Empowerment
through
entrepreneurship.

Operation 8 – towards a just and sustainable and future together

ABOUT US

Organisation

Operation 8 is a visionary organisation that works with development in the urban periphery to create a just and sustainable future for all. We carry out our work by cultivating and supporting local cohesion through World Goal 8.3 and therefore support development-oriented initiatives that promote productive activities, create decent jobs, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, education and training.

Although Operation 8 is a newly founded organisation, we continue 10 years of work with young people in Aarhus Vest, including entrepreneurship and empowerment projects and have now gathered our experience and competencies in a socio-economic entrepreneur-driven organisation.

Vision

We want a just and sustainable future for all, where youth have lives with opportunities for young people, where they are protected from poverty, unemployment, crime, dissatisfaction and extremism. We believe that the potentials and resources of young people are key elements in the development of local communities so that young people can influence their own lives and the world around them.

Mission

We work strategically with sustainable development goal 8 by connecting young people with decent jobs and the necessary resources to develop and implement projects with holistic, innovative and creative solutions towards employment, education and training. 

Strategy

With our feet firmly planted in sustainable development goal 8 ‘decent jobs and economic growth’, we work strategically to solve local challenges by drawing on the citizens of the district and their resources. Therefore, our work has a social, economic and cultural perspective, as we have learned that this not only has a crime-preventing effect, but also creates socio-economic growth and social cohesion. Through activity-based and informal methods, we ensure involvement, inclusion and empowerment socially, economically and culturally based on and experience from Aarhus West and with a national and international outlook.

Mission areas

We have three mission areas – social, economic, and cultural – as we believe that it is necessary to develop towards a just and sustainable future. Working across these areas, we believe that we can maintain a culture that is defined by the youths’ background, heritage, and community, so they can expand their options, realise their potential to influence their own lives and the world around them. 

Values

Potential: We believe that socio-economic entrepreneurship among young people can contribute to a better world locally and globally.
Responsibility: We want young people to be responsible for their lives and their surroundings. Responsibility and success go hand in hand.
Integrity: Integrity for us is courage, respect and tolerance.
Opportunities: Almost everything in life gives us a reason to learn something.
Passion: We work dedicated, intentional and creative.
Empowerment: We help young people with challenges and young people who take up challenges so that they can gain control over their own lives and future.
Socio-economics: We try to have the greatest possible influence and effect with as few resources as possible.
Dignity: Young people are or can become a resource for themselves and our world.

Entrepreneurial ecosystem
– base by base

To work towards our vision, we work strategically with sustainable development goal 8 by connecting young people with decent jobs and the necessary resources to develop and implement projects with holistic, innovative and creative solutions towards employment, education and training. We do so by opening up OP8 in locations where we see potential, nationally and abroad, each base tailored to the needs of our partners – be it the need for wifi and an office, a carpenter’s workshop, or agricultural land to ensure basic needs.

We are developing a network of entrepreneurs that serves as a platform for access to personal development, financial stability and entrepreneurship. In growing our entrepreneurial ecosystem, we focus on creating bonds – to cultivate fellowship, community, and solidarity, one must build relations. Therefore, our Base Operators employ hospitality and relationship-building, so that any and all who enter into OP8 and feel welcome and at ease. Our work is anchored in our values, which dictates who we wish to collectively organise. We think very wisely our values can be summarised by this saying,

“if you want to walk fast, walk alone. if you want to walk far, walk together.”
– Ratan TATA

OUR PROJECTS

MAIN OPERATION BASE (MOB): AARHUS & AARHUS VEST, DENMARK

Operation 8 has its roots in Bispehaven in Aarhus Vest. Since 2011, we have worked with the public housing development plan in Aarhus V. It started out with a group of youth who organised and created activities in the area. In 2013, they wished to impact their neighbourhood and protect other youth and younger youth from crime. The collaboration efforts grew when the group secured a meeting venue. 

Around this time, in 2015, the work started including employment access efforts and entrepreneurship. With a high turnover of youth, their core group entered into projects with the local public housing development plan in Bispehaven (in Danish: Den Boligsociale Helhedsplan i Bispehaven). The collaboration meant project funding and support from staff, creating trust and many inclusion projects. In 2017, ‘Bispehaven Køkken’ a kitchen, café and catering project was established through this collaboration. 

With multiple ongoing projects, it becomes divided into 3 sectors: social, culture and economic projects, which Operation 8 still utilises to mark mission areas but back in 2018, the work expanded and started to include support of the development plan interventions on education and employment access, as well as a consulting role in larger inclusion strategies. 

