Norwegians like schools' projects

TWO members of a Norwegian city council, with a special interest in youth schemes, were impressed by a project for primary school children running in West Fife villages.

Porsgrunn council members Kjell Lillestrom, childhood policy co-ordinator and deputy ombudsman, along with 21-year-old Mari Helen Varoy, who is on the committee for education and culture, visited the area in February 2005.

After seeing graffiti projects at Culross Primary School, the Norwegians met pupils and
teachers from several local primary schools in High Valleyfield Community Centre,
where they were welcomed by Fife Council Administration Leader and local member,
Councillor Anne McGovern.

The overseas visitors took great interest in the youngsters' work and that of the West Fife Villages Community Planning Group.

After telling the pupils about their own activities, the Norwegians invited questions from the youngsters and guests.

Before departing, Kjell said he had visited Scotland many times to attend conferences,
although it was the first time he had been in Fife.

He was very impressed by the Kingdom and the commitment shown in various projects,
and hoped that some of the ideas and approaches adopted in Fife could be developed
further through their partnership.

Porsgrunn council decided in the early 1990s to give children a great role in decision making, leading to the election of several 18-year-olds to serve as councillors.

The city has flourished since, promoting its commitment to quality family life.