Vidar in action
Progress is being made on the construction of the Baking House and wood shed – to partner the Silent House as part of the ‘Nordic Tun’ on the south side of the campus; this building will contain a baking oven and will be an educational resource – and a source of enjoyment – for our students, Red Cross summer camps, and other visitors. Here is Vidar, the Project Manager, in action on the building site.
Climate Change Adjustment 2017, is an annual conference held for the development of responses to climate change and green technology. The conference connects the world of scientific research with Norway’s political and corporate landscape for a more sustainable future.
Elias (Norway) and Yash (UAE) from RCN took part in the conference on the 30th and 31st of August. On the first day they were part of the youth seminars on the everyday effects of climate change. One topic was the hidden carbon footprint of electric cars. The students met Carlo Aal, a leading climate scientist in Norway and they participated in debates about measurements that would slow down climate change. In a documentary, one man was shown trying to do his part in what is required; it highlighted the difficulties in establishing a low-carbon lifestyle and posed questions about whether research and technological improvement is the way to go. Elias and Yash held a presentation on the current effects of climate change, sharing experiences of some UWC students.
On the second day the Western Norway Research Institute and others from Sogn & Fjordane County held presentations. Methods for the local regions in adjusting to the effects of climate change were discussed. Elias and Yash got an insight into the logistics of clean energy production and facilitation locally, and the ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in, for example, transport. It all ended with an informative political debate and made an interesting finale for our students as they got a glimpse of local networks and their attempts to contribute to solving this global crisis.
Foreign Minister Børge Brende shared his thoughts about Norway’s role in the world with a packed auditorium on Friday evening. While the party leaders in Norway prepared for the main TV debate ahead of Monday’s national election, Brende enjoyed talking with our students and responding to their challenging questions. An inspirational session for everyone concerned with international politics.
Nine students from the Knights EAC went to Ridderdagene with staff members Josh, Jenny and Hilde. Ridderdagene is a big, yearly event where activities are made accessible for people with disabilities. There was a bicycle race, climbing (with a blind instructor), horse riding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, an obstacle course among other activities.
The RCN team helped with many practical tasks such as setting up the camp, running the information desk, serving food, repairing bikes and handing out medals.
First year student Sreythai took part in the bicycle race with Hari as her guide while second year student Steinar was Anne-Mette Bredahl’s tandem bike guide when she biked 40 km. Anne-Mette is blind and has won several Paralympic medals.
We had three active and fun days in the spirit of Erling Stordahl, the founder of Ridderrennet. After he became blind, Erling Stordahl said “We all wander in darkness. Some because they cannot see with their eyes, some because they don’t see with their thoughts. Most of us because we cannot see each other.”
More information is found on the Ridderdagene web page and facebook page.
For an album of photos from the event, see here.
