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Become a Buddy

Connection that makes
participation possible.

Show up. Listen. Encourage. No expertise required.
The Buddy Program connects people with a trusted person for regular, informal support.

Choose your role
Not teaching. Not therapy. Just connection.
Why connection matters

Support is the foundation of success

Many people face barriers that are not about ability. Isolation, lack of confidence, and unfamiliar systems can make it hard to start education or take next steps. When people feel supported and less alone, they are far more likely to engage, persist, and move forward.

Isolation and lack of confidence
Unfamiliar systems and barriers
Major life transitions
Two Tracks

Choose the one that fits you

The Buddy Program operates in two distinct tracks, designed for different audiences.

For Women

Women supporting women through peer connection. Online. Global. Focused on confidence, motivation, and participation.

Best for: Women who want to support other women through flexible online connection.
View Women's Track

For Ukrainians

Support for Ukrainians worldwide through peer connection. Online. Plus in-person events in Norway.

Best for: Anyone worldwide (online) OR residents of Norway (in-person).
View Ukrainians Track
Online Track

Buddy Program for Women

A women-to-women buddy programme supporting women through connection and confidence. You meet online to talk, encourage, and help each other stay engaged.

What you do

You show up and have conversations. That's the core of it.

  • Meet your buddy online for regular check-ins
  • Listen without judgement
  • Encourage participation in language courses or skills programmes
  • Share your own perspective and experience
  • Help build confidence through consistent presence
  • Support during periods of transition or uncertainty
You are a peer, not a professional. The goal is connection, not instruction.

What you are not

Boundaries keep this programme safe and effective.

  • A teacher or tutor
  • A therapist or counsellor
  • A social worker or case manager
  • A recruiter or job placement agent

You do not provide professional, legal, or medical advice.

How it works

01. Sign up
Complete the volunteer application with your details and availability.
02. Get matched
We match you based on availability, language, and compatibility.
03. Connect
Agree on a rhythm. Meet online at times that fit your lives.
04. Support
Check in regularly. Consistency over intensity.

Details

Frequency Agree with your buddy. Many meet every 1-2 weeks.
Length Usually 30-60 minutes per session.
Location 100% online. Join from anywhere in the world.
Questions? Email volunteer@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org

Who this is for

  • A woman who wants to support other women
  • Willing to show up consistently
  • A good listener without judgement
  • Comfortable with video calls
  • Able to respect boundaries
You do not need professional training. Guidance is provided.
Apply to Join
Stories from Buddies

Women supporting women

Elena
Buddy Volunteer

I thought I needed to have all the answers. I realized she just needed someone to say 'You can do this' while she figured it out herself.

Sarah
Buddy Volunteer

It's a small time commitment, just an hour every other week, but the connection we've built feels very meaningful.

Global + Norway

Buddy Program for Ukrainians

Support Ukrainians through connection. Help someone feel less alone. Meet online. If you are in Norway, you can also join in-person events.

What you do

You show up and have conversations. That's the core of it.

  • Meet your buddy online for regular check-ins
  • Listen without judgement
  • Encourage participation in language courses or learning
  • Share your own perspective and experience
  • Help with cultural orientation and practical questions
  • Practise language informally through conversation
You are a peer, not a professional. The goal is connection, not instruction.

What you are not

Boundaries keep this programme safe and effective.

  • A teacher or tutor
  • A therapist or counsellor
  • A social worker or case manager
  • A recruiter or job placement agent

You do not provide professional, legal, or medical advice.

In-person events in Norway

Beyond online buddy relationships, the programme runs in-person events in Norway. You can participate in events even if your buddy lives elsewhere.

Cities
Oslo Bergen Stavanger Trondheim Kristiansand Drammen
Event Types
City-based gatherings
Nature trips
Cultural events
Family activities

Details

Frequency Agree with your buddy. Many meet every 1-2 weeks.
Length Usually 30-60 minutes per session.
Location 100% online. Join from anywhere in the world.
Questions? Email volunteer@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org

Who this is for

  • Willing to show up consistently
  • A good listener without judgement
  • Comfortable with video calls
  • Open to different cultures
  • Able to respect boundaries
You do not need to speak Ukrainian. English/Norwegian is fine.
Apply for Ukrainians Track
Global Connections

Support without borders

Jonas
Buddy Volunteer

We mostly chat online, but I've learned so much about Ukraine. It feels good to offer friendship during such a difficult time.

Silje
Buddy Volunteer (Norway)

Being able to meet in person for coffee in Oslo makes the connection even stronger. We explore the city together.

Safeguarding

Both tracks include clear safeguards. This is connection with boundaries. Safety matters.

Buddies must be 18 or older
TEEI reviews all applications before activation
Conduct guidelines provided during onboarding
For in-person meetings, start in public places
If something feels wrong, stop and contact us

Ready to start?

Choose the path that fits you.

For Women

Support women through online connection.

Become a Buddy for Women

For Ukrainians

Support Ukrainians online (plus events in Norway).

Become a Buddy for Ukrainians

Questions? volunteer@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org

Frequently asked questions

No. This is peer support, not professional practice. We provide onboarding and guidance. You bring consistency and care.
Most buddies meet every 1-2 weeks for 30-60 minutes. You and your buddy agree what works. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Whatever feels natural and useful. Daily life, goals, challenges, local tips, encouragement. There is no script. The focus is presence and connection.
Be honest about your limits. You are not expected to provide professional advice or solve problems outside the programme. Encourage them to contact appropriate services.
Let your buddy know as early as you can. Life happens. If you need to pause or stop, contact us and we will help manage the transition.
Yes. If the match is not working, tell us. We will help you find a better fit.
No. Many Ukrainians speak English. Informal language exchange can be part of the relationship, but it is not required.
No. Buddy matching is online and global. Norway events are an extra option for people who live there.
Yes. If you are in Norway, you can have an online buddy and attend local events.
Yes. We review applications, provide guidelines, and support you. For in-person meetings, start in public places. If anything feels wrong, stop and contact us.
After you apply and we review your details, we will match you when someone compatible is available. Timing varies depending on the programme.