Listening Ulla Nilsson, Erikshjälpen's founder Erik Nilsson's widow and driving force in Erikshjälpen's work, has passed away at the age of 91.
Just before the Christmas holidays, the news came that Ulla Nilsson has passed away. Ulla was 91 years old and was involved in Erikshjälpens activities to the very end. Ulla met Erik Nilsson, the founder of Erikshjälpen, in the late 1950s and they found each other even though the geographical distance between them was long. They started exchanging letters, met at a train station and became a couple - against all odds.
Ulla and Erik married in 1958. By then, Erik had already started work on what would later become Erikshjälpen. Erik suffered from an incurable hemophilia and when he was hospitalized for long periods, Ulla kept the work going. She is the founder of the successful "Systerns låda", which brought joy to generations of sick children in Sweden, and when Erik passed away in 1966, it was Ulla who ensured that the work could continue.
Ulla and Erik Nilsson's wedding photo in 1958.
Ulla and Erik Nilsson's wedding photo in 1958.
Ulla was cautious and withdrawn, but also determined and realistic with a wonderful sense of humor and generosity. She was always interested in Erikshjälpen's work and always concerned that every krona that came in would be used correctly. Her presence and deep friendship with both staff and donors has over the years given security and stability to Erikshjälpen.
As natural as it is for a 91-year-old to leave this earthly life, it is equally sad that she is no longer around. While there is a tremendous sadness and loss, there is also a tremendous gratitude for all the good that Ulla accomplished during her time here on earth. All thoughts are with Ulla and Erik's beloved children and their respective families.
Honoring Ulla's life's work
Here you have the opportunity to honor Ulla's life's work with a gift.
Honor Ulla Nilsson's life's work with a gift
Erikshjälpen was present during Musikhjälpen 2023 in Växjö, where Anne Wachira was one of the guests in the glass cage at Kärlekens torg. On this year's theme, no one should have to die of hunger, Anne talked about Erikshjälpen's work in northeastern Kenya.
People are already living on the margins and now the drought has escalated the situation.
Food is a human right, but despite this, millions of people around the world die every day as a result of malnutrition. Erikshjälpen has been working with the food shortage in Marsabit for many years in various projects, including together with the local organization "Food for the Hungry". The efforts include both countering acute malnutrition but also creating better resilience to the increasingly frequent droughts.
- Marsabit and surrounding regions have always been affected by drought, but in recent times there has been no chance of recovery between droughts, pushing the area into acute food shortages. "Nearly a fifth of children in Marsabit are at risk of dying from malnutrition," says Anne Wachira.
Almost a fifth of children are at risk of dying from malnutrition.
Anne Wachira.
Anne Wachira.
Anne Wachira brought a thermos filled with a Kenyan gruel for presenters Linnea Wikblad and Sofia Dalén to taste. A common meal in Kenya, but unfortunately something that most families in Marsabit cannot afford.
When asked how Erikshjälpen is working specifically to counteract the effects of the drought and food shortages in Marsabit, Anne said that both emergency humanitarian aid and more long-term work are taking place.
- In addition to providing the most urgent aid in the form of food and water, we are also working to create a more stable food supply for families by having more sources of income than livestock farming and supporting them in growing things that can withstand drought better, more climate-adapted, said Anne Wachira.
Watch Erikshjälpen's participation in the glass cage via the link: Musikhjälpen - Tuesday, December 12, SVT Play.
Read more about Erikshjälpen's work in Africa
During week 50, Erikshjälpen will participate in Musikhjälpen. In the glass cage, Anne Wachira will talk about the work in Kenya and on the main square, Second Hand will be in one of the tents.
The theme of this year's Musikhjälpen is "no one should die of hunger". Food is a human right, yet millions of people around the world die every day from malnutrition. And around one in ten people don't know when or what they will eat next.
Will talk about the work in Kenya
Erikshjälpen will be there when Musikhjälpen starts its 144-hour live broadcast from the main square in Växjö. Inside the glass cage, Anne Wachira, head of the international program department at Erikshjälpen, will talk about the work currently underway in Kenya. In parts of the country there is a drought that has worsened an already difficult situation and pushed the country into an acute food shortage.
Almost a fifth of the children where Erikshjälpen works are at risk of dying from malnutrition.
Anne Wachira, Head of Unit in the International Programs Department.
Anne Wachira, Head of Unit in the International Programs Department.
- "Almost a fifth of the children where Erikshjälpen works are at risk of dying from malnutrition," says Anne Wachira.
