The Planet Youth Practice Toolbox:
NGOs in Prevention

In Iceland, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in prevention, particularly in substance abuse and mental health. They work with communities to advocate for evidence-based strategies, raise awareness, and provide support services. NGOs collaborate with schools, families, and government agencies, helping shape policies and promote a culture of prevention that fosters well-being and resilience across the country.

SAMAN: Empowering Parents for Prevention

SAMAN, founded in 1999-2000, is a group dedicated to substance abuse prevention, particularly among youth. Through nationwide campaigns, the group raises awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drugs, encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s upbringing.

Their focus is on promoting family communication and parental responsibility, urging parents to spend time with their children, follow curfew rules, and never provide alcohol to minors. Prevention is seen as a long-term investment, with parents playing the most important role in keeping their children safe and healthy.
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"Saman" translates as "together"

Travel together and create good memories. Togetherness is the best prevention

Let’s stand together – don’t let our children attend outdoor festivals alone

Be present – curfew rules for children and youth are fully in effect, even during the summer

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Home and School logo 

Home and School: The National Parent's Association

Home and School ("Heimili og skóli") is the national parents' association of Iceland, dedicated to fostering collaboration between parents, schools, and the wider community. The association is funded by membership fees, projects commissioned by the Ministry of Education, and support from the EU for online safety initiatives. Its mission is to motivate parents to actively participate in their children’s education, from kindergarten through high school and college.

Since 2008, every school in Iceland is required to have an active parents' association. Two parents from each class are selected as class representatives, while others contribute by serving on the school’s overall parent committee. This system ensures consistent parental involvement, with formal activities occurring three times during elementary school.
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At the Planet Youth Conference 2024, Fridmey Jonsdottir,
from Samfés, had a presentation about the National Association of Youth Centers in Iceland

Samfés: Empowering Youth Through Community

Founded in 1985, Samfés (National Association of Youth Centers in Iceland) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young people nationwide. It fosters communication and collaboration among youth centers while promoting professional development for staff through training and events.

Samfés emphasizes the role of youth centers in prevention work and social development, empowering young people to express their views and influence discussions through elected youth councils. By offering peer education and free participation in events for ages 10 to 25, Samfés strengthens prevention efforts across the country.

Additionally, Samfés serves as an advisory body for its 125 member associations, promoting collaboration on youth issues and ensuring that young people have a safe, supportive environment to thrive.

Barnaheill
Save the Children

Barnaheill is part of the Save the Children, the international organization dedicated to transforming how children are treated and safeguarding their rights. It operates based on the principles set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through preventive measures and educational programs, Save the Children provides lectures, seminars, publishes articles, and creates videos and advertisements to raise awareness and protect children around the world.

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The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland (ISI)

As the highest authority overseeing voluntary sports activities in Iceland, ISI works with national federations, regional districts, and sport unions to promote physical activity across the country. ISI uses data from organizations like ICSRA to encourage children and teenagers to engage in sports, with a strong focus on prevention and health promotion.

One notable report from ICSRA highlighted that children of immigrants were participating in sports less frequently than their peers. In response, ISI launched a special project aimed at increasing their involvement in sports, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to benefit from physical activity.

Náum Áttum - Good Direction Group

Náum áttum is an umbrella organization that brings together professionals working in the field of prevention. Established in 2000, its initial focus was on reducing substance use among youth. Over the years, the group's mission has expanded to address broader aspects of children's well-being, including mental health, the impact of social media, and more.


Náum áttum holds prevention seminars and meetings, creating a platform for sharing information and best practices in intervention methods. Through these collaborative efforts, the group continues to address evolving challenges in child and adolescent well-being.
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