Madeleine Timmerby

"Young people leave here as stronger individuals"

- Our main goal is to create opportunities for everyone to be able to enter the labour market. It’s inspiring when a young person steps out our door and feels that they have transformed their lives — when they themselves have created an opportunity and a future.

- For many, it is about first understanding the value of being in a community. They don’t understand the benefits of paying taxes and being a part of society. Instead, they feel controlled. It can be a challenge to get them to think differently.

- We have about 300 people here at the same time. They are between 18 and 29 and are either registered with the social services or the Swedish Public Employment Service. We turn to people who have no networks and who are socially vulnerable, the group that is furthest from the labour market.

- We take a holistic approach to everything from work and studies to health. It is of course very difficult to work with a young person who does not know where he or she should sleep, then we have to start there. The person may be suffering from mental illness or never have had any experience in a workplace setting, then maybe that's where we need to start.

- Many who come to us don’t know much about what Malmö has to offer. They have stuck to their neighbourhood and don’t take part in all that the city has to offer. We try to open it up and show them what is available, not just in the form of education but also in terms of cultural offerings, associations, and more. We help them navigate a system that is completely unknown to them.

- The reactions we encounter are very mixed. Some people immediately feel distrustful, wondering why they have to deal with us instead of just getting money and taking care of themselves. Others immediately realize the value and express relief that someone is finally listening and providing support.

- I believe that work is a key to integration. When you get a job, you contribute and get a context, you become part of society and make Swedish friends.

- It's great fun to meet them at their workplaces, when they radiate that pride of having succeeded. At those moments, I also feel proud and know that we’re doing actual good work that’s real. It changes people's lives and that they leave here as stronger individuals.