FCV Sweden – A five-year-old making an impact
This year, we at FCV Sweden celebrated our five-year anniversary. But that was far from the only exciting thing that happened in 2024. Here, we share more highlights from an incredible year.
Throughout the year, we have continued our work for young people in social exclusion, with astonishing results. A full 97% of all participants in our activities have managed to break their isolation and move on to studies or other meaningful engagement. But let’s start from the beginning!
An intense spring
FCV Sweden participated in the gaming conference Boden Game Changer in early spring and simultaneously launched our new website. The new platform gives us better opportunities to share news and attract both participants and enablers to our mission.
In April, we hosted an introduction course in game development. In collaboration with KING Scholarship Program and Dataspelsbranschen, we conducted a highly appreciated short course where participants got to build their own worlds using a game engine.
Later in the spring, we strengthened our ties to the gaming industry in Skellefteå and Arctic Game by opening an office at Skellefteå Innovation Park. Our colleague Christian, who is studying programming, represents us on-site.
A summer of success
Our successful Game Camp, a study-motivational course, has been developed and refined over the years. We ensure the quality of this concept by collaborating with multiple partners and tailoring the camp to local needs.
Our mission is to help young people recognize their strengths and find their own motivation. At Game Camp, gaming enthusiasts who are neither working nor studying get to learn game development alongside like-minded individuals. At the same time, they find pathways to community and social interaction.
We have now organized summer camps six times. This past summer, we held Summer Game Camp at Hola Folk High School in Kramfors for the third year in a row. Every single participant from the camp at Hola moved on to studies or employment—a world-class collaboration.
A thrilling autumn
On November 21st, our founder Lars Lundqvist received the “Hejare of the Year” award at a prestigious ceremony in Östersund. This honorary award is presented by the nonprofit organization Hej Främling!. We are immensely proud of this recognition—it confirms that our work is valued from many directions and that what we do truly matters. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the fantastic team at Hej Främling!
November also brought a visit to the Swedish Parliament. Alongside 80 other industry representatives, we were invited to the Culture Committee’s kickoff to bring gaming onto the political agenda. As a social actor within this field, it was great to be present and showcase that gaming is not just entertainment but also a powerful driver of social inclusion and personal development.
Our first game launch
From day one, five years ago, we have been working on the development of our very own learning tool—Hot Skills. This unique tool and method foster insights and help young people see opportunities within themselves rather than obstacles—all in a playful way. It creates a distance from difficult topics because it’s not you experiencing the challenge, but your character.
Young participants from our summer camps and other activities have acted as playtesters, helping us refine this engaging learning tool. Finally, in December, we could write FINAL—the first pre-ordered copies of the game will be shipped to schools and job coaches in February next year.
Rocket fuel
Just in time for Christmas, we received an incredible gift—Lars was named Change Leader of the Year and accepted into the Reach for Change Incubator 2025!
Reach for Change and its partners support social entrepreneurs who work with children and young people. Those in the incubator gain access to a strong network, coaching, and business development support, becoming part of a global network of Change Leaders.
Being selected, in tough competition with many skilled social entrepreneurs, is a major seal of quality. The incubator will provide real rocket fuel to our mission!
On December 12th, the winners were publicly announced, and our five-year-old organization was in the spotlight—featured on TV4’s morning show. What a way to end 2024!
From All of Us…
With this, we want to take the opportunity to thank all the young people and enablers who made 2024 another fantastic year for FCV Sweden. Together with you, we have helped break social exclusion and alleviate suffering for many.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Lars, Isaac, Leo, and Christian
Curious about how you can help make a difference for young people in social exclusion?
Get in touch with us, and we’ll tell you more!
🔗 https://fcvsverige.se/kontakt/
