”I want my leadership to show other young people that we all have a responsibility to care for and help develop one another. By being good fellow human beings, we can grow together and build up other people.”

Milad Findakli, 19, from Södertälje, is a Scout leader, music leader, and soccer referee who creates safe and supportive environments for children and young people in a community where insecurity and crime are close at hand. In the S:t Tomas Scout Troop, he leads a music group of around 30 trumpet and drum players, where rehearsals become a space for responsibility, fellowship, and positive role models. As a referee, he takes the same responsibility on the soccer field, combining clarity and fairness with genuine care for the players’ safety and development. Alongside full-time studies here at SSE, he continues to stay close to the young people he supports, demonstrating a form of leadership that encourages dreams while showing the importance of making good choices in life.

"SSE has played an important role in developing my leadership, both through courses such as Management and Global Challenges, but also through the inspiring environment and the people I have the privilege to interact with every day," says Milad, pictured below with SSE President Lars Strannegård.

Photographer: Nathalie Malic

Motivation: Milad is awarded the Compass Rose Scholarship 2026 for demonstrating, through care and steadfast commitment within the Scout movement and in other contexts where he is active, that what may seem impossible is in fact possible.

About HM The King’s Foundation

The Foundation works to strengthen and promote young, values-based leadership in Sweden. With courage, consideration, and actionability as its guiding principles, the Foundation honors and cultivates young leaders who are responsible and contribute to societal development. Through training, leadership seminars, meeting places and scholarships, the Foundation creates the conditions for young people to grow into leadership roles and contribute to a better world.

Header photographer: Magnus Fröderberg