KEKS Awards 2026

Let us recognize and celebrate those who inspire, strengthen and develop youth work.

When we share stories about what works, it becomes easier for others to follow and dare to try new approaches.

KEKS Awards were established in 2025 in connection with KEKS celebrating its 20th anniversary and are presented at the KEKS conference.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Based on the nominations received, the jury, consisting of representatives from KEKS member organizations, has selected three candidates in each category that they would like to highlight in particular.

And the nominees are…

🏆KEKS LEADER 2026🏆

Awarded to an individual who has helped their organization take a collective step forward in its development. This may be a manager or someone else who has driven development within their area of responsibility (e.g., a meeting place, a municipality, or a field of activity such as online or outdoor services) in a way that others can learn from and be inspired by.

  • Mariella Augustsson

    Municipality of Järfälla

  • Anutosha Lundgren

    Municipality of Sollentuna

  • Malin Johansson

    Municipality of Ulricehamns

🏆KEKS European 2026🏆

Awarded to an individual, a youth center, a municipality, or a non-governmental organization (NGO) that, in some way, has engaged in European cooperation and thereby broadened and/or developed its activities and/or inspired others to engage in European cooperation.

  • Kooperativet Fjället

    Rannebergen, Angered

  • Johanna Dahl, Marie Falk & Klara Tufvesson

    Charting future

  • INEDNET

    Information and Education Development Network, Armenia

🏆KEKS Youth Service 2026🏆

Awarded to a youth center or a project that has made significant progress and/or developed something that strengthens our collective ability to carry out high-quality youth work.

  • Team Fritid

    Eskilstuna

  • Boställets mötesplats och QueerSpace

    Lund

  • Sätra Fritidsgård

    Skärholmen

🏆KEKS Youth worker 2026🏆

Awarded to an individual who, through their commitment and positive attitude, has inspired others and helped them develop.

  • Jonny Zasella

    Göteborg

  • Georgia Theodoridou

    Bjuv

  • Kasper Abrahamsson

    Falköping

🏆KEKS organisation 2026🏆

Awarded to an organization or municipality that, with great commitment, has contributed to developing and strengthening youth work locally and/or within KEKS.

  • Municipality of Härryda

    Fritid ungdom

  • Stockholm Hässelby-Vällingby

    Öppen fritidsverksamhet

  • Municipality of Falköping

    Ung i Falköping

Who will win?

KEKS Conference 2026 will conclude with the presentation of the winners during an award ceremony.

May 21, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM