Annual Report 2008 - Red Cross Nordic United World College

Red Cross Nordic United World College 

Annual Report 2008

UWC Annual Report 2008 

2 

Letter from the Chairman: Mission in Human Terms 

Einar Steensnæs 

2008 has been a testing year for the 

Nordic dimension of our College. And 

gladly the outcome is a strengthened 

Nordic Profile. The Swedish government 

has reconfirmed their commitment to 

our school as a joint Nordic project, by 

their continued contributions through 

the Foreign Aid budget. The funds are 

now directly tied to scholarships given 

to students from the least developed or 

other low income countries. The Swedish 

and Norwegian Foreign Departments 

found a co-operative approach and a 

solution to obstacles arising from regulations 

of foreign aid and its receivers. 

Our campus is a small world which is 

never untouched by what goes on in the 

big one outside. The year ended with 

the conflict in the Middle East escalating 

dramatically. Our students from the 

Palestinian Occupied Territories and 

The RCNUWC Board 2008 

Einar Steensnæs (Chair) 

Sigridur Anna Tordardottir (Deputy Chair, Iceland) 

Ingegerd Wärnersson (Sweden) 

Ann-Magrit Austenå (Norwegian Red Cross) 

Stefan Simonsen (Åland) 

Ivar Lund Mathiesen (UWC Norway) 

Erik Pedersen (Staff representative) 

Rabia Shahid (Student representative) 

Israel start their spring term in peaceful 

Flekke with thoughts on what is going 

on back home. It is not difficult to 

empathize with their situation. We 

can be reassured by the fact that our 

faculty has a long experience in playing 

a supportive role as the turmoil of the 

outside world is a part of our inner 

life. And strangely the hardship of such 

an experience contributes to what is 

special about our neutral ground. With 

each and one on equal terms, you have 

a starting point for true dialogue and 

new understanding, of yourself and the 

other. The little arenas in daily life give 

room for nuance. There will be heated 

debates in dayrooms and dormitories, 

but equally the College fosters 

something that goes beyond that, a true 

wish to nurture dialogue. The aim is a 

common understanding of each other’s 

differences and mutual dependency in 

co-existence. Suffering and hardship out 

in the big world also lead to respect and 

deep friendships across borders. 

So the daily dramas reflected in world 

media, have a human impact in our residences. 

This is also the case with conflicts 

that persist without making head 

lines. The College has a long lasting 

co-operation with the Rafto Foundation, 

whose very cause it is to bring attention 

to situations where human rights 

are being violated without reactions 

from the world community. With them 

we share a concern for the situation in 

Western Sahara, where people keep 

living as refugees for decades. Through 

Student Council 2008 

our recruitment from this region and 

exchange programs under the Norwegian 

Peace Corps, students and staff 

are sensitized to human consequences 

of politics. Our aim is to foster engaged 

citizens, who take ownership in the 

programs, who learn by being made responsible. 

Often we hear stories as they 

move on; stories like the one of recent 

graduate Christine Meling. Christine has 

been awarded the Davies Project Peace 

Grant of $10,000, which will enable her 

to build two class rooms and provide 

a sheltered learning environment for 

kindergarten in her home village Yari, 

Sudan. This confirms that our mission 

is in human terms, a mission given by 

hosting 200 teenagers from more than 

80 countries in their formative years. 

At the RCNUWC young people are 

recruited from backgrounds ranging 

from abundance to scarcity. Coming 

together; living, learning and sharing 

are of mutual benefit. It sensitizes 

the individual, gives rise to personal 

growth, and the courage for putting it 

into action. As we move into a new year, 

I would like to express my heart felt 

gratitude to all our supporters, not least 

from the various Nordic governments, 

for being behind us as a movement and 

allowing our daily work as the Red Cross 

Nordic United World College to be carried 

out with dedication and joy. And at 

this point I am happy to extend it to our 

own staff and students, for the way they 

reach toward our mission on a practical 

scale – learning for life. 

Stine Birch Nielsen (Denmark) - Chair 

Rabia Shahid (Pakistan) - Board Representative 

Savant Shrestha (Nepal) - Communications Representative 

Lisa Bjerke (Sweden) - Deputy Board Representative 

Raphaël Saghir (Switzerland) Lukas Slothuus (Denmark) 

Svein Magnason (Faeroes) Laura Parker (Canada) 

Bendik Elstad (Norway) Astor Nummelin Carlsberg (Sweden) 

Milton Fung (Hong Kong) Alex Clements (UK) 

Zacharia Masere (Kenya) Vitor Naghetini Souza Borba (Brazil)

Rektor’s Report: The World in our Village 

Dr. John Lawrenson 

It is a truism that membership of the 

UWC community personalizes conflicts, 

crises and disasters. Invariably the news 

headlines will then refer to a place where 

a close friend or college acquaintance 

lives or has lived. Understanding and 

empathy follows as does concern for 

the individuals caught up by the events 

as they unfold. The immediacy and 

relevance of this truism has never 

been so dramatically experienced 

as it did in December 2008 with Saif 

Edeen Shahada from Palestine. His 

determination to see his family for the 

In Memory 

Bruce Anderson 

We were sad that, after many years of 

service in education, Bruce passed away 

in December 2008. Bruce came to RCN in 

1998 as the teacher of Economics and to 

take charge of University Counselling. Bruce 

was a dedicated member of our community 

and was highly respected by all staff and 

students for his teaching, for his personal 

contacts with universities worldwide, 

his straightforwardness and his sense of 

humour. Bruce had struggled with health 

problems in the latter years and was strongly 

supported by his wife Cecilia. They both had 

to finally end their time commitment to us in 

2007. We wish Bruce peace and Cecilia our 

thoughts and support. 

festival of Eid in 

early December 

led to him 

being trapped 

in Gaza during 

the attacks by 

Israeli forces 

on Hamas with 

its inevitable, 

and euphemistically named, collateral 

damage. In other words deaths and 

injuries inflicted upon the innocent who 

were also trapped within this strip of land. 

Talking politics - a student-led panel discussion 

Sporadic and short periods of electrical 

power enabled Saif to remain in contact 

with those of us who were far away and 

safe in Norway. This provided him, and 

his family perhaps, with support and 

reassured us about his well being. 

The circumstances that led to the 

conflict were explored in one of several 

“World Today” Friday evenings in our 

Auditorium. The session captured the 

essence of the underlying reasons 

for bringing students from 80 nations 

together for two years. Our students 

from Israel and Palestine gave their own 

account of the situation. The scope of 

attitudes was broadened by characters 

acting out different positions towards 

Martin Erlandsson 

Martin Erlandson was a student at 

RCNUWC from 1996 to 1998. After a long 

period fighting against cancer, he passed 

away on November 1st this year. His 

graduating class would have looked forward 

to seeing him back in Flekke this summer for 

the reunion - on the drum kit or just having 

a good time together. Sadly it will not be 

so. Martin was taken away from us much 

too early. During his stay here, he touched 

many people. Martin was seen as genuine, 

someone you could share a deep friendship 

with. He expressed joy about his stay here. 

