In Sundsvall, Sweden, an association called 'Tillsammans för Ukraina' has been supporting children and youth who fled the war in Ukraine four years ago. The association was started last year by teacher Valentina Lazareva and now has nearly 100 members, more than half of whom are children and young people with Ukrainian backgrounds. They meet every Saturday to celebrate both Ukrainian and Swedish culture, aiming to help the youth integrate into Swedish society.
Lazareva notes that the members feel much safer and many are doing well in school, though they have few Swedish friends. Last year, the association marked Sweden's national day by grilling and socializing on Norra berget and went on a quiz walk with questions about the national day to learn more about Swedish traditions and holidays.