News from the College

This weekend we held the Psycho-social first aid course for 20 interested students. The course is a part of our Red Cross Diploma and was led by Anita Nelissen Leirvåg. It went into depth about how people react in a crisis and emergency, as well as giving knowledge of how to deal with that person. The course also lets the students talk about their experiences with crisis and how people around them have reacted, and was followed by a discussion. They also practiced what it is like to have someone not interested in listening and then the difference when they are actively listening. One lesson was that you don’t need to be an expert to help people: by just being there and talking to someone, it can help them. Beyond this, it is important to know how you can obtain further help, if needed. The course is not only about to act in big crises but also about how to act and talk with people in your daily life.

GoMakeADifference (GOMAD) was created by Colin Habgood and his wife Jill Longson (AC ’81) in 2001, to provide grants to UWC students.

This year, we have three projects from UWC Red Cross Nordic that have received the award.

1. Nicolas and Aristide’s project is about installing biofil toilets in the school at Ghana, where the waste will go to the schools farm and serve as compost.

2. Sara and Liva’s project is about establishing an Innovation Center for Sakyikrom school and local youth to be able to make products from recycled materials, which to be sold locally and internationally.

3. Thando will do the project with Ngwazini Primary School at Eswatini, where she will be renovating a block in the school by fixing walls, floors, windows and the interior of the classroom, with the aim of encouraging the kids to continue coming to the school.

In the last 9 days, all first year students got to experience the cold, sunny, challenging and fun feelings of being deep in the mountains – as part of our annual Friluftsveka (Outdoor Week).

The students arrived at the cabins near Stryn, many not knowing what the next 4 days would bring. Some were worried that their inexperience on skis would slow down their friends. Fortunately this didn’t happen as the more experienced skiers were happy to help them. By the end of their time in the mountains, most were able to ski and could happily play around while on skis with their friends.

The days were busy. Students had the opportunity to sleep outside and to ski for several hours each day. They learnt how to make a fire and came to understand the importance of taking care of nature. It was an opportunity to see friends in a different setting, and spend time with people they may not have talked much with while at the College.

As expected, there were plenty of falls (especially in the first few days) and tired bodies, but for most this was all part of the experience and added to the adventure!

We hope the week created memories for life and also an encouragement to go outdoors in daily life. Many thanks to the group leaders, teachers, and of course the students for giving their all and helping each other!

For two albums of photographs – one from each group – click here and here.