We send our best thoughts to his friends and 

family, being grateful for time he shared with 

us at the College. 


the conflict. It created 

a starting point for a 

memorable evening 

of honest debate 

and sensitive mature 

discussion. 

In a less publicized 

place, Western 

Sahara, we have been able to have 

a more direct impact on the situation 

by sending volunteers to the camps 

in the desert and through a “Talk 

Together” Summer Course on Conflict 

Management which begins in August 

2009. Students and staff from this 

college and other UWCs will work with 

experts and with young people selected 

from the occupied territories, the camps 

in Algeria and from Morocco. This 

initiative was inspired by yet another 

engaging Friday evening “World Today” 

and by the presence over five years of 

Saharawis at the college. 

Such events bring the world to our 

village and have a great impact on 

attitudes and the perceptions of our 

students. In time and with patience, 

commitment to our ideals and constant 

pressure, this process and UWC 

students can and will change our World. 

Nikos Tsiliris 

Nikos Tsiliris came to us as a student in 

2004 and graduated in 2006. He was well 

liked and respected by his fellow students 

and by staff. Nikos always had time for other 

people, he was intent to listen, and to share 

of his joy. This did not only go for his close 

friends, but also for someone new he would 

meet on his way. Nikos was always there 

for other people. The climbing room was 

much visited by Nikos, where he practiced 

his considerable skills. It is hard for us to 

comprehend that we have lost someone 

so young and vital. Nikos remains in our 

memories; kind, generous and with that 

winning smile on his face. 

3


4 

International Baccalaureate Balance 

Academics 

In May 2008 examinations were written in 68 subject/levels, 

including 35 languages other than English. First language 

(A1) classes are offered in Danish, English, Norwegian, Spanish 

and Swedish; all other first languages are in the schoolsupported 

self-taught program. Foreign language classes 

include Chinese, Norwegian (nynorsk) and Spanish,all as ab 

initio at Standard Level. 90 candidates gained the Diploma 

with an average points score of 35 and average grade per subject 

of 5.5 – one candidate gaining the maximum 45 points. 

Concerning those who did not gain the Diploma qualification, 

we do not know of any cases where the students concerned 

did not gain acceptance to further studies at university level. 

Academic program developments in the course of 2008 include: 

• The teaching of Chinese ab initio by a teacher from Ningxia 

University, as part of the reciprocal arrangement between 

that university and RCN. In past years, visiting teachers 

assisted the RCN teacher with delivery of the course. 

• Initiation of the new course, Environmental Systems and Societies 

at Standard level, which 

replaces Environmental Systems 

(that IBCA is phasing out). This 

course is transdisciplinary in two 

respects: structurally, in that it 

focuses students’ attention on 

both the scientific and social/ 

ethical value components of 

natural systems and environmental 

issues and, consequently 

in terms of the I.B. Diploma, it 

meets both Group 3 (Individuals 

& Societies) and Group 4 (Natural Sciences) requirements. 

Of 35 first year students enrolled, 28 are taking it as their 

only science course, enabling further study in another language, 

another Group 3 course, or a second arts course. 

• Following an “unannounced inspection of exam arrangements” 

by an I.B. inspector during the May examination session, 

the inspector concluded: “All procedures complied fully 

with those given in the Vade Mecum. Congratulations to the 

school for a perfectly organized exam”. 

• The report of the I.B. 5 year Review process, which started 

in 2007, concluded by expressing appreciation for “such a 

comprehensive set of documents”, and for having “consulted 

with all members of the community and (who were) not 

afraid to show their voice”. Suggestions to seek improvement 

(without “supposing any negativity on either side”) 

were (a) looking after personal learning needs of students, 

including (b) their experiences as second language learners, 

(c) reviewing assessment policies, (d) seeking ways to improve 

communications with the outside world (e.g., through 

IT), and (e) presenting RCN more widely on the regional and 

world stage. These matters are receiving attention, with a 

progress report to the IBO due in early April 2009. 

Graduation Day 2008 

More ideas than time to do them, is a cry often heard on 

campus. Enthusiasm and initiatives are exciting and make 

this place vibrant. Finding a balance point between the 

fun of something new and the possible tedium of ongoing 

commitments of study, self and community is the everyday 

challenge. 

Balance of the individual 

All students must try to be involved 

in the 6 areas of the College as 

well as the IB. Teacher Advisors are 

available to guide students. How 

can a student balance this wheel? 

Being involved in the re-design 

project to provide the local shop 

with shopping bags from recycled 

textiles, enables a student to be environmental, creative 

and to serve the community. Shoppers can buy or borrow 

a recycled textile bag, saying “no to plastic” and freeing up 

cotton land for food. 

Balance in the community 

The Student Council is a vital 

consultative body representing 

all students and meeting 

regularly with College Leaders. 

This year the SC has been very 

hard working and instrumental 

in creating balanced and 

responsible attitudes in the 

community, with special 

commendation goes to the 

party committee. 

Balance for teachers 

A rich variety of College staff is vital. We have continued 

to improve the global diversity of our teacher group and 

encourage different ways of teaching and learning. 

Teaching staff have again had 

the biannual opportunity to 

attend a course or workshop in 

their field. This is particularly 

important remembering the 

isolated location of RCN. Cross 

cultural teaching methods 

and the variety of cultures and 

techniques are shared with 

colleagues in and out of the 

classroom. Four teachers are 

following long distance studies 

parallel to their teaching. 

Others activities include running 

workshops and writing text books 

for international use. 

Humanitarian 

Creativity 

Attaining balance is vital for lifelong learning. 

Nordic 

Balanced 

Program 

Action 

Environmental 

Service 

Leading by doing - saying “No” to 

plastic

Queen’s Visit: “Children of my heart” Red Cross Diploma 

Since the beginning in 1995 her Majesty Queen Sonja has 

been our national protector. Regular visits to Fjaler has given 

every single generation of students the honor to meet her 

Majesty in Flekke. Some have even been received at the 

Royal Palace in Oslo. This time the royal visit coincided with 

our Council Meeting 17 th – 18 th April. 

During her stay Queen Sonja was hosted by Magne Bjergene, 

staying at the Becker House. Supper in the Cantina was enjoyed 

together with our students Hanna Zimnitzkaya (Belarus), 

Ylikal Ayino (Ethiopia), Gagan Dhal (India) and Sara Saleh 

(Sweden). Her Majesty has expressed a special interest in art, 

and was delighted to visit our art students and teacher Reidun 

Bergstrøm. This was followed by a First Aid demonstration by 

a group of 12 students, led by David Robertson. 

