Föräldrakraft provides support and a sense of community for parents in Motala

Mtslal has lived with her family in Motala since 2013 and works in a school kitchen. Her early days in Sweden were challenging. She was alone with her four children while her husband remained in Eritrea. Mtslal spoke neither Swedish nor English and had no social network.

“In Eritrea, all the parents stick together,” she says. “There, family, neighbors, and friends naturally pitch in to help with the children. In Sweden, the responsibility felt more isolating.”

Today, Mtslal lives with her husband in Motala, and she feels more secure as a parent in Sweden. She says that parenting is always difficult, but that it becomes especially challenging as the children get older and more questions arise about school, homework, and discipline. While it hasn’t always been easy, her years in Sweden have given her new experiences and knowledge. Above all, she appreciates that children here have rights and the opportunity to attend school regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Yirgalem has lived in Sweden for nine years, first in Stockholm and then in Motala. She works at a preschool. At home in her apartment in the Eken neighborhood, she has her family, but she emphasizes how important the sense of community with other parents is. Through Föräldrakraft, she has had the opportunity to share experiences and build new relationships. For Yirgalem, participating has also led to new friendships. She and a few other participants come from the same small village in Eritrea, but it is only here in Sweden that they have gotten to know each other.

Yirgalem and Mtslal first learned about Föräldrakraft through other organizations. What initially drew them in was the chance to meet others, but the gatherings have come to mean so much more. In particular, the sewing class and group activities like taco nights and other food-sharing events have become moments they look forward to.

“When parents feel more confident in their role, it also has a positive impact on their children. Many have also mentioned how helpful it is to have people they can ask for advice and information about Swedish society, for example,” says Helena Hennings, program developer for Föräldrakraft in Motala.

The activities also help strengthen family bonds, and for Yirgalem, they have prompted her to reflect on her own health.

“It’s also made me think about how I’m doing myself,” says Yirgalem. “How I can take care of myself and feel good so that I have the energy to be the parent I want to be.”

Both Mtslal and Yirgalem have high hopes for their children. They hope their children will find a good path in life and avoid falling into bad company and insecurity. And for other parents who are thinking about joining Föräldrakraft, the message is clear: Just come! Here you’ll find support and a sense of community.

Author: Lena Elf