SWEDEN
MAIN STRENGTHS AND KEY CHALLENGES
Innovative approach
The idea of co-creating and supporting initiatives by social entre-
preneurs and inspiring citizens to contribute to the development
of an inclusive society where all people have equal opportunities is
innovative. The programme takes this idea even further by helping
projects to scale up their activities and impact nationwide.
Empowering children and promoting participation
The programme empowers children to become active citizens and
promotes their right to participation. Through interviews and
focus group discussions, children are engaged in the design but also
implementation and evaluation of activities. Children’s voices are
heard and used to adjust and develop activities and improve practic-
es to meet children’s needs. In addition, children are included in
idea generation and problem-solving workshops held in a “hacka-
thon” format in which they are given the role of experts.
A joint approach for problem solving
The Innovation for Integration programme promotes a joint
approach to problem solving that involves public authorities,
local communities and beneficiaries. This collaborative approach
is essential for generating ideas and making innovative practices
scalable and sustainable. The programme enables municipal
authorities and government agencies to work together with social
entrepreneurs, businesses and children to co-create and implement
new solutions.
Supporting all unaccompanied children
regardless of residence status
The programme addresses the needs of all unaccompanied refugee
and migrant children in Sweden regardless of their migration
status. It focuses primarily on newly arrived children and seeks to
provide support at the earliest stage of their lives in Sweden, when
they need help the most, to guide them on their paths towards
integration.
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