The highlight of the evening was a special show, put together 

by our students under the supervision of Kåre Sandvik, Peter 

Queen Sonja with students 

Wilson and Dona Pursall. A breathtaking show, much appreciated 

by Council Members and visitors from the County, Førde 

International Folk Music Festival and Ningxia University. 

Queen Sonja clearly expressed her appreciation when 

speaking to performers Alexander Grindulis (UK) Vitor 

Naghetini Souza Borba (Brazil), Gro Havskov Kirk 

(Denmark) Pinkie Chan (Cambodia) and Camille Evelyn 

(Barbados). She was also glad for the chance to meet 

students and teachers form Laski Institute for the blind 

and visually impaired in Poland, on their return visit to 

the College. 

Next day Academic Director Alistair Robertson followed 

the Queen to classes in Human Rights and Swedish, 

in addition to the Art’s Exhibition. After this a session 

at the Council Meeting was set aside to include her 

Majesty. Development Directors Magne Bjergene and 

Arne Osland gave a vision on how the environmental 

pillar can be strengthened in the future. Her Majesty 

was given farewell greeting by County Mayor Nils 

R. Sandal and chairs of our Council and Board, 

Erling Olsen and Einar Steensnæs, together with rektor 

John Lawrenson and Magne Bjergene. It had been decided 

that the honor of the visit would be extended to the local 

community, as Her Majesty had her final lunch in Dale, with 

representatives from local voluntary organizations. In the 

radio interview our national supporter concluded by referring 

to the College as her “hjertebarn” – Child of her heart. 


Continuity and Improvement for our Co-operation 

The Red Cross evaluation for co-operation 1987 – 2006 

found that the College has fulfilled expectations from 

the organization. For future recommendations the report 

concludes: “It is expedient that the co-operation between the 

Red Cross and 

the RCNUWC is 

strengthened.” 

(Baardvik, 

2007:57) A 

contact group 

has been set 

up to promote 

this process, 

led by Jorunn 

Ringstad. 

The group 

has focused on two key areas: 1) to establish an Outline 

Agreement for the co-operation; 2) to develop a Red Cross 

Diploma for relevant work done in the Extra Academic 

Program. The 2007–09 generation is the first who is eligible 

for this qualification. It contains knowledge about the Red 

Cross as an organization and skills in how to communicate 

across cultures and work in teams. It has separate programs 

in conflict resolution and care giving. For refugee work, 

experience can be gained through visits at Bergum Mottak 

or participation in the role play “På Flukt”. Face-to-face work 

is set up through the voluntary sector locally. By introducing 

this diploma together with the Norwegian Red Cross we make 

sure that our students gain formal recognition for work done 

and skills attained. We have been pleased to discover that the 

introduction of the diploma does not entail radical changes to 

what is already in our program. We aim to build on 15 years 

of experience and co-operation 

and ensure continuity for 

commitments undertaken with 

inspiration. 

Refugee simulation exercise - På Flukt 

5


6 

Leirskule: Service at the Centre of the College 

In mid-October our current second years finished their 

last sessions of Leirskule (Camp School) service. Happy to 

leave this chapter of their lives behind, they have learned a 

lot. For some it has been the simple lesson of being on time 

(and some didn’t quite master that skill). Many have learned 

to master an outdoor skill, how to teach others, how to 

communicate with children with varying degrees of English 

skills; and everyone learned something about themselves. 

The Leirskule hosts groups of 12 year olds for a week at a 

time, usually between forty and fifty each week. The leirskule 

staff work with the children in the mornings; fishing, rowing 

and making food and fire out doors. In the afternoons the 

students, in their second and third term, run activities for 

the children. This includes kayaking, climbing, biking, skin 

diving, archery, Haugland adventure, welcome group and 

international 

A student instructor with our young Leirskule visitors 

activities. In addition, some students have 

life guarded the pool, and some have taken 

photos for the leirskule web page. This new 

web page has brought us into the 21st century 

again. We are trying to eliminate as much 

paper use as possible, switching from letters 

to emails and putting as much information on 

the web page as possible. 

Through “Training week” and sixteen weeks 

of service the students have learnt and 

practiced their skills. Their service is not 

only about mastering a technical skill, but 

also learning how to communicate to and manage a group 

of children, while cooperating with their peers. Most have 

done a wonderful job, and in the process learnt a lot. The 

children who visit us have had a great experience. They love 

the student and are challenged by the activities and the fact 

that they must speak English. 

Our volunteers this year, Andrew and Sophie are selected 

by the British Red Cross. Having some extra sets of hands is 

always good, even better when they are so energetic, and 

relate so well with the children. 

This year we have changed our assembly hall, from Naustet 

to the auditorium. The move to the centre of the college 

feels right, linking the college and leirskule closer together. 

Minister’s Visit 

Recollecting Early Memories of Education 

Speaking to the college community in the Høegh Centre 

Minister of Education, Bård Vegar Solhjell, came to visit the 

College in February. Solhjell engaged with all first year students 

immediately after his arrival. Being here brought back 

fond memories, having visited Haugland as a Leirskule pupil 

himself. After a short cultural program, student representatives 

Stine Nielsen (Denmark) and Savant Shresta (Nepal) 

addressed the minister, talking about what rich opportunities 

the RCNUWC give them, and how much it is appreciated 

that all regional governments are behind the Nordic College. 

In a meeting with our senior management, Solhjell was told 

about challenges for Nordic co-operation and support for 

the College. The minister expressed himself to be inspired by 

meeting the world in his home 

region, Sunnfjord. 

Theatre Arts dance performance

PBL in Finland 

For Project Week in October, a group of students and Extra 

Academic Director Xiaohang Sumner went to work with the 

Finnish National Committee to promote UWCs in Finland. A 

dedicated team of ex-students in the National Committee, 

including Chairperson Tiina Honkanen, (NC’03-’05) did a 

tremendous job of making arrangements for our visit. 

We visited the two foundations which provide the funding for 

Finnish students to UWCs - the Finnish Cultural Foundation 

and the Swedish Cultural Foundation. We had a guided tour of 

the Finnish Parliament, where the Minister of Migration took 

the time to meet with us. We went to several local schools to 

promote UWCs and invite students to apply. We also spent 

an afternoon at the Red Cross Youth central office in Finland, 

learning about the many activities the office organizes in 

Finland. 

A visit to Finland would not have been complete without a 

visit to the sauna and a meal of reindeer meat. It had been a 

very interesting, educational and valuable experience for all of 

us and contributed to UWC awareness in Finland. 