Erikshjälpen has supported interventions in Marsabit in northern Kenya for 30 years and now works together with the organization "Food for the Hungry" in various projects to improve access to food, nutrition and child protection.
- We want to tackle acute malnutrition among children in Marsabit, but also try to build community resilience over time and address the underlying causes of food insecurity," says Anne Wachira.
Second hand sales and volunteer recruitment
During the week that Musikhjälpen is broadcasting from Växjö, Erikshjälpen Second Hand will also be present in one of the tents on the main square. There will be goods from the second hand shop in Växjö together with more information about what it is like to be a Volunteer in a second hand shop.
Employees from the second-hand shop in Växjö will also furnish two dressing rooms used by the artists participating in Musikhjälpen.
Author: Anthon Talhaug
On the Day of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November, Erikshjälpen, together with Jönköping University and the County Administrative Board of Jönköping, organized a children's rights conference.
Erikshjälpen offered a packed day with different perspectives on children's rights.
It was an intense afternoon for the approximately 300 people in the audience in the auditorium at Jönköping University. The theme of the day was children's right to safe and equal growing conditions and included several interesting discussions on what Sweden needs to do better to implement the UN recommendations regarding children.
Sweden's Children's Ombudsman Elisabeth Dahlin talked about how unequal conditions for growing up are a breeding ground for exclusion. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has made recommendations to Sweden on education, a safe childhood, and children's right to life and health. The recommendations show that there is still much to be done in Sweden.
- Society's ability to recognize and act to protect children who are victims of violence or abuse must be strengthened. When parents fail to care, society has a duty to help and protect the child," says Elisabeth Dahlin.
When parents fail to provide care, society has a duty to help and protect the child.
Elisabeth Dahlin, Swedish Ombudsman for Children.
Elisabeth Dahlin, Swedish Ombudsman for Children.
Research and working for change
During the Children's Rights Conference, participants also learned about research on how children can reach their full potential in times of austerity. Frida Lygnegård, a child researcher at Jönköping University, got the audience to think about how we view children and how this affects our actions.
In her presentation, children's rights consultant and author Åsa Ekman concretized some of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child's recommendations and gave examples of how we can work to better implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child here in Sweden.
- We all need to work for a change and I want to highlight what we need to get better at to strengthen children's rights," says Åsa Ekman.
Frida Lygnegård, child researcher.
Åsa Ekman, child rights consultant and author.
Frida Lygnegård, child researcher.
Åsa Ekman, child rights consultant and author.
We all need to work for a change and I want to highlight what we need to do better to strengthen children's rights.
"What no one can know about dad"
During the conference, the question of what it is like to grow up with a family member deprived of liberty was also raised. Here, too, there were interesting discussions with representatives from Vårsol Samtalscenter, the Rescue Mission and actors Aja Rodas and Mats Jäderlund, who showed us glimpses of the theater performance "What no one can know about dad". The play depicted what it is like to grow up with a family member deprived of liberty and has been shown in schools around Sweden.
From left: Emma, Rescue Mission, Aja Rodas, actor and Mats Jäderlund, actor.
From left: Emma, Rescue Mission, Aja Rodas, actor and Mats Jäderlund, actor.
The moderator during the children's rights conference was Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Daniel Grahn.
- I think it was a fantastic day with many topical and important presentations, but it is clear that we have a long way to go before we can take children's rights for granted. My hope is that Erikshjälpen can continue to be a rallying point for all good forces that want to do good for children.
Daniel Grahn, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen, moderated the conference.
Daniel Grahn, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen, moderated the conference.
Mattias Ingeson will be entrusted with leading Erikshjälpen forward. Mattias was previously Deputy Secretary-General at Erikshjälpen between 2007 and 2019.
Although it may sound cliché, it actually feels like 'coming home'.
Mattias Ingeson, new Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen.
Mattias Ingeson, new Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen.
- Although it may sound cliché, it actually feels like 'coming home'. There is something special about a child rights organisation founded by a child. It doesn't matter if it's a child in rural Kenya or in the suburbs of Sweden. Everyone should have a chance at a good life.
It was with great pleasure that Erikshjälpen's board today presented its new Secretary-General.
- With his long experience from civil society and with an eye for innovation, we believe that Mattias will be the leader who will take Erikshjälpen into the future, says Chairman of the Board Anna Lönn Lundbäck. Mattias has a wide network of contacts, a sharp pen and a warm manner. He is an experienced leader, who with his legal expertise and experience of public contexts will help Erikshjälpen to become an even more important social actor.
With his long experience from civil society and with an eye for innovation, we believe that Mattias will be the leader who takes Erikshjälpen into the future.
