh. For the children living on the sand islands in the Jamuna River delta in northern Bangladesh, the effects of the climate crisis are tangible. The incidence of extreme weather has increased and is changing the landscape around the islands flooding and erosion more frequently.No schools have been built here before - who wants to build a school on land that may not exist tomorrow? Therefore, Erikshjälpen supports a project where children on the islands can attend portable schools.
- Bangladesh is one of the countries that contributes the least to climate change while being hit hardest by floods. Every sixth garment on the Swedish market is produced in Bangladesh and textile workers cannot cannot live on their salary," says Sara when asked why she chose this particular project.
With passion and knowledge, Sara gets more people to discover second hand.
Jerker Sandell is the Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand and he is proud to appoint Sara as this year's second hand profile.
- Sustainability is not just about what we buy, but how we take responsibility for the world around us. Sara connects these issues in an inspiring way, and her choice to support schools in Bangladesh shows her holistic approach. With passion and knowledge, she gets more people to discover second hand, and we hope that the award will inspire even more people to follow her example," says Jerker.
Second Hand Profile of the Year Award
Erikshjälpen Second Hand draws attention to every year a person or organization that through their commitment contributes to an increased interest in second hand and its possibilities. It can be about innovative ideas, creative solutions or smart environmental work through reuse. The winner receives a diploma and a statuette, as well as the right to award one of Erikshjälpen's projects for children's rights equivalent to 25,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).
The award has been presented every year since 2012 and previous winners include Sara Wimmercranz, Gustav Broström and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
Motivation of the jury:
"Through her social media content, she addresses the big issues around consumption, climate and sustainability. She inspires by showing how easy and effective it can be to think sustainably in everyday life. Where others can easily over-consume, she stays down-to-earth and reminds us of the value of caring, reusing and thinking first. Changes in our lifestyle and consumption are crucial for future generations. Thanks to her sustainable thinking in all aspects of life, she empowers those of us who want to create a better future for our children."
Listening 