Snow Caving Across Boundaries 

The making of Sahrawi tea requires more attention 

to process than the familiar dunking of a teabag. In the 

photograph, Kopano (Lesotho) watches as Mustafa (Western 

Sahara) tops up the glasses, complementing the foamy 

layer he created earlier by pouring tea back and forth. We 

passed many glasses of the strong sweet beverage through 

the evening while exchanging Islamic, Christian and secular 

perspectives on the value of traditional rituals; an energizing 

and memorable cultural-sharing (including some awareness 

of the long-standing refugee situation of Western Sahara 

camps in Algeria) made all the more memorable through our 

location – a snow cave in the mountains in mid-winter. 

We had excavated the cave the day before after hiking up 

the slopes on skis, this being the “snøhule & ski” project. 

Such projects entail planning, doing and evaluating; in this 

It never tasted so good! 


case, to make and sleep in a snow cave, ski and experience 

this evocative ‘snow desert’. Such outdoor contexts are rich 

in educational potential: it soon becomes clear to all that 

cooperation is a pragmatic necessity; that those who struggle 

may require assistance; that when conditions are unpleasant, 

the discomfort is visibly shared; that while resources are 

limited, there is scope for much imaginative use, and that we 

can all be resourceful at different moments (“Here, use my 

dry socks”). Outdoor settings enable us to share ourselves 

more readily, with less embarrassment, than in our more 

polite and socially-regulated daily lives. These experiences 

can quickly enable moments of felt commonality across 

boundaries of language, gender, nation, race and ethnicity. 

A warm stomach, or arm-pit, offered to warm another’s 

cold hands is not only appreciated for its comfort value; the 

action, given its implicit recognition of empathy, can reinforce 

perceptions of sharedness more deeply than words might. In 

such contexts, the category distinctions that divide us through 

promoting perceptions of different/other/foreign/strange 

tend to reduce to their true insignificance. “Simple in means, 

rich in ends” experiences (farvel, Arne Næss), including 

hot sweet Sahrawi tea in a snow-cave, provide memorable 

reminders of common humanity. 

(adapted from an article published in IB World, 2008). 

7


8 

University Office 

Of the 2006-2008 intake well over 70% immediately 

went on to university. The majority, 52 in total, entered US 

institutions, most with considerable and necessary financial 

support. A dozen left to study in the UK, with the 

University of Manchester being the most popular this 

year. Other destinations included Canada, Italy, France 

and the Netherlands. About 7 students returned 

home to study, 2 are fulfilling their military obligation, 

and 1 will embark on an education in Nursing. 

About 10% of our Leavers chose to take a year to do 

some volunteer work before deciding on their next 

educational destination. There are places in the US 

waiting for 10 students who decided to defer their 

place, and this is the case with one Bornholmer who 

will attend Simon Fraser in 2009. All are currently 

taking the opportunity to offer their services in a 

variety of places throughout the World. There are 

only 2 students our university office cannot account 

for, but we trust they will be in touch should there be a need 

for help in the future with further education. 

RCNUWC strengthens links with Ethiopia 

Not only does the college provide scholarships to students 

from Ethiopia, it has also sent volunteers in recent years 

to teach at two schools in the country. In the 2008 Winter 

Break, three students, Ezequiel Jimenez (Argentina), Jens 

Møller (Greenland) 

and Ingunn 

Kristjánsdóttir 

(Iceland) have 

worked as 

volunteers on a 

project helping 

in the building of 

an educational 

and resource 

centre in Gambella, in the far west of the country. Having 

been contacted by a member of the Ethiopian UWC National 

Committee, teacher and Volunteer Programme Coordinator 

Peter Wilson put together the team, with the assistance 

of colleague Dona Pursall. Using the donated airfare from 

another colleague, funds raised from their respective home 

countries and some of their own finances, the five spent the 

month helping to establish the project which is overseen 

by the Anglican Church of Ethiopia. They concreted, dug 

foundations, painted and carried in temperatures up to 40 

degrees. It is hoped further voluntary involvement over the 

coming months and years will follow. 

Residential Life 

Sharing and taking care of a house with 39 fellow students 

offers a wide range of challenges for living skills, co-operation 

and responsibilities. In a multi-cultural society like ours, each 

and one come with 

their traditions and 

customs shaped by 

climate, life style and 

available resources. 

During the school 

year we all share the 

task of taking care of 

our living quarters 

and environment. 

In practical terms 

this means to be 

considerate about the 

buildings themselves 

and the consumption 

of energy. On the more personal level we are dealing with 

health issues and hygiene. The aim is to reduce waste of food 

and other valuable resources. 

As it is the students’ and house mentors’ responsibility 

to clean the houses, all take part in the program during 

Introduction Week, focusing on how to take care of the 

house as a living environment by sharing responsibilities. The 

program encourage all to take individual responsibility for the 

living environment 

and to put into 

practice what is 

being talked about 

in Global Concern 

and World Today: 

Taking care 

of resources, 

reducing 

consumption and 

pollution. 

College Kantina

Fredskorpset: An Exchange with Western Sahara 

RCNUWC has had an involvement with Western Sahara 

since 2004 when our first Saharawi student arrived at the 

College from the refugee camps. The following year the 

College began sending graduating students to the refugee 

camps as part of its Volunteer Program. 

Western Sahara is 

a country bordered 

by Morocco, 

Mauritania and 

Algeria. A Spanish 

colony until the 

early 70’s, it has 

been under the 

control of Morocco 

since the mid- 

70’s with many of 

its native people 

displaced to refugee 

camps in the inhospitable desert of southwest Algeria. 

In January 2008, in collaboration with Fredskorpset, the 

Norwegian Peace Corps, RCNUWC entered into a formal 

exchange program with the Ministry of Sport and Youth/ 

Polisario, Western Sahara. The objective of this new program 

is to offer young people from Norway, and their counterparts 

from the Western Sahara refugee camps in Algeria, an 

opportunity to act as cultural ambassadors for their 

respective countries. 

After a selection process in the spring of 2008 and three 

weeks of preparation and training at the College in July, the 

first group of three project participants went to the camps in 

September 2008, with a second group of three replacing them 

in January 2009. The work they are doing is based on the 

teaching of oral English to different groups – young women 

at a school and classes open to all at a cultural centre. The 

College is also pleased to be hosting a young Saharawi, Basiri 

Mulay who, in addition to attending classes, has been offering 

an Arabic-learning activity, given presentations to the College 

and outside groups about his experiences as a refugee. 

All in all, a good start to a challenging project. 

Summer Course 

Fredskorpset volunteers in the Saharawi refugee camps 

Peter Wilson and Angie Toppan worked with eight 

Fredskorpset volunteers and 24 first year students on the 

course. The volunteers received a week of pedagocical 

instruction and subsequently acted as trainee teacher son the 

course. Part of the course this year was spent at Strynsvatn 

Camping, a welcome addition to the students’ experience of 

Norway. 

