With 2,458 inhabitants, Nore og Uvdal is not a large municipality in terms of population. But they have room – and room for their hearts. Next year, the municipality can increase the population by 140 people. People who have fled the war in Ukraine. – We have had to roll up our sleeves, but we are positive, says refugee coordinator Olav Thoen. In the last year, the refugee service has worked hard to settle 110 refugees. By comparison, Drammen (103,007 inhabitants) has settled 319. In 2023 they can get 30 more, even if they only asked for 15. – We will manage to settle 30 as well, but we have to get them into school and kindergarten as well, says Thoen. – No problem In the tiny village of Nore lives the Chervona family. Three children, mother and grandmother. The house they live in is just right for the family. They came to the village this summer after three months at the refugee reception in Hønefoss. The Chervona family fled from Ukraine and settled in the village of Nore in Nore og Uvdal. Photo: Vilde Jagland / news – Everything was ready when I arrived. We got a house and we had no problem, the process of moving here has been very good, says Tatiana. A little unusual, that’s right. In Ukraine, they lived in a small town where the houses were close together and there were many people. In Norway, they have a little more arm wrestling. – There is so much space here! But we feel very accepted here and have been well taken care of. Every day I have a Norwegian course and in my spare time I go for walks and enjoy ourselves at home. We hope to arrange a trip to Langedrag soon, smiles Tatiana. 15-year-old Katarina can imagine living in Nore for a while. Maybe go to secondary school here too. – The education system is better here than at home. I would like to study housekeeping and service, or maybe a study specialist, she says. 15-year-old Katarina thrived in Nore. She could imagine going to higher education in Norway. Photo: Vilde Jagland / news More refugees may arrive next year During LO’s cartel conference earlier this autumn, Sylo Taraku from Tankesmien Agenda presented a report which suggests that the reception of Ukrainian refugees to Norway has largely gone well. Admittedly, the flow of information could have been better, he underlines. This year, Norway has received 30,000 refugees. Of these, approximately 5,000 dwellings were privately owned. Next year there may be 40,000. – Norway must mobilize widely to accept many. This time, it is not certain that so many have relatives or friends who can take them in, so this will be a big challenge. Taraku points out that there are several cases of small municipalities such as Nore and Uvdal, which have managed to resettle many people. – It is impressive what the local communities have done to make this happen. There has been a lot of solidarity with Ukraine and a great spirit of service. Without it, this would not have been possible. Bad at 15 – get 30 In Nore and Uvdal, refugee coordinator Olav Thoen has had a hectic year. Without benevolent residents, it would not have been possible, he believes. They have scoured every nook and cranny to find homes for the refugees. – We have been completely dependent on getting the villagers on board. Those who have had homes that have not been in perfect condition have refurbished them. I have to say a big thank you to the residents. He believes that Nore and Uvdal have been equipped to welcome many. Refugee coordinator Olav Thoen is ready to accept refugees next year as well. Photo: Vilde Jagland / news – The refugee service has been operational with us for a long time, so we have good experience in accepting refugees. We decided that we were going to make it. Me is very close to having a residence permit of 110 no, so this should go well. – They asked for 15 refugees next year, but it looks like they will get 30. What do you think about that? – I have said 15 because I know that I will be able to settle down. We must also manage 30, but they must also have good access to other services such as nursery school and school. It can be challenging. In Norway, Tatiana would like to extend a big thank you to Norway. – I am so very grateful and I have been received so well. From the heart – thank you. She does not know what the future will bring. But she hopes that the war will end soon, and that she can see her husband again. – I take it day by day.
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Nore and Uvdal have managed to resettle 110 refugees this year – have navigated every nook and cranny – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
