The small town of Glommersträsk in Lapland, Sweden is facing a decline in population and is in danger of losing its primary school due to low student numbers. In an effort to repopulate the town and save the school, local authorities are offering financial incentives for families to move there. The organisation Glommersbygdens Framtid is offering a cash handout of nearly €900 to the first five families who relocate with children of primary school age. The families must commit to having their children attend the local Parkskolan for at least one academic year.
With a population of only 200 people, including 23 school-age children, Glommersträsk is at risk of losing its primary school if student numbers continue to drop. The local council has set a threshold of 25 students, below which the school may be forced to close. The high school in the town closed in 2009 due to low enrollment numbers. To be eligible for the cash incentive, families must have children between the ages of 6 and 15 years old who will attend the local school. Glommersbygdens Framtid is also offering assistance with finding housing and providing information on employment opportunities in the area. Non-EU citizens can apply, but must first obtain a Swedish residence permit.
Glommersträsk is described as a haven for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts, with easy access to services in nearby towns. The town is surrounded by pristine nature, but is also within reach of larger cities like Skellefteå, Arvidsjaur, and Luleå, all of which offer various amenities and services. The town is located within driving distance of small airports with connections to other European countries, making it accessible for those looking to relocate. According to a spokesperson for Glommersbygdens Framtid, Glommersträsk offers a safe and welcoming community for families looking for a place to raise their children.
The repopulation scheme in Glommersträsk is modeled after similar initiatives in other European countries, such as Italy and Spain, where financial incentives have been used to attract families to rural areas facing population decline. The aim of the scheme is to save the primary school and create a sustainable community in the town. By offering cash handouts to families who choose to relocate with school-age children, the local organisation hopes to increase enrollment numbers and prevent the closure of the school. The group reports that one family has already applied to the scheme and another has moved to the town with children who will be attending the school, with hopes of attracting more families in the future.
The declining population in Glommersträsk and the potential closure of the primary school highlight the challenges faced by rural communities in Sweden and other countries. With many young people leaving small towns for larger cities in search of job opportunities and amenities, towns like Glommersträsk are struggling to maintain their population and essential services. The repopulation scheme in Glommersträsk is an innovative approach to addressing these challenges by offering financial incentives to families willing to move to the town and help revive the community. By providing assistance with housing and employment opportunities, the scheme aims to create a sustainable and thriving community in Glommersträsk.