The structure of the course was as in previous years centered 

around morning language classes with the students learning 

debating skills, discussion strategies, grammar, speed reading, 

presenting and other language skills. Afternoons and evenings 

were filled with various outdoor and indoor activities. The 

course has been held for several years now and has proven 

to be a vital introduction for students with linguistic and / or 

social adjustment needs. 


Inquisitive Students - Productive Teachers 

Many students leave the College with fond memories 

of their teachers as figures of inspiration, someone who 

are willing to engage in and outside of the class room and 

who support them in their daily lives. With this dedication 

towards the students, our teachers still find room to keep on 

developing in their area of specialization. During 

this year no less than three of our current staff 

have utilized knowledge in their subject area in 

order to produce books or teaching material. 

Chris Hamper’s “Physics Developed Specifically 

for the IB Diploma” is published by Heinemann 

International. The book for Standard level is out 

on the market, the one for Higher Level ready 

for proof reading. Years of experience with 

UWC students at the 

Nordic and Atlantic 

College has lead to a 

product which has taken form of a 

course book. “At the UWC you have 

students who ask a lot. As a teacher 

you keep the good questions in 

your head, go back and think about 

your own understanding.” Like 

in the classroom, the dialogue 

situation is implicit in the book. 

Rich in visual material it is the 

fruit of many year’s experience in 

anticipating responses from the 

inquisitive learner. 

Chris Hamper 

Historians Erik Overggard Pedersen and Siri Ingvaldsen have 

been authors of the Danish and Norwegian part respectively 

in “The Nordic Nations since 1800”. Together with Swedish 

Thomas Larsson they have written a book suitable for 

European History for IB HL, as well as an introduction at 

University level. A full colour 100 page master version is 

obtainable digitally on IBID press, Sydney International, for 

use in class. A richly illustrated print version is ready for print 

through Turbine Forlag, Denmark under the title: “Democracy 

and the Welfare State - The Nordic Nations Since 1800”. In 

addition it will be available as an online resource in Nordic 

languages on ebog.no/dk. Siri, whom many will know as our 

librarian, has also worked for the Millennium Site “Gulatinget” 

in Sogn og Fjordane. Grants for this project have enabled her 

to make learning material about this ancient parliament in 

our own district, texts and exercises suitable for both college 

and secondary school. 

9


10 

RCNUWC Students 2007-2008 

Afghanistan 

Shanoz Agnazarbecova (2) 

Åland islands 

Hanna Malmberg (1) 

Albania 

Ira Ramaj (2) 

Kasiani Nesturi (1) 

Angola 

Tania Fernando (2) 

Isilda Hulilapi (1) 

Argentina 

Ezequiel Jiménez Martínez (1) 

Barbados 

Camille Evelyn (2) 

Polly Williams (1) 

Belarus 

Hanna Zimnitskaya (2) 

Volha Hrytskevitch (1) 

Bolivia 

Arian Laguna (1) 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Sanela Muharemović (2) 

Vedran Pobric (1) 

Botswana 

Lebo Letsie (2) 

Brazil 

Vítor Naghetini Souza Borba (1) 

Cambodia 

Pinkie Chan (2) 

Vichetrath Meas (1) 

Canada 

Hailey Barker (2) 

Laura Parker (1) 

Chile 

Aníbal Yánez Hinjosa (2) 

China 

Hao Ran Ma (2) 

Li Yuan Wang (2) 

Qunchao Zhan (2) 

Liang Liu (1) 

Xiaolong Li (1) 

Colombia 

Mateo Caycedo Alvarez (1) 

Costa Rica 

Brayan Alonso Muñoz Camacho (2) 

Stephanie Choza Macré (1) 

Croatia 

Igor Stanceric (2) 

Ina Rojnic (1) 

Czech Republic 

Markéta Doubnerová (2) 

Pavel Bacovsky (1) 

Denmark 

Anna Jensen (2) 

Aske Nørby Bonde (2) 

Fateh Warraich (2) 

Gro Havskov Kirk (2) 

Lauge Næsborg Schøler (2) 

Sara Abawi (2) 

Lisa Markussen (1) 

Lukas Slothuus (1) 

Mads Bruun (1) 

Malthe Rasmussen (1) 

Saaluja Chandrasekaran (1) 

Stine Nielsen (1) 

Ecuador 

Katherine Priscilla Del Salto 

Calderon (1) 

Latin America 

Central/Eastern Europe 

Asia 

Africa 

Western Europe 

North America 

Nordic 

Egypt 

Ahmed El Fatairy (2) 

Youssef Magdy Maher (1) 

Estonia 

Kristjan Kaar (2) 

Eliis Otti (1) 

Ethiopia 

Yilikal Ayino (2) 

Banteaymolu Alebachew (1) 

Faroe Islands 

Maria Magnussen (2) 

Svein Magnason (1) 

Finland 

Hanna Backman (2) 

Vili Nieminen (2) 

Kaisa Kuusisto (1) 

Saara Martinmäki (1) 

Germany 

Paula Kift (2) 

Sophie Scholz (1) 

Ghana 

Reginald Doku (2) 

Sebastian Armiyaw Nasamu (1) 

Greenland 

Jens Møller (1) 

Guatemala 

Alejandro Rivera Rivera (2) 

Andres Lemus (1) 

Honduras 

Margarita Martins Palacios (2) 

Hong Kong 

Adrienne Li (2) 

Karine Chan (2) 

Ka Yu Tam (1) 

Milton Fung (1) 

Hungary 

Eszter Marton (2) 

Anna Pásztor (1) 

Iceland 

Ragnhildur Weisshappel (2) 

Ingvi Thorkelsson (1) 

India 

Amar Chenappa (2) 

Mrunmay Mastakar (2) 

Gagan Dhal (1) 

Israel 

Gili Vidan (2) 

Lelia Abu Nasra (2) 

Maria Smerkovich (1) 

Sally Abed (1) 

11% 

24% 

11% 

Italy 

Margherita Molaro (2) 

Salvatore Tesoro (2) 

Francesco Bosso (1) 

Giovanni Braghieri (1) 

Jamaica 

Jodi Ann Dattadeen (2) 

Japan 

Yukiko Watari (2) 

Jordan 

Ahmad Towaiq (2) 

Aseel Kreishan (1) 

Kazakhstan 

Boca Toleubay (2) 

Kenya 

Jonathan Kola (2) 

Zacharia Masere (1) 

Latvia 

Uldis Elksnitis (2) 

Jevgenija Rogachova (1) 

Lebanon 

Joanna Aniel Bidar (2) 

Razan Barakat Diab (1) 

Lesotho 

Kopano Majara (2) 

Lithuania 

Aurimas Liutikas (2) 

Vaida Rimeikytè (1) 

Madagascar 

Danamona Holinirina Andrianarimanana 

(1) 

Malaysia 

Min Sern Teh (2) 

Maldives 

Nashfa Hawwa (2) 

