Grundtvig II Program
Steinkjer , Norway
Monday, 7 June – Friday, 11 June 2010
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
First Meeting
The initial meeting began in the conference room of Tingvold Hotel. Places were assigned to all of the guests, gifts given, and practical matters addressed. After a coffee break, each of the partners presented new information about themselves. After lunch, the assembled group walked to Steinkjer Church
The next stop was Furuskogen School
Bøla
On our way to dinner we stopped at Bøla in order to see the petroglyphs, rock carvings of a reindeer, bear, bird and skier. The carving of the reindeer is in natural size, and is a classic example of stoneage art. It, and the other carvings, are about 6 000 years old.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Probation Service and Mediation Board
Participants met up at Furuskogen shortly after 9.00. then walked to the probation service offices. We were welcomed by Margaret from the Probation Service and Sissel from the Mediation Board in their newly refurbished premises in Steinkjer.
Margaret explained how the probation service is organized in Norway
The programs are offered in an attempt to counter new crime, they have varied durations and content, and are based on voluntary participation by convicts. Potential participants are interviewed and assessed through individual conversations before a group is put together. There may be 3-8 participants in each group. Sometimes there are members of both gender groups, at other times segregated male / female groups.
For most programs, an instructor must be certified. There are always two instructors in each program. Margaret told us about her own work as executive officer and gave concrete examples of probation cases. There were many questions from the delegation that were answered during the meeting.
After a short break with coffee and tea, Sissel told us about her mediation work, their way of holding meetings between a perpetrator and his or her victim, and how it is based on voluntary participation by both parties. At the start of the meeting she will always try to establish a framework of security and trust between the parties, explain the mediator's role and rules of communication in the meeting. The parties have the opportunity to tell each other about the incident, what they thought, felt and why they acted as they had done in the given situation. The purpose of the meeting is to help the parties to reach an agreement they both can accept. If one party does not accept a suggestion that is proposed, it will not be valid. The mediator's role is to help both parties to reach an acceptable agreement, but not to impose an agreement. The mediator is impartial and ensures that both sides have an opportunity to talk about his/her experience of an event. Sometimes a break in the meeting is necessary so that the parties can calm down or wipe away tears. There are often strong emotions involved during the meeting.
Questions were answered along the way. Finally, the whole group was given a tour of the building.
Italian Lunch Workshop
In accordance with the plans made in Lisbon , Norway Norway and Italy
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Verdal Prison
We went together as a group from Tingvold hotel to Verdal Prison. In the courtyard, we were welcomed by the prison management. Inside Anders Råen presented a powerpoint slide series about courses and seminars organized by the school. There were many examples shown of good training opportunities that promote employability and better physical health.
Courses include: Welding training, hot work, fork-lift training, person lift (giraffe) training, computer courses, machine safety, outdoor training and timber work, physical training, bicycling and bicycle maintenance. In addition, there are sunshine courses offering inmates opportunities to master difficult areas in their lives. Inmates receive a course catalogue on their arrival, and a new catalogue is issued every other month. Practical training certificates are available for kitchen work, workshops, light industry and cleaning.
Many relevant questions were asked about school activities, but people were also very interested in knowing more about the prison system in Norway
Verdal Prison has a trial project on "restorative justice" which will last two years. Prison officer Kristine Børstad talked about the intentions, implementation and results of the reconciliation efforts between the perpetrator and victim. One of the prisoners, Klaus, also shared his experiences. Once again the participants asked many questions. Stiklestad
After a very good meal, we went on to Stiklestad. The bus drove from Verdal Prison to Stiklestad National Culture Centre. There we were met by a representative from Stiklestad who guided us around the cultural center and told us about the local history. We went through the "historical corridor" through the open air stage and up to Viking House, a true copy of a longhouse from the Viking era. There we were received by the chief archaeologist (and Viking!) who has been responsible for the construction of the Viking House. He informed about the Vikings and the use of long houses, the custom of the Viking Age in terms of buildings. True to tradition, he served mead and flat bread, as a sign of hospitality!
The Viking House was also the location for the program's last meeting place. Brian talked about the lessons learned from this meeting and drew particular attention to the administrative cooperation between Furuskogen, Verdal Prison, the probation service and the mediation board as something unique. He was also fascinated by the relationship and tone between guards and inmates at Verdal Prison.
All countries were heard and all seemed very happy with the content and their stay. Several drew attention to the good cohesion in the group, or family, as several called it. It is very useful to see how the work of serving prisoners in other countries provides ideas and inspiration to take home!
Brian pointed out that everyone has a job to do in relation to reporting to their national office.
Diplomas were handed out as evidence of participation, as well as a copy of the article about the Grundtvig project, which had been printed in a local newspaper.
Diplomas were handed out as evidence of participation, as well as a copy of the article about the Grundtvig project, which had been printed in a local newspaper.
Participants in the leisure project have greatly appreciated getting a day outside the prison walls, out in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. This atmosphere is something we wanted our friends in the Grundtvig project to be aware of, and we believe we succeeded!
Friday, 11 June 2010
Departure
Most of our dear friends departed Friday, although the Irish, wanting to make the most of any visit, waited until Saturday.
Conclusion
During the exchange, participants learned a great deal about Norwegian history, culture and nature. In addition, insights were gained in terms of prison education, Norway’s open prisons, the probation service and the mediation board.
