In many respects, Sweden is a good country to be a child in and grow up in. But unfortunately not for all children and not everywhere. Inequality between children has increased, which is in conflict with Agenda 2030 and objective 10 on reducing inequality. An important factor for a more equal start in life is that all children, as far as possible, are given the same opportunities to shape their own lives. The early years of life and the upbringing environment should not be what determines a child's future.
Education is a key factor in effectively reducing inequality in society. and in order to free children from circumstances beyond their control. Such as upbringing, parents and home environment. However, there are studies that show that the gaps within the education system, depending on, for example, family background and parents' level of education,
Almost every seventh student does not pass compulsory school in Sweden today. In socio-economically vulnerable areas, the figure is usually higher. Schools with low results have historically been concentrated in suburbs in the big cities, but even outside the metropolitan regions, more and more schools are achieving lower results in terms of upper secondary school eligibility.
Giving children a more equal chance of achieving upper secondary education is a complex challenge that is not limited to one sector or a certain type of actor group. Nor is the solution simple. Complex challenges require complex solutions and we need to experiment with many different types of solutions to enable a change towards the goal: that all children pass school.
To meet the challenge of increasing inequality among children, and to achieve the goal that all children should have an equal chance of passing school, collaboration, concentration and innovation are needed. To succeed, actors from all sectors must be involved and contribute and have a place in the work ahead. There, civil society actors have an important role to play.