Anna Lönn Lundbäck, Chairman of the Board of Erikshjälpen.
Anna Lönn Lundbäck, Chairman of the Board of Erikshjälpen.
This summer, Erikshjälpen announced that the current Secretary-General Daniel Grahn will leave at the end of the year after having been in the post since he took office in 2015. He will be succeeded by Mattias Ingeson, former Regional Director at the study association Bilda. After studying law in Uppsala, Mattias worked for several years as head of unit at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. During the following 12 years as Deputy Secretary-General at Erikshjälpen, he was also responsible for the development of the organization.
- It makes me feel more secure in my new role. I am confident in the structure and the mission, but I also feel great respect for everything that has happened in the five years I have been away, but also curiosity.
Mattias will take up his post as Secretary-General on 1 February 2024.
(Daniel Grahn remains in service until the end of January)
The facts
Name: Mattias Ingeson
Age: 49 years
Family: Spouse Karin and three children: Axel, 19, Gustav 17 and Märta 14
Lives: In Russnäs, between Eksjö and Vetlanda, but originally from Linköping.
Current: New Secretary-General for Erikshjälpen
On 30 November, Erikshjälpen Second Hand will end its collaboration with the local association Mitt Norden Biståndscenter, which runs the second-hand shops in Västernorrland County and Östersund.
The stores will continue to operate in the same way as before but under a different name.
It is with sadness in our hearts that we leave the organization after many years of good cooperation.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand's Executive Director Anette Alm Gustafsson.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand's Executive Director Anette Alm Gustafsson.
- "It is with sadness in our hearts that we leave the organization after many years of good cooperation," says Anette Alm Gustafsson, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
Mitt Norden Biståndscenter is an association consisting of free church congregations in the region. The eleven Second Hand shops in cooperation with Erikshjälpen are located in Hudiksvall, Sundsvall, Timrå, Härnösand, Kramfors, Sollefteå, Fränsta, Ånge and Östersund.
When Erikshjälpen Second Hand now chooses to leave the collaboration, it is due to different opinions and thoughts on how the business should develop in the long term and how it can best generate help and support for those who are in difficulty, both in Sweden and in the world. For a long time, both parties have been working to find a solution, but without success.
- Warm thanks to Mitt Norden Biståndscenter, all employees, donors and customers for a good cooperation and commitment during the 30 years that Erikshjälpen Second Hand has been in the area and which has enabled interventions for children's rights around the world, says Anette Alm Gustafsson.
Author: Lena Elf
Once again, Världens Barn has raised money for children's rights all over the world and this year Erikshjälpen has also contributed in its own way.
For 26 years, Radiohjälpen's fundraising campaign Världens Barn has raised funds to help children in vulnerable situations around the world. For 24 of these years, Erikshjälpen has walked along the side of the fundraising campaign and donated a day's takings from all Second Hand shops and e-commerce to the fundraising campaign. For the fourth year in a row, Erikshjälpen is also breaking records for its fundraising with more than 3.7 million Swedish kronor (SEK) for the benefit of Världens Barn.
This would not have been possible without the great commitment that exists in all our stores for Världens Barn. So many nice local elements to support the collection have occurred around our stores and secondhand.se
On Saturday, October 7, there was great engagement with various activities in Erikshjälpen's Second Hand shops. Children and adults alike flocked in for everything from sausage grilling and face painting to bargain shopping in the store or to have a cinnamon bun in Uncle Erik's café. The joy and warmth were great this day as all purchases went to the collection and the children had a pleasant time.
Tens of millions doubled
The collection for Världens Barn continues throughout the year, but during the campaign week, week 40, the collection reached a high note. During the TV gala, which took place on Saturday, the result rose to 72 million Swedish kronor (SEK). Already the next day, the sum had reached 77.6 million Swedish kronor (SEK).
This year's campaign is also special because the charity organization Akelius Foundation is doubling the donations that come in until 31 October. This makes it possible for more children to take part in the projects and interventions that Erikshjälpen, among others, is doing with its share of the funds raised.
Erikshjälpen's involvement in radio and TV
Erikshjälpen, one of 13 aid organizations participating in the collection, has been seen and heard in several places during the collection campaign.
P4's reporter Lasse Persson was on site in Cambodia at Erikshjälpen's partner to take part in what is done with some of the money collected and what difference the money makes in the lives of children. Listen to some of the features that were made.
Working to stop violence against students: "Their dreams will come true"
P4 Extra The feature with Lasse Persson about Erikshjälpen runs between about 20:20 - 24:40 in the broadcast.
Lasse Persson, left, during the visit to Cambodia.
