Academic dugnad continues

Nyhetportlet

The participants’ last day of Academic dugnad, spring 2020.

The participants’ last day of Academic dugnad, spring 2020.

Academic dugnad continues

In 2021, OsloMet continues the important work for refugees by prolonging the project Academic dugnad for refugees. “A success factor for integration,” says project manager Winnie Greenwood Ormerod.

 

Academic dugnad started in 2015 as a joint initiative in the university and university college sector. OsloMet is now alone to continue this project, which aims to contribute to the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in higher education and in society in general.

“I am very pleased that the management at OsloMet has decided to keep the project for 2021! Many of the refugees who come to Norway want to study and get a job they are qualified for. Higher education increases the chances of success in the Norwegian labour market, and is an important success factor for integration,” states Ormerod.

Video with the project manager and former participants of Academic dugnad (in Norwegian):

Ormerod explains that the project is just as relevant today as it was when it started in 2015, even though fewer asylum seekers and refugees are coming to Norway.

“Those who come and those who are already here must still be integrated. With their experiences, the refugees can become a significant resource for Norwegian society. Integration is a societal mission and I believe that the universities should take their share of responsibility,” concludes Ormerod, who encourages more institutions to rejoin the Academic dugnad.

Language courses

The project organises language courses, language cafés and career guidance to make the participants better qualified to enter higher education, or to continue their education or careers from their home country.

The courses are very popular and a good supplement to school and adult education as they have an academic focus with a lot of discussion training.

Academic dugnad collaborates both internally at OsloMet with the supplementary study programmes and OsloMet Karriere, with the student association Norsk Start Oslo, and with social actors such as the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) introductory programme, Oslo Adult Education Service, and several of Oslo's districts.