In the period of 28.11 – 02.12.2011, Nansen Dialogue Center Skopje has organized a study visit to the Kingdom Norway for some of its partners, collaborators and performers of the projects implemented by NDC Skopje. The goal of this visit to Norway was to learn more about the characteristics of the educational and political system in Norway, the achievements in the area of integrated education, as well as visit to numerous high state institutions on a central and local level, educational institutions and organizations. The group, conducted by part of NDC Skopje Team has included: the Vice Minister for Education and Science – Safet Neziri, the State Councilor for Education at the Ministry of Education and Science – Naziktere Sulejmani, representatives from the Cabinet of the Minister for Education and Science – Biljana Maksimovska and Suzana Sotirovska, the Mayor of Vasilevo Municipality – Vanco Stojanov, the Head of the Sector for Education in Tetovo Municpality – Iliaz Halimi, the Head of the Sector for Education in Cair Municipality – Nuhi Dardhishta, the responsible representative for the Polog region at the State Inspectorate for Education – Jashar Kasami, the class teacher from IDOU village Preljubiste – Habibe Mustafi and the team of three class teachers from Strumica – Ljubinka Cvetanova, Daniela Miteva, Mejdin Useinov and Iris Kumbaraxhi – Kaja.

During the study visit, the group has stayed in Oslo and Lillehammer. In Oslo, they have visited the primary school Toyen, one of the oldest primary schools in the capital and at the same time school in which more than 30 different nations are following the upbringing and educational process. Besides having a tour of the school, the group from Macedonia had an opportunity to learn about the background of the school and its organization and the use of bilingualism in the teaching.

They have also attended a meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Norway, i.e. they have met with a representative of the Sector in charge of Western Balkans. During the meeting, the visitors have been informed about the plans and strategic priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway regarding Western Balkans. Also, the current successful cooperation with the office of NDC Skopje has been emphasized, as well as the need for more intense cooperation with the Macedonian state institutions. The visit to Oslo has ended with a meeting at the Embassy of Macedonia in Oslo, where the visitors had an opportunity to meet with the Ambassador and learn more about the role of the newly opened diplomatic office.

During the stay in Lillehammer, many meetings and visits have been realized. They have visited the primary school Sore Al, where the visitors had an opportunity to attend a short performance, organized by the students. At the same time, the students from this school have been presented a short performance from the integrated school in Jegunovce, Macedonia. The Director of the school has made a presentation of the classrooms and the cabinets, and the present people had an opportunity to learn more about the way the teaching is being organized and the characteristics of the school. The next visit in Lillehammer has been organized to the Nansen Academy, where a presentation has been held in front of the students and employees in the Academy about the latest success of NDC Skopje. For this occasion, a short documentary has been shown about the work of NDC Skopje in promoting integrated education. NDC Skopje has been named the leader in promoting integrated education in the region. During the visit to the Nansen Academy, a lecture has been held by Professor Inge Ajdsvag, on the topic: “Fridtjof Nansen, polar researcher and international humanitarian”. The lecture has been followed with great interest and respect towards the personality and work of one of the most famous Norwegians – Fridtjof Nansen.

The study visit to Norway has been an excellent opportunity for direct information about the political structure and organization, when visiting Lillehammer Municipality and Oppland County. During the visit to Lillehammer, the visitors had an opportunity to learn about the history of the town, as well as about the political structure and responsibilities of the Municipality.  Also, the Oppland County has been visited, and the visitors have been informed in details about its role and competences, as well as about the projects this County is supporting on an international level.

Numerous tourist and cultural and historic monuments have been visited in the Kingdom Norway, and they have attracted special attention: the ski jump in Oslo, the ski jump in Lillehammer, the historic museum Maihaugen, Hunderfossen Park etc.

The study visit to Norway has been at the same time an excellent opportunity for deepening the cooperation between the partners and collaborators of NDC Skopje, and has been marked as very successful and positive by all visitors.