Lasse Persson, left, during the visit to Cambodia.
Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Daniel Grahn participated in the TV broadcast and talked about Erikshjälpen's work, where a film from the operations in Ukraine was also shown.
Together for the Children of the World Daniel Grahn and Erikshjälpen are on air between 43:20 and 55:20.
Daniel Grahn, far left, in the SVT broadcast.
Daniel Grahn, far left, in the SVT broadcast.
The world's biggest thank you to you who contributed to Erikshjälpen being able to give over 3.7 million Swedish kronor (SEK) to the collection for Världens Barn. Together you are making a difference for children. And the world they dream of.
Author: Anthon Talhaug
On Children's Convention Day, Monday 20 November 13:00-17:00, Erikshjälpen organizes a children's rights conference in collaboration with Jönköping University and the County Administrative Board of Jönköping County. How do we create equal growing conditions for all children? is the question that the conference focuses on.
All children are equally valuable and should have the same rights. At the same time, the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child show systematic shortcomings in Sweden regarding the integration of a child rights-based approach and child participation.
During the Children's Rights Conference in Jönköping, Sweden, Children's Ombudsman Elisabeth Dahlin, researcher Frida Lygnegård and children's rights consultant Åsa Ekman will focus on children's right to safe and equal conditions for growing up. Together with expert panels, they will discuss what Sweden needs to do better to implement the UN's recommendations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Programme Children's Rights Conference 20 November 2023
Date: November 20, 13.00-17.00 (mingle and mini-expo 12.00-13.00)
Place: Aula at the School of Education and Communication, Jönköping University, Gjuterigatan 5, 553 18 Jönköping.
Registration: The deadline for registration is November 10, 2023. Registration is done via registration form
Last Friday, September 29, the start of this year's fundraising week for Världens Barn took place. For 22 years now, Erikshjälpen has been involved in donating a whole day's worth of money to the collection and this year is no exception.
Världens Barn is Radiohjälpen's fundraising for all children's right to safety, health and school. The fundraising is done in collaboration with Swedish Television, Swedish Radio and 14 civil society organizations, including Erikshjälpen.
For Erikshjälpen, it is a matter of course to contribute to the collection for Världens Barn. Since 2000, Erikshjälpen has contributed in a unique way, namely by donating an entire day's takings from all second-hand shops. Last year, the sum amounted to more than 3.4 million Swedish kronor (SEK).
This Saturday, October 7, you have the opportunity to contribute to the collection by shopping in one of Erikshjälpen's second-hand shops. That's when we donate the entire day's cash! Many stores will also have extra activities.
And this year, your action is more important than ever. The charity Akelius Foundation will contribute by doubling the money raised for Världens Barn until October 31. So every krona raised is two Swedish kronor (SEK) until then.
On the Världens Barns website you can read more about what the money from the fundraising goes to. The common goal is to raise money for projects around the world to promote children's rights.
The money is enough, varldensbarn.se
Each organization that participates has a special project that is highlighted each year. This year, Erikshjälpen is highlighting a project in Cambodia to help children grow up without violence. In particularly vulnerable areas of Cambodia, violence is part of everyday life, mainly due to poverty and ignorance. There, Erikshjälpen provides support in schools and in parent clubs that make a difference for children to grow up in a world without violence.
Read about Erikshjälpen's project here: A childhood without violence
Author: Martina Bohl
In a project dealing with disaster risk management and climate adaptation, Erikshjälpen supports the work with safe areas in Kampong Chhnang province in Cambodia to ensure that children are better protected.
In central Cambodia, communities are heavily affected by climate change and many affected communities fall into severe poverty. One of these communities is in Kampong Chhnang province where Erikshjälpen, together with local partners, works to ensure children's right to safety, protection and education in disaster-affected areas.
During our visit to Cambodia, we met with children, parents, leaders and other local officials to learn more about how poor communities are affected by natural disasters and climate change.
In Kampong Chhnang, work is underway on so-called safe areas. This is to ensure that children are better protected during the rainy season, floods and other disasters. The safe area is located three to four meters above the village level and serves as a safe gathering place during disasters. To ensure the children's right to education, there is also a newly built kindergarten and school. It has also secured access to clean water, built new toilets and created a safe place for children to play.
We were able to listen to the children's thoughts and this is perhaps the most important thing we will take with us in our future work.
Erikshjälpen makes regular visits to partner organisations to support and strengthen and as part of the work to ensure that collected funds and gifts reach the children. The visits are often made by staff at regional offices around the world, but sometimes staff from Sweden also participate.
Author: Anton Eriksson
