Transforming Lives: How Safe Place Is Reducing Litter and Empowering Youth in Sweden
In Sweden, the initiative called Safe Place, a collaboration between the City Mission and Keep Sweden Tidy, is making significant strides in fostering community engagement and environmental awareness, particularly in the disadvantaged areas of Norrköping. This innovative project, funded by the Postcode Lottery, not only tackles the critical issue of litter but also empowers local youth to become leaders and change-makers in their neighborhoods.
Since its launch, Safe Place has implemented various strategies aimed at reducing litter, with an impressive reduction rate of up to 58% reported in certain areas. The introduction of cigarette litter containers and behavior-altering initiatives has proven effective in cultivating a cleaner environment for residents.
A key component of Safe Place is the homework help and leadership program designed for young people. By providing a safe space to study, this initiative addresses not only academic needs but also the social and emotional requirements of youths, which is often neglected in traditional education venues. Hanan Ahmed, a participant in the program, offers a compelling testament to the transformative power of this initiative.
Reflecting on her experience, Hanan recalls her initial skepticism when she first visited the homework help center at the age of seventeen. "Sure, the sandwiches were good, and the people who worked there were nice. But when they suggested I come back, I thought that would never happen because I had too much else to do," she admits. However, just two weeks later, Hanan decided to return, and it became a turning point in her life.
"At Safe Place, I met adults I can actually trust. They genuinely care about us and our future. It's not just a place for homework; it's a community where I felt safe and valued,” she explains. This nurturing environment helped Hanan rediscover herself, transitioning from feeling invisible to actively participating in her community.
"Before, I was the invisible girl who went to school and came home without caring about anything else. After I started going to Safe Place, I've discovered sides of me I didn't know existed, like being able to express myself freely," she shares, illustrating a profound personal transformation. Hanan now hopes to inspire others who might feel hesitant about seeking help to pursue similar opportunities.
The impact of the Safe Place initiative is drawing the attention of various stakeholders. Martin Callmeryd, the project leader, notes that support for the program is expanding: "We see more and more stakeholders wanting to be part of supporting their local community through the work of Safe Place. It demonstrates that we are making real differences in disadvantaged areas and for the people living there."
Backed by a generous funding of 242 million SEK from the Postcode Lottery, Safe Place stands out as one of the Dream Projects of 2022. This funding, part of the lottery’s annual distribution to nonprofit organizations, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, and new thinking in addressing societal challenges.
The mission is clear as the project aims to expand nationwide. The transformative success in areas like Navestad and Hageby exemplifies how a simple concept, when well-executed, can inspire hope and resilience among youth, strengthen communities, and foster environmental stewardship. With continued support and engagement, Safe Place is not just creating cleaner neighborhoods; it's cultivating a new generation of responsible leaders passionate about making a positive impact on their world.
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