12 December | Tyrifjord, Norway [Tiani Præstiin with tedNEWS]
On Saturday 19 November students from the Norwegian Junior College welcomed a group of Ukrainian teenagers to play and celebrate Christmas together. The event, organised by the local Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) team, aimed to help refugees seeking asylum in Norway (more than 30,000 since the beginning of the war) feel welcome and loved.
“We try to facilitate the building of friendships between local youth and those newly arrived from Ukraine to ensure they have a good network and support system,” explains Frida Reierson Pascoe, ADRA Norway Education Advisor. “Each activity we’ve organised has included get-to-know-you games, food, with opportunities to talk and connect.”
So far, the team has supported over 130 teenagers. “While there are many efforts aimed at helping children and parents, we saw a gap in the Council’s efforts toward youth,” Pascoe shared. Moved by compassion, the ADRA team has moved into action and is working in cooperation with local church volunteers who bake cakes, a handful of Ukrainian and Russian interpreters, and several drivers. “These youth have been very positive about meeting each other multiple times and have always expressed how much they are looking forward to the next opportunity,” said Pascoe.
“Unfortunately, this will possibly be the last chance we had to meet with them,” explained Tiani Præstiin, one of the event participants. “In December the refugee reception at Hvalsmoen closes and the Ukrainians will be dispersed to more permanent homes. But thanks to ADRA, and everyone who turned up, for this successful and moving evening.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects a similar influx of refugees in 2023 due to the ongoing conflict,” Pascoe remarked, encouraging all to continue supporting in this time of crisis. “We thank Tyrifjord, the local ADRA team, and everyone who turned up for a successful and lovely evening.”
