Björkmuren’s 4H farm outside Järbo is an important gathering place for many young people in Sandviken. Here, children and youth can be close to animals and take responsibility for their care.
Björkmuren’s 4H farm in Sandviken has 200 members, half of whom are children and youth"For my children, Björkmuren has meant a lot; the responsibility for the animals also means that you collaborate and make friends," says Sofie Vall, whose children are often at the 4H farm Björkmuren.
The first 4H farm started in Vallentuna in the early 70s. Today, there are over thirty 4H farms in Sweden that together welcome around 2.5 million visits every year. At the farms, children and youth have the opportunity to meet animals, participate in and influence the activities, learn democracy in practice, take responsibility, and develop their leadership.
Björkmuren’s 4H farm in Sandviken has 200 members, half of whom are children and youth. Here there are horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, quails, and rabbits that the children get to take responsibility for and care for. "It should feel like a real farm," says Torbjörn Bergström, who has active children in the association and who himself is on the board. He explains that the four H's stand for head, heart, hands, and health. The motto is "Learn by doing".
For us at Alleima, it is important to support the local community and association life
"The idea is that it should be a social association that will provide a meaningful and fun free time that you yourself are involved in building," says Torbjörn. All activities are non-profit and open to the public to visit free of charge. On Saturdays, they offer a café and pony rides.
Björkmuren’s 4H farm is also one of the associations that Alleima collaborates with and supports financially. "It means a great deal. It costs a lot to have animals and this year we have also made improvements to the farm and run water to the pastures, thanks to the contribution from Alleima," Torbjörn explains. 
"For my children, Björkmuren has meant a lot, the responsibility for the animals also means that you collaborate and make friends" says Sofie Vall, Parent
Alleima has also contributed reflective vests that are used on trail rides and similar activities. "For us at Alleima, it is important to support the local community and association life. In the collaboration with Björkmuren’s 4H farm, we can contribute to children and young people having a meaningful free time where they learn to take responsibility and grow in an association with clear core values," says Glenn Johansson, Site Manager for Alleima in Sandviken and chairman of the company's local sponsorship group.