In the framework of the Lifelong Learning
Programme the Grundtvig CAIC – Project
is funded by Europe. Its aim is to increase
the partners’ intercultural competence
by learning from each other.
8 countries are involved in this project concerning
interculturality: Belgium, Norway, Lithuania,
the Czech Republic, Sweden, Turkey, Spain and
Ireland.
From January 30th till February 4th the project
Group travelled to Norway.
The first visit to Belgium in the month of
November was only for the key members of the
CAIC-project. This time, however, many of them
brought colleagues along. Lise Kristensen,
headmistress of Sørum
Voksenopplaeringen, was their perfect hostess
The Caic-team at Eidsvoll
In Sørum they received an extremely
varied and very interesting cultural and educational
programme. They were extremely lucky as their
visit coincided with the Sørum festival.
First of all they had the opportunity to listen
to world famous violinist Arve Tellefsen who
was accompanied by pianist Havard Gimse. This
fabulous concert took place in the romantic
setting of a typical village church.
On Saturday afternoon they visited Eidsvoll,
where the Norwegian constitution was written
(see picture above). The young guide explained
the history of this amazing place in great
detail and brought this era back to life.
On Sunday night the CAICers were invited to
a multicultural performance called “Massala”.
It was a colourful mix of theatre, dance, rock
and jazz, singing and even magic tricks. The
whole community was involved in the performance.
Several volunteers interpreted for the guests,
which made the evening even more enjoyable.
A trip to Norway in winter would not have
been complete without some outdoor fun. The
whole group had a try at cross-country skiing
followed by a picnic round a campfire. Some
partners found it rather hard to find their
balance on the thin, long skis but they could
count on the very skilled and much appreciated
help of some instructors. A brief tour on the
snowscooter was a real treat followed by some
relaxation at the local wellness centre.
Winter wonderland in Norway
Another well-loved factor of this trip was that everyone was received by a
host family. The hospitality and friendliness were simply amazing. It was truly
a experience of sharing.
Colleagues from the adult centre of education of Sørum and local women’s
associations prepared typical delicious food such as elk, reindeer, kjotkaker
i brun saus, etc.
The educational part of the programme consisted of a meeting with the teachers
and students of the adult centre of education and a.o. an introduction of the
computer programme Migranorsk which is used to teach Norwegian. A lot of attention
was given to the way immigrants are integrated. Not only do they have to follow
courses at school in order to master the language in a short time, but they
are also given tasks within the local community, for example by working some
hours a week in the local supermarket. As such they are fully immersed in the
language and the culture and on the other hand the inhabitants of Sørum
get to know and appreciate them too. Many volunteering associations support
this project by inviting refugees to their activities, to do handicraft, take
cookery classes, play music etc. At the same time they make sure there is a
real interchange, e.g. the immigrants will learn to cook Norwegian dishes and
they will in turn teach the people of Sørum how to prepare Birmese,
Thai or African food.
Mia at the table in Voksenopplaeringen
A most interesting and enriching activity took place on Monday evening in
the city hall of Sørum where everyone was invited to a Dialogue Conference.
Every visiting country was allocated a table and hosted a colourful group of
people from different backgrounds: civil servants, community workers, rotary
members, immigrants, teachers, etc… All the local associations presented
themselves and this was alternated with round table discussions about interculturality
and integration. Many of us will remember the story of Richard and his wife
and how they were made welcome in Sørum.
Rita en Sean at the Belgian table
As an extra bonus Mick from Ireland and Ann from Belgium were invited to teach
some English to 8th and 10th grade students of Sørum Secondary school.
It was an interesting experience for all of them.
This fantastic week ended with a reception at the town hall
where Hans Marius Jonsen, Mayor of Sørum, and several of his aldermen
explained the structure and work of their community and services.
Sørum invested a lot of time and energy to welcome this European party.
They even made sure no less than 28 webpages concerning their community were
translated into English.
We therefore strongly recommend that you visit http://www.sorum.kommune.no/Generelt/English so
that you can have a taste of this wonderful corner of Norway where people with
a warm heart make you feel very welcome.
After each “mobility”, as we call these exchange visits, the partners
should ask themselves whether their intercultural competence has increased:
they all strongly confirm it certainly has and wish to add that there is a
lot we can learn from each other. This is a very successful activity in the
framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme.
A thousand times thank you or Tusen Tak are not enough to
express our gratitude to the whole of Sørum, Lise and friends, for this
lovely experience.
