– There have been many good programs about how we can include those who are lonely. What is different about our scheme is that we also focus on what you yourself can do to get out of loneliness and alienation. That’s what John Harald Bondevik, senior adviser at the Red Cross, says. John Harald Bondevik, senior adviser at the Red Cross. Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news Bondevik is at Sandefjord upper secondary school where two school classes get to test the new teaching program “Inkludert me?”, which was launched in August. The program has been developed by the Red Cross in collaboration with the school and several students. – It is important to show what the young people themselves can do so that there is a lasting sense of belonging, he says. He explains that through the teaching program they will raise awareness among young people and give them the skills to build relationships. – If you depend on those around you to do the work all the time, you will end up being left out again when you change classes or move. Therefore, we focus on the young people both including themselves and helping to include others. DISCUSSIONS: Jonida Dujaka (back to back), Kaya Tverås Kristoffersen (centre) and Ida Redzovic (right) reflect on loneliness and outsiders. Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news – A smile helps Through short video films, the students can see examples of situations where young people feel left out and will be made more aware of how they can create contact with others. – It was nice to see that people experience situations differently and that someone who hides behind a hood may just be insecure, says Jonida Dujaka. The reflection tasks afterwards give the students the opportunity to discuss what they could do to be included in the various situations. – A hello and a smile helps. Then it is easier for others to make contact, says Kaya Tverås Kristoffersen. – Pulling up the hood of the jumper and hiding behind the mobile phone means that you shut yourself out, says Ida Redzovic. Do tools “Include me?” was developed following a survey that the Red Cross carried out during the pandemic in 2021. It shows that many young people feel lonely and was presented in the report “Psykt ensom”. But loneliness is not a problem that disappeared after the pandemic. The new Ungdata survey, which was presented on 15 August, shows that 25 per cent of young people say they are very bothered by loneliness. – This means that 80,000 young people who are starting school these days feel lonely. Then it’s nice to be able to give them some tools for how they can include themselves and help include others, says Bondevik. TASKS: Through reflection tasks, students learn what they themselves can do to create relationships with others. Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news Took action myself Someone who has experienced that it helps to take action to get out of loneliness is Rana Khero. She felt alienated and lonely when she was in secondary school. – Everything was difficult. I moved a lot and spoke Norwegian poorly, says Khero. The bullying made it difficult for her to make contact with others. – I wanted to join the gang, but they laughed at me when I spoke, she says. When Rana Khero was about to start high school, she decided she had to do things differently. – In secondary school, I did little to make it happen. I felt that no matter what I did, it wasn’t good enough, but in high school I made a goal not to think about others. It helped a lot, says Khero and continues: – I stopped caring that I spoke incorrectly and just did what I wanted. If someone said something was wrong, I just learned from it, she says. OUT OF LONELINESS: Rana Khero had a hard time at secondary school, but thrives in the health secretary line at Sandefjord upper secondary school. Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news – Important to try Eventually Khero made friends and now she is doing well, but the experience makes her aware of others who are alone. – I feel it very much when I see someone who seems lonely. It’s good that we learn about it. Maybe more people can become more open and try, says Khero. According to Bondevik, small measures are often needed, but it is necessary to challenge yourself a little. – It’s often about daring to say hello, or joining in on a conversation, even if it feels uncomfortable, says Bondevik.
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– A hello and a smile helps – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
