Award of Excellence: Tunu
In West Greenland, the east coast is called Tunu. It means “the backside.” The name comes partly from the harsh weather, which makes the coast difficult to access, and partly because the east coast was colonized 100 years later than the west coast. But it also reflects the fact that East Greenland faces some of the country’s most severe social problems: suicide, sexual abuse, violence, and substance misuse.
For many, life is so hard and hopeless that it can be difficult to see any meaning. Yet there are also forces trying to give the next generation a better life—among them, teaching young people to dream. Not necessarily big dreams, but simply about something: a sofa, a tour guide certificate, or savings for a small fishing boat.
As opportunities are few with almost no educational options and jobs, and the lack of housing puts extra pressure on families. Some try to move to West or South Greenland to study, but return when homesickness becomes too strong. The question remains: what future awaits a generation go youth learning to dream in a town that has none?
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The sports hall in Tasiilaq stays open late throughout the week. Children and young people gather there when they don’t feel like being at home. Attendance is highest on weekends, especially those around payday. The municipality has invested money in everything from training programs for young people who struggled in primary school, to homes for young mothers and a youth center where teenagers can go when they cannot stay with their parents due to neglect. A new children’s house has also opened in town to support children who have been exposed to violence or abuse. They are also working actively to improve educational opportunities in Tasiilaq. The aim is to establish more vocational programs locally, so young people can complete their education closer to home. But these changes will take time — too long for the current generation of young people to truly benefit.
