Education Programme

Buddy Programme

Ukrainians in Norway matched with local residents who meet regularly. Coffee. Walks. Help reading a letter from the school. Not a service. Two people who keep showing up for each other. Free.

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Iryna arrived in Stavanger with her two sons in April 2022.

She found housing through the municipality. She enrolled the boys in school. She registered at NAV. Then the formal support stopped. And the questions that nobody answers started.

Which grocery store is cheapest. How to read the electricity bill. What "dugnad" means and whether she has to participate. Why Norwegian parents let small children walk to school alone. How to respond when the teacher writes a message she can half-understand.

Iryna does not need a social worker. She needs a friend who knows how Norway works.

Iryna's buddy Astrid helped her understand the electricity bill, find a cheaper grocery store, and explain to the school that Iryna's sons do not eat pork. They have coffee every Wednesday. Iryna says it is the only appointment she looks forward to.

How It Works

Not a programme with modules and certificates. Two people who keep showing up for each other.

Matched Locally

Ukrainians in Norway are matched with a local resident in their city. The match considers geography, interests, and family situation.

Meet Regularly

Buddies commit to meeting at least twice a month. Coffee, walks, a trip to the hardware store. Language practice happens naturally, not in a classroom.

Practical Support

Help reading a letter from the school. Understanding the electricity bill. Navigating the questions that formal support does not cover.

Active Cities in Norway

  • Oslo
  • Bergen
  • Stavanger
  • Trondheim
  • Kristiansand
  • Drammen

Programme at a Glance

Cities
6
Meeting frequency
2x / month
Cost to participants
Free
Country
Norway

Get Involved

The Buddy Programme runs on people who show up. If you live in Norway and can meet someone twice a month, you are qualified.

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