Mexico 

Andrés Gómez Emilsson (1) 

Mozambique 

Andrea Kine (1) 

Nepal 

Shasanka Pradhan (2) 

Sonam Sherpa (2) 

Dawa Sherpa (1) 

Savant Shrestha (1) 

Netherlands 

Marc van Lanschot (2) 

Jasmijn Harms (1) 

Nicaragua 

Xilonem Clarke (1) 

10% 

30% 

10% 

4% 

Norway 

Josie Hamper (2) 

Astrid Dalsegg (2) 

Dag Olov Tordsson (2) 

Eli Smedsrud (2) 

Elisabeth Berggrav (2) 

Elise Kines (2) 

Ida Sofie Nitter (2) 

Ingrid Helene Kornstad (2) 

Leif Erik Hoel Stabell (2) 

Maria Haartveit (2) 

Mats Marøen (2) 

Aurora Helgesen (1) 

Bendik Elstad (1) 

Dag Hasselgård (1) 

Espen Thygesen (1) 

Gjertrud Mageli (1) 

Jun Chao Tai (1) 

Kristina Miklavic (1) 

Nina Taugbøl (1) 

Odd Jørgen Mæland (1) 

Thea Wiig (1) 

Pakistan 

Bilal Shahabuddin (2) 

Rabia Shahid (1) 

Palestinian Territory 

Mohammed Alkhouli (2) 

Ahmad Almanassra (1) 

Samed Nakhla (1) 

Panama 

Adrian Montero Loo (2) 

Paraguay 

Rubén Peña Espinosa (2) 

Peru 

Aladino Valdiviezo Alegria (2) 

Poland 

Piotr Faba (2) 

Katarzyna Dybek (1) 

Portugal 

Filipa Lopes (2) 

Maria Ferreira de Almeida 

Mousinho (1) 

Russian Federation 

Maria Kuznetsova (2) 

Sierra Leone 

Ishiaka Mansaray (2) 

Prince Moses (1) 

Singapore 

Sabrina Szeto (2) 

Ghariza Sujak Bakir (1) 

Slovakia 

Zuzana Tabackova (1) 

Slovenia 

Erik Fendik (2) 

South Africa 

Koketso Makhafola (1) 

Spain 

Martin Coronado Alvarez (2) 

Pílar Gómez Navarro (1) 

Sri Lanka 

Dinali De Silva (1) 

Sudan 

John Woja (1) 

Swaziland 

Fanele Chester (2) 

Sweden 

Alex Ingvarsson (2) 

Alexander Willén (2) 

Ellen Renman (2) 

Erik Torstensson (2) 

Henrik Uppström (2) 

Rebecca Lennartsson (2) 

Tove Pousette (2) 

Turid Vallgårda (2) 

Åse Hellström Vogel (2) 

Amelie Westphal (1) 

Astor Nummelin Carlberg (1) 

Gustav Rehnby (1) 

Lisa Bjerke (1) 

Malin Hammarbäck (1) 

Sara Saleh (1) 

Sebastian Andersson (1) 

Tove From (1) 

Switzerland 

Luisa Fumagalli (2) 

Raphaël Saghir (1) 

Thailand 

Anupong Tangpeerachaikul (2) 

Surakit Niphonjaroenchote (2) 

Piangfuan Naksukpaiboon (1) 

Wipawan Sompong (1) 

Tibet 

Khando Kyi (2) 

Dhondup Tashi (1) 

Timor leste/East Timor 

Natalino Soares Ornai 

Guterres (1) 

United Kingdom 

Alexander Grindulis (2) 

Raine Trott (2) 

Alexander Clements (1) 

Anna Moses (1) 

United Statesof America 

Adriana Condarco Quesada (2) 

Valerie Bondura (2) 

Madeleine Benishek (1) 

Nicholas Madsen (1) 

Uruguay 

Agustina Cousin Pereira (2) 

Uzbekistan 

Akmal Daniyarov (2) 

Malika Suleymanova (1) 

Venezuela 

José Gabriel Barcia Durán (2) 

Marisabel Fernandez (1) 

Viet Nam 

Thi Qui Phuong Nguyen (1) 

Western Sahara 

Mustapha Saleh (2) 

Soumia Hamudi (1)

Staff 

Alistair Robertson, (South Africa) 

Director of Academics, Biology, 

Environmental Systems, TOK 

Andrew Hepworth, (UK) 

Leirskule 

Angie Toppan, (UK/USA) 

English B 

Anlaug Marie Strømmen, (Norway) 

Accounts 

Ann Kristin Svartefoss, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Anna Garner, (UK) 

Director of Studies, Environmental Systems 

Anne Kristin Vågenes, (Norway) 

Cleaning 

Anette Traa, (Norway) 

Travel & Booking Coordinator, Host families 

Arne Ophaug, (Norway) 

Service Manager 

Arne Osland, (Norway) 

Director of Development 

Ashok Singh, (India) 

Chemistry, House Mentor 

Barbara Toa-Kwapong, (Ghana) 

Reception 

Basiri Mulay, (Western Sahara) 

Language Assistant 

Bjarte Skadal, (Norway) 

Transport 

Chris Hamper, (UK) 

Physics 

Daniel Toa-Kwapong, (Ghana) 

Development Studies 

David Robertson, (UK) 

Biology, Chemistry, 

Dona Pursall, (UK) 

English A1, Theatre Arts 

Edmund Cluett, (UK) 

TOK, Publications 

Else Marie Antonisen, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Erik Overgaard Pedersen, (Denmark) 

Danish A1, History 

Ferenc Beleznay, (Hungary) 

Mathematics 

Gunvor Norddal, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Håvard Indrebø, (Norway) 

Library 

Heidi Myklebust, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Helga Astrid Åsnes, (Norway) 

Cleaning 

Hillary Hamper, (UK) 

Care Centre 

Janne Grethe Fristad Ulvik, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Jelena Belamaric, (Croatia) 

Biology 

Joakim Janninge, (Sweden) 

Leirskule 

John Lawrenson, (UK) 

Rektor, TOK 

Jonny Arvidson Lidal, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Kåre Dale, (Norway) 

Norwegian A1, TOK 

Kåre Sandvik, (Norway) 

Norwegian ab initio, Nordic Studies 

Kip Sumner, (Canada/USA) 

Mathematics, SAT/TOEFL Coordinator 

Leonie Köning, (Netherlands) 

Assistant to the Rektor, Student Selection 

Li Dan, (China) 

Chinese ab initio 

Linda Sturesson, (Sweden) 

Swedish A1, English A2, World Literature 

Liza Jumao-As Øverås, (Philipines/Norway) 

Kitchen 

Magne Bjergene, (Norway) 

Director of Development, Director of HIFUS 

Maria Teresa Julianello, (Argentina) 

Spanish A1, English A2, World Literature 

Mariano Giampietri, (Argentina) 

