Uppsala

1. Language Support Services for Children

a. Swedish as a Second Language (Svenska som andraspråk - SVA) in Schools

• What it is: All children in Sweden, including Uppsala, have the right to education in Swedish. For children whose first language is not Swedish, schools provide Swedish as a Second Language (SVA) classes. These classes are integrated into the regular school curriculum and aim to help children achieve proficiency in Swedish.
• Who is eligible: All school-aged children (6–19 years old) who are non-native Swedish speakers.
• Cost: Free of charge as part of the public education system.
• How to access:
  • Enroll your child in a local school (kommunal skola) through Uppsala Municipality.
  • Inform the school about your child’s language needs during the enrollment process.
  • The school will assess your child’s language proficiency and provide SVA support as needed.

b. Mother Tongue Instruction (Modersmålsundervisning)

• What it is: To preserve cultural identity and support bilingualism, children are entitled to instruction in their mother tongue if at least one parent speaks a language other than Swedish.
• Who is eligible: Children in preschool, primary, and secondary school who speak a language other than Swedish at home.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• How to access:
  • Request mother tongue instruction through your child’s school or directly with Uppsala Municipality.
  • The municipality will arrange for a qualified teacher in the requested language if there are enough students to form a group.

c. Language Introduction Program (Språkintroduktion) for Teenagers

• What it is: A special program for newly arrived teenagers (16–20 years old) who need to learn Swedish before continuing their education or entering the workforce.
• Who is eligible: Recently arrived immigrant teenagers who do not yet have sufficient Swedish language skills.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• How to access:
  • Contact Uppsala Municipality or the local high school (gymnasium) to enroll in the program.

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2. Language Support Services for Families

a. Swedish for Immigrants (Svenska för invandrare - SFI)

• What it is: A government-funded program offering Swedish language courses for adults. SFI is designed to help immigrants learn Swedish for everyday life, work, and further education.
• Who is eligible: Adults (16 years and older) who are registered residents in Sweden and lack basic Swedish proficiency.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• How to access:
  • Register for SFI through Uppsala Municipality’s Adult Education Center (Komvux).
  • You will be placed in a course level based on your current language skills.

b. Family Language Support through Open Preschools (Öppna förskolor)

• What it is: Open preschools in Uppsala provide informal language support for parents and young children (0–6 years old). These centers offer a space for families to practice Swedish through play, songs, and interaction with other families.
• Who is eligible: Parents and children who are not yet in formal preschool.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• How to access:
  • Visit an open preschool in your neighborhood. No registration is required.
  • Popular locations include Gottsunda Family Center and Gränby Family Center.

c. Language Cafés and Community Programs

• What it is: Informal settings where families can practice Swedish with native speakers and other learners. These are often organized by libraries, churches, or community centers.
• Who is eligible: Open to everyone, including families with children.
• Cost: Free or low-cost.
• How to access:
  • Check with Uppsala City Library (Stadsbiblioteket) or local community centers for schedules and locations.

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3. Additional Support for Refugee Families

a. Integration Programs

• Uppsala Municipality offers integration programs for newly arrived refugee families, which include language training, cultural orientation, and support in navigating Swedish society.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• How to access: Contact Uppsala Municipality’s Integration Unit (Integrationsenheten) for more information.

b. Interpretation Services

• For families who need help communicating in Swedish during meetings with schools, healthcare providers, or government agencies, professional interpreters are available.
• Cost: Free of charge for essential services (e.g., healthcare, education).
• How to access: Request an interpreter when scheduling appointments with public services.

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4. Local Considerations and Cultural Aspects

• Emphasis on Bilingualism: Sweden values bilingualism and encourages children to maintain their mother tongue while learning Swedish. This is seen as beneficial for cognitive development and cultural identity.
• Inclusive Environment: Schools and community centers in Uppsala are generally inclusive and supportive of diverse cultural backgrounds. Families are encouraged to participate in school activities and community events to build social connections.
• Patience with Language Learning: Swedes are generally understanding and patient with non-native speakers. Families should not feel pressured to achieve fluency quickly but are encouraged to practice regularly.

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5. Key Contacts and Resources

• Uppsala Municipality (Uppsala kommun): www.uppsala.se
• Adult Education Center (Komvux): Komvux Uppsala
• Uppsala City Library (Stadsbiblioteket): Uppsala Library
• Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): www.migrationsverket.se

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By utilizing these services, families in Uppsala can access the language support they need to integrate into Swedish society while maintaining their cultural heritage. If you need further assistance or specific contact details, feel free to ask!