Fourteen years ago, I started a small parent network to support children’s Swedish studies abroad. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams what change it would lead to. What began as a modest grassroots initiative has grown into the Association of Swedish Beyond Borders – SMUL – a global community for multilingual families.
The past year has been marked by continued growth for our organization. We have reactivated our advisory committee, formed a communications group, continued to develop our own teaching materials, and taught students in 44 countries – from preschoolers to young adults.
Now my final term as board chair is over. It is a natural step after many meaningful years in the organization, which began within SWEA when I myself sought support for my children’s language development. Today they are adults – and their Swedish is solid!
It is thanks to a whole range of dedicated individuals that my children today speak, understand, read, and write Swedish. I would like to extend special thanks to Svenska skolan i Vancouver, Svenska Distans, Global Svenska Plus, and most recently to the fantastic teachers at SMUL Academy – including Maria, Malin, Anna, and Annika. It takes a village to raise a child, and my children and I have been fortunate to have many who have supported us with Swedish and our cultural identity along the way.
With great joy and pride, I now pass the baton for SMUL to my dear friend Marinette Sedin. Marinette has worked with multilingual education for over 15 years, including at Svenska skolan i Vancouver and Canucks Family Education Centre. She has extensive experience with volunteer work in Canada and a solid understanding of the BC Societies Act, which governs SMUL’s operations as a nonprofit organization. Her warmth, wisdom, and professionalism make her exactly the right person to lead SMUL forward as the next chair.
I am so excited to see what direction Marinette and the experienced school team, with Karolin Eriksson as principal and Louise Sverud as administrator, will now set. I am stepping aside and turning the page – to a new chapter in life, where I am dedicating myself wholeheartedly to my new career as a counseling therapist. I carry with me the insights, compassion, and experience that have grown during my years with the SMUL families. The lessons – about language, belonging, and the power of community – will continue to guide me. I remain available as support on the advisory committee, but my time as a leader is over.
The pride I feel for all of you and what we have built together is difficult to put into words.
Thank you.
Lena Normén-Younger
Former Chair and Founder of SMUL