Åge – loaded down with laptops and clothing

Understanding that many Norwegian schools throw out computers regularly to make way for newer models, Åge sent out emails to 25 schools in Oslo and Akershus Fylke, receiving responses from 2 of them, one of which produced concrete results. At Bjertnes School, he got in touch with Dag, who was responsible for the IT Department. Dag offered to wipe clean all the computers he could, and in addition asked teachers for chargers they’d be willing to donate. He devoted time and effort to supporting the initiative, ultimately providing 11 usable computers. The next step was to install the necessary drivers and programmes on these laptops. Over the Winter Break Åge got his parents to clear out their garage, creating a workshop space where he could work in peace, accompanied only by constant music. He borrowed heavy-duty extension cords from his neighbour, spread the 11 computers out, and got started, installing Windows XP then drivers and background software for components. In the survey sent to students he had asked for details about programmes needed, and then  custom-made the laptops to fit each individual’s specifications. He developed a system to make the process run smoothly, working from stage to stage with a check-list over 4 full days.

His parents thought it was a bit crazy, devoting all this time and effort to refurbishing used computers. Then he got his mother involved, asking her to collect clothing for the clothing store. She collected 50-60 kg of good quality clothing. Now Åge faced the challenge of returning to campus with 11 computers, a mountain of clothing, and 20 kg + of hiking equipment. Undaunted, he sent a mail to Larry asking if the College could help with postage, and received support in the form of postal packages, which lightened the load somewhat, but there was still a huge amount to carry. With duffel bags and backpacks stuffed with computers, clothing, and hiking equipment, he somehow made it back to Flekke. Back at College, Åge set about distributing the laptops and offering support to those who needed instruction.

What’s next? Åge hopes to acquire more computers in the future, adding to the supply available for students who arrive at RCN without their own.  His story gives expression to the well-known motto of “learning, earning and returning”.

Desiree. Just arrived – and her first snow!

Desiree has studied quite a bit of English, but is getting used to actively using the language in daily life for the first time. She hopes that gaining confidence this term will make her future IB studies easier. It will! Shortly after she reached Flekke, she touched snow for the first time, and she has very much enjoyed her first experiences in the Haugland swimming pool, on the gammaldans floor, the badminton court and in TSK.

Gautham was “totally homesick” at first, but his compatriots reassured him that time would pass quickly, advised him on subjects, and fed him home-cooked dishes, which lifted his spirits. He has thrown himself into new experiences, joining a trip to the mottak to visit asylum seekers and demonstrating considerable talent in gammaldans. He was also awestruck by the snowfall which greeted him on the journey from Bergen to Flekke.

Festina comes from a city environment, and like Nimra, was unaccustomed to walking alone, particularly at night. She is adjusting to the quiet, missing the noise and hubbub of her home, but enjoying the natural beauty of her new surroundings. “If I ever feel homesick, I go for a walk and feel better.” When asked about things she has experienced for the first time since coming here, her immediate response was “instant noodles”! She was also surprised to be invited into teachers’ homes and is enjoying working in science labs for the first time, learning through practical experiments.

Nimra is poetic in her recounting of first impressions, commenting on the moonlight reflections on the fjord under the stars. She and Festina meet every evening to share experiences and talk about the many new experiences they are having – and once even to sing, looking out over the water, in English and then in their own languages. Although she feels somewhat overwhelmed by the newness of everything, she explains that at the same time she feels deeply connected to her own culture, appreciating the strong and constant foundation that she has in her family.

With the arrival of these four new students, our family is complete!