Oslo - Volunteers

The traditional form of local volunteer work in Norway is called dugnad. This is a particularly Norwegian form of local co-operation traditionally used when a practical project needs doing (originally used in rural areas for building, farming and maintenance). It is still very much alive in schools and kindergartens, sports clubs and voluntary organisations, blocks of flats and when organising local festivals. This is also a social get-together for the people involved, and food and drink are provided for all.

Ex pat families often get involved in their children's school, and there would always be volunteer opportunities at the school, either as a teacher's assistant, helping with administrative tasks, doing after school activities or getting involved in parent organisations. Contact the school or kindergarten for details.

Useful vocabulary