In the heart of Nuuk, two dynamic women are quietly making a significant impact on the lives of the city’s boys and young men. Natuk Rosing Fleischer and Aviaaja Pedersen Lynge are the driving forces behind “Mind Your Own Business,” a small office bustling with determination and a mission that extends far beyond its walls: to inspire and empower the young men of the community.
Every day, Natuk and Aviaaja work diligently to craft well-being-focused programs specifically designed for boys and young men aged 13 to 21. Participants engage in practical courses where they learn to develop and launch their own micro-enterprises, collaborating with local volunteers and business mentors. But the essence of their endeavors transcends mere entrepreneurial activity.
Their primary mission is to facilitate employment opportunities and foster well-being, equipping these young men with the relationships and role models they need to flourish in life. “It’s not about making a fortune,” Natuk emphasizes. “What matters is the connections they build along the way, and the dedicated adults who invest their time, showing up consistently and encouraging these young boys to open up.”
The Need for Belief and Encouragement
The decision to focus on boys and young men isn’t arbitrary; it’s a response to stark statistics. Reports indicate that young males often struggle to progress beyond primary education, leading to lower rates of further education and employment opportunities, as well as higher rates of psychological distress. This reality drives Natuk, who coordinates political and strategic partnerships, alongside project coordinator Aviaaja, to challenge these disheartening trends.
When KNR caught up with them, they had just emerged from a meeting with Air Greenland, celebrating a new partnership that bolsters their outreach efforts. “Our main goal is to help these young boys advance in education and job readiness,” Aviaaja explains. “Mind Your Own Business is inherently a preventive initiative aimed at promoting personal and professional growth through entrepreneurship.”
Since its inception in January 2019, the organization has launched 16 micro-enterprises in Nuuk. Each initiative engages 6 to 12 boys, holding weekly sessions where they grasp the fundamentals of starting a business—from concept development to marketing and sales.
Guided by volunteer mentors from both the local community and the business sector, the boys are able to craft business plans and develop their products with expert support. “These mentors, who are everyday people as well as business professionals, bring diverse skills and insights, enriching the boys’ learning experience,” Natuk says enthusiastically.
When not conducting workshops and company visits with the boys, Aviaaja Pedersen Lynge and Natuk Rosing Fleischer focus on developing courses, securing funding, and maintaining connections with local mentors and business partners.
A Community Stepping Up
The growth of the “Mind Your Own Business” network has been heartening. Voluntary support pours in from the community, with adults often dropping by uninvited to lend a hand. Whether it’s aiding boys in designing logos for their businesses or simply offering mentorship, Aviaaja highlights that this local solidarity is key to their success.
“Volunteerism is still a developing concept in Greenland, yet we’re witnessing a shift,” she notes. “Our experience shows that people are eager to contribute, and our partnerships with local businesses are invaluable.”
Two new micro-enterprises have recently begun operations, and until spring, the boys will embark on their journey of building businesses from the ground up. The initial phase involves brainstorming ideas, followed by mentor pairings to ensure strong connections. Throughout the process, the boys enjoy both workshops and company visits—activities they eagerly anticipate.
After months of effort, they showcase their products during the culmination event: the Business Awards. Friends, family, and community members gather to celebrate these young entrepreneurs. “Some of the boys arrive shy and hesitant, but by the end, they’re standing tall, proudly presenting their creations. It’s truly inspiring,” says Natuk, reflecting on the transformative journey each boy undertakes.
“These events create an atmosphere of achievement, and the positive feedback reinforces their confidence, making them truly proud of their work.”
Photos of the boys alongside local business partners and mentors adorn the walls of the Mind Your Own Business office, celebrating their journeys.
One notable product emerging from the program is a compelling collection of fidget rings, formulated by a group of boys under the brand name UNFOCUSED. These thoughtfully designed rings serve as a modern stress-relief tool, responding to their shared experiences of restlessness while concentrating. Fidget rings are now available at the local streetwear store, Bolt Lamar, a testament to the boys’ hard work and ingenuity.
While some participants grapple with focus issues, the diversity among the boys means each individual’s reasons for joining are unique. Some seek excitement or new skills, while others, like those referred by Majoriaq, require targeted support in education and employment. Additionally, some may just be looking for community and camaraderie.
“We’ve even had individuals reach out to us simply because they felt isolated and wanted to connect,” Natuk shares, highlighting the varied needs of their young clientele.
The Transformative Power of Relationships
Support for “Mind Your Own Business” has been bolstered through funding from the Tuborg Foundation since January 2019, alongside a recent injection of one million kroner from the North Atlantic Pool for continued efforts.
Though initially a Danish initiative, the program resonates deeply in Nuuk’s close-knit community. “Here, relationships can be very personal, and we frequently encounter the boys in their neighborhoods,” Natuk states fondly.
Aviaaja adds, “Just today, we bumped into three boys who had recently completed a course. We chatted about their experiences, and it was gratifying to see their progress. They’re now poised to mentor newcomers in future courses, sharing their journeys.”
This sense of connection extends beyond the boys to the local volunteers as well. Aviaaja notes, “We witness the commitment from individuals who want to help purely out of goodwill.” Natuk counters, “It speaks to the strong sense of responsibility fostered within our community.”
The close relationships fostered by Aviaaja Pedersen Lynge and Natuk Rosing Fleischer form the foundation of support for both the boys and the wider local community.
Patience, Trust, and Compassion
For Natuk and Aviaaja, the ability to nurture relationships with the boys is what makes their work profoundly meaningful. Natuk reflects, “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and development, not to mention the joy of getting to know each of them.”
This dynamic also defines their daily operations, characterized by an open-door policy that welcomes boys whenever they need support. “If they want to talk or just drop by, they know they’re always welcome,” Natuk says.
“We avoid finger-pointing; if they don’t show up, we reach out. We express that we missed them, not in a critical way, but as a genuine expression of care,” Aviaaja elaborates.
Motivation can be a fleeting thing, as Natuk notes. “If they’re struggling with motivation, we pivot our focus away from micro-enterprises temporarily, concentrating on social connections instead.” This flexible, relationship-centered approach requires patience, but it yields substantial results since these interpersonal connections are fundamental to the program’s success.
Both women share a vision for the future of “Mind Your Own Business.” “Ultimately, we hope to expand to another city, with aspirations to make this initiative available throughout Greenland in time. We’ll take it one step at a time, starting quietly in a new location to see how it unfolds,” concludes Aviaaja, full of hope for what lies ahead.