Parkskolan plays a central role in the development of the village. More families with children who have moved in means an increased student base and a greater opportunity for the village school to remain. (Archive image)
A project group has recently been formed by committed villagers, mostly parents, with the clear agenda of making the village more attractive and bringing in families with children to maintain the school.
– In addition to teachers, we also need an increased number of students, says Matilda Johansson, one of the initiators.
– The goal is also to create more pleasant living conditions for those of us who already live here.
For Johansson, a mother of three, it is important to spread information about the village's primary and middle school. When the municipality of Arvidsjaur sent out information about choosing a school for the autumn preschool class, several parents in the village felt that Parkskolan was not given equal exposure compared to the more central Tallbackaskolan.
– It was only brochures from Tallbacka and who to contact there. There was nothing about who to contact or information about Parkskolan other than a small box saying that Parkskolan is available to choose, Johansson explains.
The group decided to create their own brochure about the school in the village. Viktoria Wigenstam has taken photos and designed it in consultation with the rest of the group. In addition to this marketing effort, the group also plans to reach out to various teacher training programs with the hope of attracting qualified teachers, which is major a survival issue for the village school.
– We think it's a bit unfair because you feel the municipality should have marketed the school rather than leaving it to us, says Matilda Johansson.
According to the group, the response among villagers has been good and social media posts are getting good exposure. In addition to their own social media accounts, work is underway on a website for the entire Glommersträsk area.
They have meetings every other week to plan their work.
– That's when we compile, evaluate, and set goals. We have divided ourselves into groups so that we handle different areas of responsibility, says Johansson.
They are currently also conducting an inventory of unoccupied housing in Glommersträsk and surrounding areas that could potentially be homes for future Glommersträsk residents.
– We have received some help from the business unit in Arvidsjaur municipality since they are also conducting an inventory. Right now, we are looking for a house for a family who wants to move here, says Johansson.
The project group consists of Yvonne Illien, Vivianne Larsson, Linn Winka, Malin Johansson, Lillemor Almgren, Matilda Johansson and Viktoria Wigenstam. Jessica Vallsten and Sanna Kaistamaa (not pictured) are also in the group.