Visit from YMCA Finland to Fryshuset and Järva

On the 28th of November, Fryshuset was delighted to host a delegation from the Finnish organization YMCA. This visit was an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas, share common values, and showcase the impactful work we did to empower young individuals.

The day kicked off with an immersive tour around Fryshuset, where we demonstrated Fryshuset’s commitment to creating a safe space for youth built on trust and privacy. Starting from our dynamic basketball court and music studios to the welcoming library and the vibrant LGBTQ+ game space, our guests got a firsthand look at the strategic places where creativity comes to life.

The heart of our discussions, which took place in Fryshuset Järva, revolved around the main topic of street gangs. We delved into our approach of providing tools for young people to create meaningful leisure time and employment opportunities for themselves and others. As the saying goes, ”It takes a village to raise a child,” and Fryshuset in Husby embodies this philosophy by guiding young people and encouraging a sense of responsibility.

Semret and Nedal led a compelling discussion on conflict resolution and management, introducing our ”peace ambassadors” program. Our guests explored Fryshuset’s concept of conflict, its drivers, and ongoing projects that engaged approximately 528 unique individuals in 2023. Our overarching strategy, outlined as bridge builders, emphasizes promoting physical and mental health, breaking down polarization, and increasing participation in Järva and Swedish society. Additionally, Maj shed light on the situation with street gangs in Sweden, providing a crucial perspective, while Gia shared insights on Järva i Samverkan’s collaborative approach, where their working culture is characterized by co-creation, inclusion, transparency, trust, and a strong bond of community love.

In conclusion, our guests left with a thorough grasp of our projects and goals. We’re excited about the prospect of seeing our methods applied in their own projects aimed at supporting young individuals, and equally eager to learn from their experiences!