{"id":24616,"date":"2025-09-23T16:10:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T16:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=24616"},"modified":"2025-09-23T16:10:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T16:10:13","slug":"norwegian-adventist-pupils-raise-funds-to-support-youth-in-ugandan-refugee-settlement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/norwegian-adventist-pupils-raise-funds-to-support-youth-in-ugandan-refugee-settlement\/","title":{"rendered":"Norwegian Adventist Pupils Raise Funds to Support Youth in Ugandan Refugee Settlement"},"content":{"rendered":"

23 September 2025 | R\u00f8yse, Norway [Gry Haugen with tedNEWS<\/em>]<\/p>\n

Every autumn, children and young people from Adventist schools across Norway take to the streets, going door to door to collect money to provide schooling and vocational training for people who have fled their homes. The initiative is part of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Norway\u2019s annual relief campaign, Hjelpeaksjonen<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s efforts aim to raise funds for youth who have fled conflict in South Sudan and are now living in one of the world\u2019s largest refugee settlements in northern Uganda. The funds will provide vocational training and start-up kits, helping young people begin small businesses and achieve self-sufficiency. The initiative seeks not only to meet practical needs but also to instil hope and a sense of agency in young people affected by displacement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a campaign that really puts our values into practice,\u201d said Gry Haugen, Communication Director at ADRA Norway. \u201cThe pupils learn about global challenges and children\u2019s rights. Then they get to respond by doing something concrete for others. It makes an impression \u2013 and it makes a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMany small steps have a big impact,\u201d Haugen added. \u201cWhen children and young people in Norway get involved, young people in completely different parts of the world gain new opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The
The world\u2019s northernmost Adventist school, located above the Arctic Circle, features Inspector Petter Moltzau (left) and Headteacher Adelinn F\u00f8nneb\u00f8 (right) with pupils at Ekrehagen School in Troms\u00f8.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The campaign is directly integrated into the curriculum of the twelve Adventist schools in Norway. Pupils engage with themes of global citizenship, democracy and life skills, learning about cultural differences and the power of community action.<\/p>\n

Classrooms and Congregations<\/h2>\n

In addition to door-to-door fundraising, many schools organise sponsored runs, with pupils collecting pledges from family, friends and local businesses. Social media campaigns help amplify their message.<\/p>\n

The campaign is also supported by local Adventist churches and youth groups, with congregations hosting concerts, caf\u00e9s and auctions to contribute.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an opportunity to strengthen the community in the congregation and at the same time make a difference in the world,\u201d Haugen said. \u201cWhen we give, we give hope. And we pass it on to the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the past five years, ADRA\u2019s Relief Campaign has raised nearly 10 million Norwegian kroner (nearly \u00a3750,000), with 2024 marking the highest total to date. \u201cFormer students say the Relief Campaign is one of their fondest memories from their school days,\u201d Haugen said. \u201cMany experience it as a movement that embraces the entire congregation \u2013 and the wider local community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inspiration from One Young Life<\/h2>\n