Roland Nelsson, who was the leader of Erikshjälpen for many years, passed away on Sunday August 24 after a short illness. In a joint eulogy, the current and former Secretary-General share their thoughts and memories of him.
Memorial words by Erikshjälpens Secretary-General
After a short illness, Roland Nelsson has passed away. It is with great gratitude that we remember his life and work. He was Erikshjälpen's director¹, our predecessor, between 1983 and 1998. During this period, the organization was strongly influenced by his creativity, boldness and fearless willingness to try new ways.
It was under Roland Nelsson's leadership that Erikshjälpen Second Hand took shape. An idea that today has developed into a nationwide network of shops that finance aid work, create community, integration and sustainability. He was also one of the initiators of the Scandinavian Medical Bank, which enables hundreds of Nordic doctors to work voluntarily in hospitals and clinics around the world where knowledge and interventions are needed. Through these initiatives, Roland left a mark that is still bearing fruit today, changing the lives of countless children and families around the world.
Roland has always been a colorful personality, marked by a clear calling to serve God and help the most vulnerable. He liked to take over the room with his valve trombone, his ringing laughter and his subtle stories. These stories could be about statesmen and potentates he met, but just as often about vulnerable children and women who touched him deeply. Roland was a preacher at heart, a popular speaker and a popular leader. He thrived on cross-purposes when opinions were divided and the scales of debate rose high. After his time at Erikshjälpen, he was the organization's ambassador and inspiration for the rest of his life. He was interviewed at staff gatherings, spoke in churches and thrift stores. He encouraged and admonished in a good mix.
Roland was deeply attached to his wife Gudrun, or Guggan as she came to be known. He was also enormously proud of his children Camilla and Putte, and later his grandchildren, who often featured prominently in his stories.
Roland Nelsson leaves behind a rich legacy, a life characterized by faith, commitment and joy. For many, he is the very essence of Erikshjälpen. His importance for the organization and for children around the world cannot be overestimated. Many of us remember with great gratitude a friend, leader and inspirer. He has left a deep mark - in the wider world and in the hearts of individuals.
Authors: Lars Anderås, Bengt Swerlander, Daniel Grahn, former Secretary-General
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen
The title Secretary-General used to be called Director of Erikshjälpen. In the eulogy both titles are used.
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
Emil Andreasson, 17, from Skövde, has a passion for music and is releasing a jazz album where all profits are donated to the children's rights organization Erikshjälpen.
Erikshjälpen's work for children's rights is something I really want to support.
Emil himself wrote and produced all the songs on his EP. Photo: Kajsa Carlén
Emil himself wrote and produced all the songs on his EP. Photo: Kajsa Carlén
- I wanted to do something meaningful and music is something I know. I chose Erikshjälpen because I know that the organization does good work for children, says Emil.
Emil Andreasson is a second-year music student at Olinsgymnasiet in Skara. Together with some musician friends, he will release a music album called "A warm feeling" on November 18. The music album is an EP, short for "extended play", which is an album containing fewer songs than a full-length album but more than a single.
- "It's traditional jazz, with a focus on so-called 'dinner jazz', a little more accessible jazz that everyone can listen to," says Emil.
It feels good to do something for the children.
Emil was inspired to make his EP after spending a lot of time as a child at the local Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Skövde. All profits from the album will go in full to Erikshjälpen's child rights activities.
- I was often at Gengåvan, Erikshjälpen, with my grandmother, I thought it would be fun to do something for them, he says. "All aid organizations are important, but Erikshjälpen's work for children's rights is something I really want to support.
The fact that it became a jazz album is simply because it is the kind of music that Emil listens to and plays himself. He produced all the songs himself and also plays guitar and piano on some of them. He is helped by a group of classmates who have contributed with trumpet, piano and vocals.
The album will be ready and released on Spotify and other music services on November 18. Emil hopes that it will raise a lot of money for Erikshjälpen's activities.
- You never know how things will turn out, but it feels good to do something for the children.
A warm feeling
Emil Andreasson - guitar, producer, songwriter
Isak Andersson - trumpet
Hugo Wejshag - piano
Lina Sito - electric piano solo
Ishak Vizlin - mixer
Kajsa Carlén - photographer
Simon Strålman - editor of the album art
Author: Lena Elf
Singing and music are Terese Fredenwall's way of creating meaning for herself and for others. With her stories, she wants to create engagement for children who live in vulnerability. "I want to be a voice for those who are rarely heard," she says.
Terese Fredenwall has released five solo albums, written music for Jenny Berggren and Danny Saucedo, and participated in the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest. But success has never been her measure of happiness, but meaning.
- "For me, it's all about the encounter. That my stories come to life in the meeting with someone else, a meeting where I am touched and where someone else is touched. Where we can get behind the facades, put into words feelings that are very difficult and where we can unite in the feeling of not being alone.
