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 youth culture house is one of many initiatives in East Greenland trying to address serious social problems in a town where more than 25 percent of the population are children and young people under 18, yet where it can be difficult to see a future. “Greenland is enormous, and it’s not like you can just go home for the weekend—it costs 10,000 kroner to get here from the west coast. That keeps many from even leaving in the first place,” says Hans Poul Andersen, who is leading the youth culture house i Tasiilaq, and continues, "For now, for many, it remains just a dream. Maybe one day, some of the boys on the couch in the youth culture house will find the strength to make it a reality. Until then, they have to settle for the small but vital light it brings to have a place worth getting up for in the morning."
