On May 1st, as part of international May Day celebrations, classes were suspended and first year students, a smattering of second years who made time away from their exam revision, and members of the teaching and outdoor staff hiked up to the top of Jarstadheia – the mountain behind the College. For many it was for the first time. There were some impressive efforts: special mention should be made to those who enabled Melvin Gomez, one of the students on our Survivors of Conflict Programme (SOC), to make it all the way – in particular to his roommate Dylan DeMarco. Another special mention to Mohammed Swadi, also a SOC student, who broke his leg during friluftsveke, but persevered and made it up and down the mountain on crutches!

For one and all who participated. it was a very special and memorable day! The pictures speak for themselves.

Many thanks to all who organised the day.

27 million – that’s the number of people anticipated to be in bondage as slaves in the world today. A21 is an organisation committed to abolishing injustice in the 21st century, through raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking, and finding protection for those who are made a victim of it.

On Saturday 18th April, the A21 Campaign ran actions in 5 cities across Norway: Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Ålesund and Førde. The Førde Campaign was a joint action of Amnesty, Dance EAC, GAS and the Humanitarian Committee with support from local campaigners Kirsti and Magnus Hellesøy. Those students participating in the Rettvest running event gave early support by forming a crowd at Førdehuset, and drawing attention to the campaigners as they set up posters to inform passers by of the action. The campaigners then approached members of the public and informed them of the issue of human trafficking, urging them to take a photo or selfie of themselves with a poster bearing the words ‘I am not for sale’ – and then posting them on their Facebook page or Twitter account to spread global awareness. The action was supported by marvelous singing performances from UKM contestants, and an interpretative dance by the Dance EAC, which struck a powerful chord amongst the spectators. The campaign then moved to the centre of Førde to tempt the Saturday shoppers with toffee apples, photo opportunities and further performances. Despite some surprised faces from the locals approached, there was plenty of support, and the campaign made a significant impact in raising awareness and fostering a dialogue on this important issue.

Click here for the report from our local newspaper.