Red Cross Nordic United World College
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The Red Cross Nordic United World College (RCNUWC), founded in 1995, is the ninth member of the family of United World Colleges. Patrons of the college and the movement include Nelson Mandela, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and Queen Sonja of Norway . The first college, Atlantic College, was established by the German Educationalist Kurt Hahn to promote international understanding and peace. The size of the colleges varies between 200 (Pearson, Nordic and Adriatic) and more than 2000 (South East Asia). Students are selected from 135 nations by National Committees or selection contacts on merit and many receive full scholarships. Students at the college are eligible, after graduation, to participate in the Shelby Davis Scholarship programme, which funds undergraduate study (based on need) for UWC students at universities, such as Harvard University, Princeton University or Columbia University.
RCNUWC is located on the remote shores of Flekke Fjord in the municipality of Fjaler, Western Coastal Norway at approximately . The college enrolls 200 students from more than 80 different nations, including pupils from SOS Children's Villages and refugees. After the two year education following the guidelines of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students usually go on to higher education. The school does not only focus on academics but also seeks to find a balance between studies, community services and activities.
The Red Cross Nordic United World College was opened in September 1995 in Sogn og Fjordane County in Western Norway. Located on the beautiful shores of Flekke Fjord, in this mountainous region, the College lies alongside the Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre at Haugland. In this spectacular setting the two communities work closely together and share many facilities. This College has become a reality through the cooperative efforts and inspiration of many organizations including the Nordic UWC Committee, the Norwegian Red Cross and the host municipality of Fjaler. The government of Norway has in large part funded the College and is supported by the other Nordic Countries and by private sponsors. The Nordic College is the ninth United World College, the others having been established in Wales, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Singapore, Swaziland, United States, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Bosnia- Herzegovina.
200 students aged 16-20 attend Red Cross Nordic College from over 80 countries, the majority selected on scholarships by a network of UWC National Committees around the world.
Activities that are offered at the college include climbing, kayaking and hiking, debating- and environmental groups and musical activities. The college also raises political awareness through weekly presentations on political issues which are open to the whole college and the surrounding community. Further, the college participates in aid projects and works very closely together with the local and national Red Cross. Many staff and all students offer a range of activities to youngsters from many Norwegian schools during one week courses during spring , summer and autumn. This is organized through the college Leirskule (Camp School) which is led by a professional staff with the additional support of EVS volunteers (from the European Volunteer Scheme).
Students in RCNUWC live in a rather liberal environment and concentrate not only on the academics, but also international understanding and global awareness, in addition to other activities as in other United World Colleges. Students tend to become emotionally attached to each other due to the small environment and some 'blame' it on the 'long and dark winters of Norway'. Nevertheless the view of fjords and mountains 'in the middle of nowhere' stunned and amazed almost every single student who attended RCNUWC. Also making friends from literally all over the world is a priceless experience. A lot of students stay very close friends after the intense two-year experience of UWC and Flekke life, going through emotional roller-coasters about academic, friendship, relationship, spiritual and global issues. Some students gather or even pay a visit to the 'good old' Flekke after graduating. Some stay as friends for life and some even get married.
[edit] Aims
The aim of the United World Colleges is to use education as a force to unite people. The Nordic College, with a special emphasis on environmental and humanitarian concerns, brings highly motivated young students from all parts of the world so they can live and learn together. Our objective is to help students become active, involved and educated citizens whose attitudes towards understanding and service will be a powerful catalyst for change. Through these students, who are selected on merit as representatives of their countries, we hope to influence their wider communities to become more understanding, compassionate and peaceful. In short, we wish to create a better and more tolerant world.
[edit] Mission statement
UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. We educate individuals to take responsibility for shaping a better world.
[edit] External links
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United World College of the Atlantic · United World College of South East Asia · Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific · Waterford-KaMhlaba United World College of Southern Africa · Armand Hammer United World College of the American West · United World College of the Adriatic · Simón Bolívar United World College of Agriculture · Red Cross Nordic United World College · Li Po Chun United World College · Mahindra United World College of India · United World College of Costa Rica · United World College in Mostar |
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