When Anton Westergren from Lycksele was eight years old, he wanted to start reading Ume Sami, even though it was not a language spoken at home.
Fast forward to third year of high school to be precise, when he made a move on the matter.
He studied the language until he graduated this summer and his dedication has paid off.
– My little sister started reading Ume Sami in first grade and mother also started reading. I also have little cousins who read Sami, he says The local newspaper.
Praised for his commitment
Now Anton is being praised for his commitment to preserving and promoting the Umes Sami and is awarded a scholarship of 15,000 kroner by the Sparbanksstiftelsen Norrlands stipendium Young non-profit forces.
– Reading Sami has become somewhat commonplace and it came as a positive shock that others value what you do. It was unexpected, he says.