Proventus co-founded Berättarministeriet. The first writing center opened in Södertälje in November 2011. The organization’s founding principle is that it is important for children to tell stories – but equally important that they feel listened to. Berättarministeriet believes that if you, as a young person, experience that the world around you is genuinely interested in knowing who you are, where you come from, what your life is like, what your thoughts are on outer space, or what dreams you have for the future; your self esteem will grow and you will strengthen your identity and sense of self. The writing workshops aim to plant a seed of inspiration within children and young people, creating a place where they can explore storytelling on their own terms.
Berättarministeriet provides creative writing workshops for children and young people ages 8 to 18. Stepping through the gates of the Berättarministeriet is tantamount to entering another world: mysterious hatches, magical doors and plenty of things that stir the imagination. The writing workshops aim to plant a seed of inspiration in children and young adults, creating a place where they can explore different forms of storytelling on their own terms. Activities in these workshops are solely driven by the work of committed volunteers, who are there to support, encourage and inspire the children in their writing. Berättarministeriet was inspired by American organisation, 826 National, founded by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida in 2004.
Berättarministeriet expanded with a second writing center in Husby, a suburb north of Stockholm, in 2013 and a third in Hagsätra 2014.