A seven-day study visit to Norway has ended, from which we returned full of impressions, new knowledge and ideas, new friendships and plans for future cooperation.
We visited the amazing VilVite science centre in Bergen, which provides an interactive experience and education for visitors of all ages. The centre was built to encourage curiosity, creativity and the spirit of research. Whether you're a fan of physics, math, technology or the natural sciences, Vilvite has something for everyone. 'Toys' are the ones that develop critical thinking and teamwork, and one can test one's own skills, explore different forms of energy, and teach about sustainable development. Interactive exhibits allow experimentation and exploration. Visitors can also try their hand at the challenges of programming and controlling robots, learn more about astronautics and space exploration. Also, the secrets of the human body and important cycles in nature are revealed there; you play with water, ride a bicycle upside down making a full circle, enter another world with VR glasses. In recent years, more such centres have been opened throughout Norway, as a decline in the interest of students in the STEM field has been noticed, and interactive places like this, which present natural science topics in a bright and entertaining way, are designed to increase interest in these fields. The main goal of opening these science centres in Norway is to encourage interest and understanding of science among young people and the general public.
Our next destination was Oslo, the capital of Norway, which offers an opportunity to explore rich history, modern architecture and beautiful nature. We saw the Royal Palace, the residence of the Norwegian royal family, also one of the most famous symbols of Oslo - the Opera House, an elegant modern building located on the shore of the fjord. We walked on its roof and enjoyed the spectacular view of the city and the water. Part of us also visited the Fram museum, which is dedicated to the research of the polar regions, and on which Fritdjof Nansen sailed in his polar expeditions.
In Oslo, we visited the Technical Museum, one of the most famous museums in Norway, which offers a combination of rich technical heritage and innovative interactive exhibitions. The museum provides an insight into the history of technology and science up to the present day. Authentic objects, models and multimedia presentations are on display, which bring to the visitors pieces of technology that have changed the way of life and production, that have changed, in short, the whole world.
Our final destination was the Nansen Academy in Lillehammer. It is a reputable educational institution that stands out for its engagement in the field of international relations, human rights and peace building. Named after Fridtjof Nansen, the famous Norwegian explorer and humanitarian, the academy is dedicated to promoting his values. Students from all over the world are educated there, and its main goal is dialogue, exchange of ideas and creation of knowledge on issues of peace, human rights, coexistence and global challenges.
In Lillehammer, we visited the Søre Ål school, which operates according to the principle of an open school, the same as about 10% of schools in Norway. It educates students from 6 to 13 years old. We also visited the Åretta school, which is attended by students from 8th grade onwards and has the status of a junior high school, where we got to know the Norwegian education system.
We visited the ski jump Lysgårdsbakken - one of the most important sports facilities in Norway near Lillehammer, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. It is a high-class ski jump and one of the largest in Norway, and it has become a trademark of Lillehammer.
We were introduced to the legacy of Fridtjof Nansen, a famous Norwegian explorer, humanitarian, diplomat and scientist. His life and work span different fields - Arctic research, humanitarian work and diplomatic service. He was a professor of oceanography at the University of Oslo and researched currents in the Arctic Ocean. In addition, he was a humanitarian - during the First World War he helped refugees and survivors. He invented so-called The "Nansen passport", a document that helped thousands of refugees return home or find a safe country after the WWI. His humanitarian work was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.
His passion for research, humanitarian work and contribution to international diplomacy remain important legacies that have shaped history and make him one of the most significant Norwegian and world figures of his time.
Unn Irene Aasdlen, Steinar Bryn and Signe Strom spoked about the legacy of Fridtjof Nansen, the history and work of the Nansen Academy and the Nansen dialogue network, and Inge Eidsvag about the importance of the teacher's vocation. Anita Rapp-Ødegaard presented the work of the Nansen Peace Center and the Dembra project.
In addition to the visit to beautiful Norway, this trip gave us an insight into the Norwegian education system, which inspired us and gave us ideas that we can apply in our work. We exchanged experiences with Norwegian colleagues and listened their ways and methods of working with students. We got a unique opportunity to see part of the Norwegian culture and tradition and tried to see the values of the Norwegian society in which the children grow up. In any case, it was an opportunity for professional development, learning and exchange of ideas. Thanks to such visits and meetings, the Croatian education system can grow and progress, and individual teachers can get inspiration and motivation for their job of shaping the future of young people.

















