Karin Perers has long worked as an international coordinator in the municipality of Falun, and for just as long she’s been engaged in strengthening local democracy. She’s passionate about empowering children and young people to have a say and be involved.
“Our goal is to create sustainable structures for youth influence that last,” she says.
Karin has taken part in several partnership projects through ICLD. In this feature from our local democracy heroes series, we introduce her and highlight some of the work she’s done.
Now recently retired, Karin describes herself as a “social entrepreneur”, having worked over the years with local and rural development, business support, and in roles focused on inclusion – especially of newly arrived migrants, and most importantly, of children and young people. She is deeply committed to bringing people together. It’s in real, face-to-face meetings between people that change can happen, she believes.
Karin’s connection with ICLD began when she was working with young people in Falun through the local Youth Hub (Ungdomsslussen). A collaboration between youth in Falun and Zumeb in Namibia revealed how similar their challenges were – and how much they could learn from one another. This led to a long-term partnership between the two municipalities, funded by ICLD. One key result is that Sweden’s “LUPP youth survey” has been adopted at a regional level in Namibia, helping to strengthen young people’s influence in local politics. The LUPP is a survey for municipalities and regions that want to understand how young people are doing – how they feel, and what they think about living in their local area.
Uplifting young voices
Following this partnership, Falun wanted to continue its international engagement, and ICLD matched the municipality with Mogale City, which is situated just outside Johannesburg in South Africa. The collaboration between Falun and Mogale focused on strengthening youth influence in decisions that affect them. The project has recently concluded – with clear, tangible results: the creation of a youth parliament in Mogale, and both a physical and digital student panel at Hälsinggårdsskolan in Falun. These platforms have increased dialogue between young people and local politicians, helping to strengthen youth influence.
Karin explains that the work has at times been challenging, but that they are now very proud of what they’ve achieved together. It’s been about building relationships to amplify the voices and roles of young people in society – both by supporting the youth directly and by creating spaces where young people and adults can meet. These encounters are essential for meaningful change.
“Our goal has been to create sustainable structures for youth participation that remain in place even after the project ends,” says Karin. And it’s clear they’ve succeeded!
Karin has only just retired and now has more time for one of her favourite pastimes – gardening. She grows plenty of vegetables, both in the greenhouse and out in the open. Another big part of her life is the family’s dachshund – who, funnily enough, is also the result of one of the ICLD projects. But that’s a story for another time!
ICLD Champions of Local Democracy
Gender or status does not matter, the important thing is that the person we are looking for has democratic values to live and inspire others. They may have gotten through difficult situations – but never backed down from the front lines of democracy, and they all have a personal story to tell. They have also been or are part of our operations. We present them in our series “Champions of Local Democracy”. Get inspired!