In 2019, more set programs including ‘Opgangshaver,’ ‘Træværket,’ and ‘Kulturkælderen’ (translates to Tenement Gardens, The Woodwork, and the Culture Cellar) allowing for entrepreneurship to including arts and culture projects while still ensuring work that impacted the areas development and included a diverse group of locals. 

During 2020, the first steps towards Operation 8 were made. We consolidated our efforts into a socioeconomic organisation, so as to ensure a structure for our work, method, and approaches. At present, we still work closely with the Public Housing Development Plan in Bispehaven, and we still regard our work as anchored in Aarhus Vest although we are working in various places with various projects now.

base status: ongoing mission projects with local partners

MOB_DK MISSION #0: PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PLAN I BISPEHAVEN, AARHUS

The Public Housing Development Plan has been our companion throughout the years and much of our work would not have existed without this partnership. We assist with inclusion tasks, consulting, and collaborate when it comes to larger events in the area, work with youth and the youth council as well as the general bridging between social and cultural activities in the area and across the city.

mission status: ongoing

MOB_DK MISSION #0.1: OP8 FOOD

Previously called Bispehavens Køkken, OP8 Food continues to do catering, food at events, and cooking projects with entrepreneurs, youth and in Bispehaven and surroundings. 

mission status: closed

MOB_DK MISSION #0.2: OP8 ‘VÆR I DET’ (IN ENGLISH, ‘BE IN IT,’)

Vær i det – previously called Træværket. A woodwork mission including everything from indoor and outdoor building assignments to design and workshops. 

mission status: active

MOB_DK MISSION #0.3: OP8 OPGANGSHAVER (IN ENGLISH ‘TENEMENT GARDENS’)

Opgangshaver has run for some years focusing on local and collective community gardening that advances social cohesion and securing cosy outdoor areas for the area’s residents. 

mission status: temporarily paused, to commence in Spring 2023.

MOB_DK MISSION #0.4: OP8 NAILART ACADEMY x LOOS

A pilot project for primarily young women and girls who are interested in entrepreneurship, nailart, and event-making. Project partner: LOOS neglebar (IN ENGLISH, ‘LOOS nail bar’)

mission status: active

FORWARD OPERATING BASE 1 (FOB1_DK): OPERATION 8 AT INSTITUT FOR X, AARHUS, DK.

With a city centre base, Operation 8 wants to build a strong relationship with the city centre’s creative environment and innovative and innovative startups, associations and organisations. We will also be able to offer a network base for the young people we work with, which will both strengthen the young people’s individual lives, but at the same time will create a foundation and breeding ground for creating strong alliances and collaboration opportunities with Operation 8’s existing work, which is based in Aarhus West. between public housing initiatives, Aarhus municipality and local actors.

base status: seasonally closed, all active mission projects temporarily paused.

FOB1_DK MISSION #1: ARAB SHOP OPERATED BY OPERATION 8

We also want to run a funky, creative Arabic shop with crafts, tools and small ingredients, so there is also something that reflects Operation 8’s Arab and Middle Eastern cultural origins. We hope that those who use the freight train as well as local and tourists will come by for a chat and hear about Operation 8’s work and that getting a glass of homemade pickled vegetables, an Arabic mixed spice or a kitchen utensil to take home from our Arab shop and at the same time supporting our work will help to spread support for Operation 8. Examples of desired sales of goods:

  • nuts, pickled vegetables, spices, beans, lentils, pesto, jam, beverages, coffee and tea
  • Arabic kitchen utensils, e.g. falaffel iron, jugs
  • textiles: bags, nets, bandages, blankets, scarves
  • skin and hygiene products: natural soaps and oils
  • accessories
  • Operation 8 merchandise

SOCIO-ECONOMIC OPERATION: When you buy into our Arab store, the profits will partly go to the operation of Operation 8, financing of our programs and projects as well as startup funds for the young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs we work with. In our one-pager you can read much more about what it means.

mission status: temporarily paused

FOB1_DK MISSION #1.2: OP8 at GGWC

mission status: closed

FOB1_DK MISSION #1.3: OP8 SKATEBOARDING

mission status: temporarily paused

FOB1_DK MISSION #1.4: OP8 BASKETS / UNDER THE SUN 

mission status: temporarily paused

FOB1_DK MISSION #1.5: OP8 x KLUB22

mission status: closed

FORWARD OPERATING BASE 2 (FOB2_DK): OP8 FOOD COLLECTIVE, DJURSLAND, DENMARK.