Spanish ab initio, House Mentor 

Mark Chalkley, (UK) 

University Counsellor 

Myrthild Vatnelid, (Norway) 

Cleaning 

Narender Dalal, (India) 

Human Rights, History, House Mentor 

Nicky Lawrenson, (UK) 

University Counsellor 

Paulina Önnerstad Szymczak, (Poland) 

Mathematics 

Peter Wilson, (UK) 

English A1/A2, Theatre Arts, Volunteer Program 

Ragnhild Tveiten, (Norway) 

Leirskule 

Reidun Færøy Bergstrøm, (Norway) 

Art, Senior House Mentor 

Sarmad Jari, (Norway) 

IT, Network Manager 

Sigrunn Barsnes, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Siri Ingvaldsen, (Norway) 

Library, HIFUS 

Solfrid Myklebust, (Norway) 

Cleaning 

Sophie Allen, (New Zealand) 

Leirskule 

Stig Moltumyr, (Norway) 

Director of Finance 

Summer Govan, (Canada) 

Philosophy, House Mentor 

Svein Rundereim, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Synne Øverli, (Norway) 

Leirskule 

Ton Merts, (Netherlands) 

Maintenance 

Vidar Jensen, (Norway) 

Maintenance 

Wenche Larsen Vik, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Wenche Svendsen, (Norway) 

Kitchen 

Xiaohang Sumner, (China/Canada) 

Extra-Academic Director, Economics 

Host Families 


Esther and Jørgen Alisøy 

Audhild Vie and Ørjan Alme 

Jan Sigurd Haugen and Elise Årdal 

Hildegunn and Arve Arstein 

Helga and Oddvar Åsnes 

Astrid Bolstad 

Steinar and Sissel Brekke 

Kjellfrid and Einar Losnegård Bøthun 

Hanne Grethe and Tor Inge Brendehaug 

Halvor and Trude Brosvik 

Arthur Langeland and Susanne Daae-Qvale 

Bente M. Flølo and Tom Ole Dyrstad 

Olav Roti and Kari Esaiassen 

Gorm and Olaug Tveit Evensen 

Bjarnhild Færøy and Asmund Myhr Færøy 

Trude and Kjetil Felde 

Eivind Brendehaug and Carina Frisk 

Elisabeth Gunnarsdottir 

Hallvard and Berit Senneset Haaland 

Gro Haga and Otto Nes Haga 

Janne Haugen and Kjartan Strand 

Nina Aas and Jan Haugen 

Kjell Navelsaker and Siv Hestad 

Olaug and Kristen Holt 

Margareta and Kåre Holvik 

Thora and Olav Hovland 

Sveinung Søreide and Gro Hovland 

Ingvard Flekke and Eva Kyrkjebø 

Bjørn Hollevik and Anne Leversund 

Berit and Dag-Rune Mallasvik 

Gunnar Simonsen and Cecilie Mohn 

Oddbjørn Saltnes and Heidi Myrvold 

Jenny Myklebust 

Anne Mabel and Arve Nybakk 

Øyvind and Aud Bang-Olsen 

Mariya and Arne Ophaug 

Alexandre Bau and Birgitte Ralston 

Jorunn Ringstad 

Astrid and Jan Rømmen 

Bent Støyva and Elisabeth Sårheim 

Kristine Schielderup 

Ingvar Byrkjeland and Marit Solheim 

Wenche Svendsen 

Mario and Marisol Villarroel 

Ellinor and Armando Silva Wergeland 

Astrid Wittersø and Alvar Melvær 

11


12 

Funding and Results in General 

The 2008 accounts show a positive balance of NOK 2.173.170-, 

which adjusted for instalment on loan, investments, depreciation 

and ongoing building projects, gave a positive change in the 

cash flow by NOK 1.972.761-. The result gives a true picture of 

the operations and is better than the calculated 2008 budget. 

The reason for the positive result is mainly the situation with 

uncertainty about the income from Sweden until December. Due 

to this situation, the College has been operating with cost cuts 

and postponement of costs. The equity shows a positive balance 

to the amount of NOK 9,51 mill and the concern has a satisfactory 

liquidity for continued operations. For details, refer to the 

enclosed accounts. 

This is the 8th year in a row with a surplus. With this the College 

has restored the cash situation to an acceptable level. The working 

capital is positive by NOK 5,5 mill,-and has been restored over 

the last years from a negative amount of NOK 2,8 mill in 2001. 

Ref, figure below. 

Due to positive result over the last years the equity is now positive 

by 9,51 mill or about 30,8 % of the total capital. 

Funding: 

Norway 

Since 2005, the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training 

has been responsible for the administration of the arrangement 

with the College. 2008 did not bring any large changes or 

surprises. The parliament granted NOK 25.354.000. The increase 

was adjusted in accordance with our application and the average 

price and wage rise in Norway. 

Funding in 2008: 

Norway 25.354.000 

Sweden 5.500.000 

Denmark 1.945.169 

Finland 766.000 

Iceland, Greenland,Faeroes, Åland 

National committees: 

1.345.000 

Norway, Denmark, Sweden & Student payments 2.919.364 

Other Income (sundries, UWC Dev. Fund 1.411.396 

Outside Nordic Countries 1.913.054 

Other Activities 4.269.794 

Totals 45.423.777 

Sweden: 

The grant from Sweden comes from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs. The grant for 2008 remained the same as for 2007 

NOK 5.500.000 -. It is to cover for the majority of our students 

coming from the Least Developed and Other Low Income Countries 

according to the OECD list of DAC recipients. It also assumes 

that the College will cover for the Swedish students, through 

other sources of income. 

Denmark: 

For 2008, Denmark contributed with a block grant from the 

Danish Ministry of Education with an amount of NOK 1.945.169. 

Beyond this, the National Committee contributes NOK 

1.144.864,-. This is composed of a fixed sum from the Ministry 

in accordance with the Act pertaining to Upper Secondary 

Schools (Dansk Gynnasielov) and contributions from the National 

Committee of the UWC. 

Finland: 

For 2008 the Finish students have been paid for through the 

Swedish and the Finish Culture Fund in Finland. The grant for 

Finland has been paid after the calculation of the actual cost per 

student of NOK 196.000. Efforts continue in Finland to increase 

the number of students from two to three each year. 

Iceland, Greenland, the Faeroes and Åland: 

As previously, there have been 2 students from each country/ 

region, with the exception of Åland, which for the school year 

2007/2008 has only sent one student. The respective ministries 

paid the grant according to the cost of NOK 196.000 per student. 

Other income 

This year we have received an amount of NOK 1.200.000 as a 

contribution from the UWC development foundation. We have 

also received three scholarships from the Shelby Davis Fund and 

one from the Prince of Wales Fund. 