I want to give voice to more people
When Terese Fredenwall began her collaboration with Erikshjälpen in 2020, it was with a clear desire to use her music to be a voice for those who are rarely heard. Above all, she is passionate about Erikshjälpen's work for children's right to safety and protection, which includes work against human trafficking, violence and sexual exploitation.
- "Through music, you can mobilize and bring people together, evoke empathy and create a closeness that makes it easier to get involved in stories that can otherwise feel very far away from your own reality. I believe this will be one of my most important tasks as an ambassador for Erikshjälpen.
One such story for Terese is that of "Evelyn".
- It really is. Some people immediately move into your heart and Evelyn is one of them.
"Evelyn", the girl whose real name is something else, and who has her own song named after her, met Terese when she visited a rehabilitation center for street children in Kenya run by Erikshjälpen's partner organization. Evelyn was only ten years old but already inhumanely scarred by life. The song describes how she was abused by her mother, sexually assaulted by the various men who passed through the home, and how she was ultimately the one who had to care for her mother when she fell ill and died of AIDS.
- I often think of Evelyn and wonder how she is doing. Her greatest dream was to be a singer. So it's great to be able to share the stage with her in a way and to give her story a voice to others.
Author: Patricia Franzén
Music can mobilize and bring people together
He knows what it means to live in poverty and exclusion and wants to be part of the fight for a better life for as many children as possible. "I and Erikshjälpen are working towards the same goal," says country musician Doug Seegers.
Doug Seegers became known to Swedish audiences through his appearance on the TV show Jill's Porch. When he was featured in the program, he was living as a homeless street musician in Nashville. In connection with a gig in Sweden, Doug came into contact with Erikshjälpen and since 2017 he has been an ambassador for the organization. He thinks it's important to get involved with children who live in vulnerability.
- I have a close relationship with it because as a child I experienced what it is like to live in poverty. Now I have the opportunity to be part of Erikshjälpen, which is a fantastic organization. We are working towards the same goal," he says.
It feels great to contribute
Doug Seegers has made several appreciated Christmas tours for the benefit of Erikshjälpens work. Many people testify that his music touches them.
- "I like to play, but what I appreciate most is when I feel that my songs really mean something to those who come and listen. My wish is to write music that inspires people to do something good. My songs tell the story of what I have been through, the difficult things but also the miracle of redemption that I have experienced.
Before his first tour with Erikshjälpen, Doug Seegers had the opportunity to visit Uganda and the work among street children that Erikshjälpen conducts together with a partner organization in the country. He has also visited Romania and Erikshjälpen's work to break the exclusion of the Roma population.
- It was a very emotional journey for me. It touched me deeply to see how these people live and what poor conditions they have to succeed in life. But it was also very powerful to see what Erikshjälpen does to support them and create conditions for a better life.
- I've really gotten to see how important the work that Erikshjälpen does is and it feels great that I can do what I can to contribute, says Doug Seegers.
Author: Patricia Franzén
It is powerful to see what Erikshjälpen does
Singer Lena Maria Vendelius wants to work for a world where all people feel loved and included. She has a special heart for Erikshjälpen's work for children with disabilities in Belarus. "I know that their situation can be changed," she says.
Lena Maria Vendelius was born without arms and with a left leg only half as long as her right. Despite this, she has made a career as an international singer, artist, lecturer and author. She has also been a successful swimmer.
- "In Sweden, we have a society where, despite my disability, I have a place and can be seen. But if I had been born in another country, my life could have been completely different," she says.
Attitudes towards these children need to change
One country where the view of people with disabilities is very different from Sweden is Belarus. There, it is common for children with disabilities to grow up in institutions, hidden from society. But Erikshjälpen is working to improve the conditions for these children - and Lena Maria is helping to spread knowledge about this work through her charity concerts in collaboration with Erikshjälpen.
- It feels great, Erikshjälpen is close to my heart. The purpose of the concerts is to find new monthly donors and get people to help others who are not as well off. It's easy to help when there are many of you," she says.
For her latest tour, Lena Maria traveled to Belarus, where she had the opportunity to visit some of the institutions where children with disabilities grow up.
- It looks much like it did in Sweden 80 years ago. The children are well off in some ways - they have somewhere to live, food and security. But they don't have the freedom we take for granted," says Lena Maria, and continues:
You feel so good when you care about your fellow human beings
- Many things, not least attitudes towards these children, need to change. What motivates me is that I know it can be done. I have seen so much positive change all over the world.
For Lena Maria, using her gifts to try to make the world a better place is a natural step. Now she hopes that it can rub off on others.
- I want to be a voice to get people involved. You feel so good and get so much back when you care about your fellow human beings.
Author: Patricia Franzén
Listening 