FYRISGÅRDEN - a house for all ages

WHAT IS A NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE? The roots of the settlement movement in Sweden go back to the turn of the 19th century, inspired by the English Settlement Movement and its focus on humanistic, social, cultural and educational issues in slums. Uppsala´s Neighbourhood Centre, Fyrisgården, was founded in 1941. FYRISGÅRDEN´S ASSOCIATION Fyrisgården is run by its own board. Members pay a yearly fee and are thereby entitled to all the information the association publishes, as well as discounts on our course and study circles. The association serves the entire county of Uppsala and receives financial support from Uppsala county. Fyrisgården works together with Studiefrämjandet and many other organizations and associations in Sweden and abroad. Fyrisgården is a member of Riksförbundet Fritidsforum (Swedish National Association of youth Clubs and Neighbourhood Centres). ALL ARE WELCOME Everyone is welcome to Fyrisgården, without regard for political or religious denominations. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS Fyrisgården´s goal to strive for peace and international co-operation is seen in our involvement to initiate and be part of exchanges, seminar, courses, conferences and projects. Fyrisgården´s involvement in international projects include: International youth exchange programs by way of Fyrisgården´s work with the ECYC (European Confederation of Youth Clubs) and IFS (International Federation of Settle-ments). Local projects, for instance our extensive projects in Murmansk, Russia focusing on attitudes and exchanging knowledge and experience about people with learning disabilities. Working with various immigrant groups. EDUCATING From the very beginning, the guiding principle of all our activities has been the “Fyrisgården Spirit”, an atmosphere of tolerance, kindness and open-mindedness. Open-hearted meetings and dialogues create an inspiring and dynamic working environment, not only for different generations but also for people with different cultural, social and national backgrounds. A Youth-café is open three times a week, especially for young people between the ages of 13-16. Democracy, solidarity, and compassion are developed through human interaction. The joiner´s workshop for children (4-6 years) started as early as 1941 and it´s still very popular. Theater gather generations to have fun together and Cultural Lunches deliver appreciated disourses from all around the world. A FEELING OF COMMUNITY Fyrisgården has a good partnership with Uppsala County and has been working extensively with youths and adults with learning disabilities for many years. Ungdomsfritids, after school activities for school-children between the ages of 13 and 21. Vuxenfritids, after work activities. adults still living at home come here after their daytime activities. Youth-weekend, leisure-time activities from friday to sunday. Showdance, everything from charlstone to hiphop, has dancers with learning disabilities who meet weekly and rehearse plays and musicals for public performance. Café Fantasia, the young and the adult meet once a week for a variety of activities. CULTURAL EXPRESSION At Fyrisgården most cultural expressions are put to use. Culture plays a part in all our community projects. We have a long tradition of handicraft, applying many techniques and crafts, shifting focus as society changes. The Weavery was started in 1973 and attracts young as well as old weavers. The bazar group meet every week to make things for the annual Christmas Handicraft Bazar. Also there are choirs, handicraft artists, writing workshops, theatre, tutoring and more.