During 2015 more than 35,000 unaccompanied refugee children came to Sweden. These children are a particularly vulnerable group who are exposed to psychological stress and trauma, as they are separated from their family and care takers.
It is a challenging situation for the Swedish society to make sure that the rights of these children are protected and that they receive adequate support which can enable participation and social inclusion in the local community. Together with the Swedish Red Cross, H&M Foundation had a project which reached 20,000 refugee children integrate into the Swedish society.
Through different kinds of activities, planned and arranged by children and volunteers together, the project gave the children tools and social network needed to enable integration.
The activities aimed at creating social inclusion and facilitate for unaccompanied minors, to meet people who are more established in the Swedish society, learn the language and how to navigate in their new context. The purpose of the project was also to connect the target group with other actors in society, such as sports clubs, civil society and the business sector. Local meeting places will also be created where refugee children will get adult support to reach their goals.
