International Engagement
Bergen Folk High School has a close and strong collaboration with the organization FORUT.
Sweat for Human Rights
Every year towards the end of the school year, Bergen Folk High School organizes a solidarity run, “Sweat for Human Rights”.
The proceeds from this run go to FORUT’s work. All students and staff participate in the run, which is one of the major events during the school year. Here, everyone gets a chance to contribute and have a meaningful workout. We dare say this is one of the most important training sessions of our school year.
A dedicated elective group is responsible for planning, implementing, and following up on the run. Building a campaign and coordinating such a large fundraising effort is incredibly educational and provides valuable experience to take forward. The run itself is a great experience for both students and staff at the school, and for many becomes a highlight towards the end of the school year.
The fundraising account is open for contributions all year round, so if you want to make a contribution before or after the run, you can send any amount via Vipps to 12000, or donate via online banking to account number 3632.52.20206. Bergen Folk High School and Forut sincerely thank you for all contributions!
Collaboration with Local Organizations
FORUT carries out extensive aid work through local organizations such as MAGGA (Malawi Girl Guides Association) in Malawi, APSA (Association for Promoting Social Action) in India, and CWIN (Child Workers In Nepal) in Nepal.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is FORUT’s oldest partner country. For many years, FORUT had its own organization here, FORUT Sri Lanka, which managed aid in the country. In 2012, FORUT changed its development strategy, ended this chapter, and closed the Sri Lanka office. FORUT’s program activities in the country are now conducted through partnerships with several local organizations. (Read more at FORUT.no)
The Suraksha Center in India
On the outskirts of Bangalore, India, Bergen Folk High School, in collaboration with FORUT / APSA, has built a crisis and care center, Suraksha, for girls who have been victims of extreme exploitation. Suraksha means safety and protection. Here, the girls receive food, clothing, follow-up, as well as medical and psychological help. Schooling, primary school exams, and English lessons are also offered. Through these measures, the girls are given the opportunity for a better future.
Support for Nepal
In the capital Kathmandu, Nepal, the school supports CWIN’s work by contributing to the Balika children’s home. In addition to financial support, students, staff, and friends of the school contribute by knitting warm sweaters for the children at the home. Annually, around 60 newly knitted wool sweaters are transported from Bergen Folk High School to Balika.
Explore Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka is an elective for those who are curious about the world, enjoy meeting people, and want to learn through experiences. Here we combine the joy of travel, cultural encounters, nature, and international engagement – in collaboration with the aid organization FORUT.
The elective “Explore Sri Lanka” has 16 spots, and these are allocated on a “first-come, first-served basis”.