OP8 Food Collective is for everyone interested in entrepreneurial initiatives that advances socioeconomic opportunities, decent work and collectives around food. 

OP8 Food Collective, our vision is to create a world where everyone has access to nutritious, delicious, and culturally diverse food that is sustainably grown and ethically produced. We believe that food is not just sustenance, but a powerful tool for building community, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering social and economic justice.

To achieve this vision, we will work with communities, farmers, and food entrepreneurs to create a network of local food systems that are resilient, regenerative, and equitable. We will support sustainable agriculture practices, promote fair trade and worker rights, and invest in new technologies and innovations that help to improve the environmental and social impact of our food systems.

By eating with us, not only will you be able to get our tasteful meal but you will also be supporting our efforts to help young men and women find employment, as we work to promote education and awareness around food issues, through community workshops, cooking classes, and educational programs that help to connect people to the sources of their food and the stories behind it.

Through the Operation 8 organising structure, we will work with partners and stakeholders from all over the world, and align our efforts with the SDGs. Our goal is to create a world where everyone has access to healthy, culturally diverse food that is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way, and where everyone has the opportunity to participate in creating a more just and sustainable food system.

MAIN OPERATING BASE 2 (MOB2_MAR): OPERATION 8 MOROCCO

OP8DK has taken first steps to partner with a group of young entrepreneurs from Morocco and visited various co-ops with the aim of working together on agriculture projects. We are interested in collaborating with the youth on culture and arts projects as well as create a partnership between OP8DK and the local co-ops to begin import and export of local goods, especially artisan items, spices and olive oil. Moreover, we hope that this collaboration can allow us to share our expertise and learn from others, while at the same time elevating one another.

base status: active, operated by local partner organisation Operation 8 Maroc

FORWARD OPERATION BASE 2.1 (FOB1_MAR)

Jajouka is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich cultural heritage and music, particularly the traditional Jajouka music – ancient Sufi music, passed down through generations of the Master Musicians of Jajouka. Our base aims to promote sustainable development with focus on decent work and cultural preservation in the region while connecting them to opportunities through the OP8 ecosystem. Our goal is to create a sustainable village that serves as a role model for the rest of Morocco and Africa, and to attract investments that will benefit the entire community. 

The base will serve as a hub for skill-sharing and education, offering workshops and training programs in areas such as eco-tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture as well as allow for community activities development, creating a platform for artists and musicians. For example by working with the Master Musicians of Jajouka to promote and preserve their unique musical heritage, and by creating a community centre that will serve as a hub for cultural and educational activities. 

Our collaborations with Operation 8 Denmark will focus on renovating old buildings and infrastructure so as to create a platform for entrepreneurs, artists, social workers, and activists to come together and collaborate on projects that promote sustainable living and cultural preservation. 

In addition, we will work with local organisations and authorities to improve access to education, healthcare, and other basic services for the residents of Jajouka. We will also work closely with local businesses and organisations to promote economic growth and provide opportunities for job training and creation. We believe that by working together with the residents of Jajouka, we can create a brighter future for the village and its inhabitants. Join us in this exciting journey to revitalise Jajouka and promote sustainable development in one of the most beautiful and historic villages in Morocco!

base status: active, operated by local partner organisation Operation 8 Maroc

MAIN OPERATING BASE 3 (MOB3_SO): OPERATION 8 SOMALIA

base status: initial mapping and research in progress

MAIN OPERATING BASE 4 (MOB3_SA): OPERATION 8 SOUTHERN AFRICA

At FOB3 OP8 specialises in microloan, consulting, and mentoring of entrepreneurs. This ranges from individual mentoring to support to existing local youth and entrepreneur groups. It will be strategically prioritised to work with employment access for historically marginalised people and/or underserved communities. 

base status: partner identification and pilot mission projects in progress

SUPPORT US

BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
All support is appreciated. Like our facebook page, follow us on instagram or support our work with a self-chosen donation amount.

Are you particularly interested in the work at one of our bases or specific missions, you can become a base contributor or mission contributor.
Support with a monthly self-chosen amount from 50 DKK or a one time donation from 100 DKK. 

MOBILPAY: 940888
bank: navn – account number: number
If you wish to support a specific base remember to specify it on the transfer.

BECOME A COLLABORATOR
We need all kinds of people to advance towards our vision.

Allies may contact us with tips, resources or advice – we are happy to share our experience, exchange ideas, and learn from others.
Do you want to become a partner and collaborate more closely on projects, please do not hesitate to contact us on:
post@operation8.dk.