Outside Nordic Countries 

For 2008/2009 we have made agreements with the National 

Committes in Germany for 2 students, Netherland 2 and Spain 2. 

The respective countries have paid the cost of NOK 196.000 per 

student. 

Other Activity 

The total income calculated under Other Activity is from summer 

activities (mainly Red Cross camps), Camp School (spring and 

autumn) and house rent. 

Funding 2008 

55% 

Norway 

Sweden 

Denmark 

Finland 

Iceland, Greenland, 

Færoes, Åland 

10% 

12% 

4% 

3% 

4% 

2% 

4% 

6% 

National Commitees 

Norway, Denmark, Sweden 

& student payments 

Other Income 

Sundries, UWC Development Fund 

Outside Nordic countries 

Other activities

Translated from the original Norwegian version 

To the Foundation Red Cross Nordic United World College 

Auditor’s Report for 2008 

We have audited the annual financial statements of the foundation 

Red Cross Nordic United World College for the financial 

year 2008, showing a profit of NOK 2.173.170,-. We have 

also audited the information in the Board of Directors’ report 

concerning the financial statements and the going concern assumption, 

and the proposal in the financial statements for the 

allocation of the profit. The financial statements comprise the 

balance sheet, the statement of income and the accompanying 

notes. The rules of the Norwegian Accounting Act and generally 

accepted accounting practice in Norway have been applied 

to prepare the financial statements. These financial statements 

are the responsibility of the Foundation’s Board of Directors 

and Managing Director. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 

on these financial statements and on other information according 

to the requirements of the Norwegian Act on Auditing 

and Auditors and of the Norwegian Act on Foundations. 

We have conducted our audit in accordance with the Norwegian 

Act on Auditing and Auditors and generally accepted auditing 

practice in Norway, including standards on auditing adopted 

by Den norske Revisorforening. These auditing standards 

require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 

assurance about whether the financial statements are free 

of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a 

test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in 

the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the 

accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 

management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement 

presentation. To the extent required by law and generally 

accepted auditing practice, an audit also comprises a review 

of the management of the Foundation’s financial affairs and its 

accounting and internal control systems. We believe that our 

audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, 

• the financial statements are prepared in accordance with 

law and regulations and give a true and fair view of the financial 

position of the Foundation as of 31 December 2008, 

and the results of its operations for the year then ended, in 

accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in 

Norway 

• the Foundation’s management has fulfilled its duty to see 

to proper and well arranged recording and documentation 

of accounting information in accordance with law and generally 

accepted bookkeeping practice in Norway 

• the information in the Board of Directors’ report concerning 

the financial statements and the going concern assumption, 

and the proposal in the financial statements for the 

allocation of the profit, is consistent with the financial statements 

and complies with law and regulations. 

• the Foundation’s management of affairs and distributions 

have been undertaken in accordance with law, the object 

of the Foundation and other respects of the articles of the 

Foundation. 

Førde, 3 February 2009 

Deloitte AS 

Leif Kilnes 

State Authorised Public Accountant (Norway) 


Annual Report 2008 from the RCNUWC Board 

Activities 

The aim of the foundation is to promote peace and international 

understanding, sustainable development and the 

dissemination of ecological knowledge through education, 

research, seminars and other initiatives. 

Operations 

The 2008 accounts show a positive result for the year of 

NOK 2.173.169,71,- 

The result gives a true picture of the operations and is better 

than the calculated 2008 budget to the amount of NOK 

2.946.568,-. The reason for the positive result is higher income 

and good Budget discipline. The equity shows a positive balance 

to the amount of NOK 9,5 mill., - and the foundation has 

a satisfactory liquidity for continued operations. The annual 

accounts are based on a going concern assumption. 

The Working Environment 

The working environment at the college is satisfactory. The 

concern had a total of 50,6 man-years in 2008. This is represented 

by 25,21 man-years for men, and 25,43 man-years for 

women. The foundation has 8 Board members. Of these 4 are 

women, and 4 men. 

The Environment 

The main impact for the organization on the environment 

comes from energy consumption for housing and for travel and 

use of consumer’s goods like paper. The organisation has taken 

the first steps in carrying out a more systematic approach 

towards this by working to be certified as an “Environmental 

Lighthouse” (Miljøfyrtårn) 

Future Development 

The Board has approved a balanced budget for 2009. The 

Board is of the opinion that the conditions for future operations 

are present. The accounts are presented accordingly. 

Oslo 3rd February 2009 

Einar Steensnæs, Chairman 

Sigridur Anna Tordardottir, Dept. Chairman 

Ingegerd Warnarsson, Sweden 

Stefan Simonsen, Åland 

Ann-Margit Austenå, Norwegian Red Cross 

Ivar Lund Mathiesen, UWC Norway 

Chris Hamper, Staff representative 

Rabia Shahid, Student representative 

John Lawrenson, Rektor 

13


Notes Assets 2008 2007 

14 

Financial Statements 2008 

Fixed assets: 

Property, plant and equipment: 

3 Buildings 22.801 28.001 

3,6 Housing facilities 15.576.099 15.576.099 

3,6 Machinery, furniture, etc 1.482.909 858.979 

3 Projects in progress 942.284 1.181.298 

3 Vehicles 222.855 391.755 

3 Total property, plant and equipment 18.246.947 18.036.131 

Financial assets: 

9 Investments in stocks and shares 50.000 50.000 

Total financial assets 50.000 50.000 

Total fixed assets 18.296.947 18.086.131 

Current assets: 

Inventory 42.560 35.634 

Debtors: 

9 Trade debtors 786.031 794.757 

Other debtors 192.882 1.139.806 

Total debtors 978.913 1.934.563 

8 Bank deposits, cash, etc. 11.490.074 8.315.742 

Total current assets 12.511.547 10.285.940 

Total assets 30.808.494 28.372.071 

BALANCE SHEET 

As of 31st December 2008 

INCOME STATEMENT 2008 

For the year ending 31st December 2008 

Notes Equity and Liabilities 2008 2007 

Equity: 

Paid-in capital: 

Basic capital 50.000 50.000 

Total paid-in capital: 50.000 50.000 

Retained earnings 

Other equity 9.459.580 7.286.411 

Total retained earnings 9.459.580 7.286.411 

4 Total equity 9.509.580 7.336.411 

Liabilities: 

5 Project related funding 64.824 69.301 

Total projectet related funding 64.824 69.301 

Other long term: 

6 Liabilities to financial institutions 12.431.041 13.093.790 

Total other long term liabilities: 12.431.041 13.093.790 

Current liabilities: 

9 Trade creditors 1.760.129 795.255 

Public duties payable 1.769.074 1.633.690 

9 Other short-term liabilities 5.273.845 5.443.625 

Total current liabilities 8.803.048 7.872.569 

Total liabilities 21.298.913 21.035.660 

Total Equity and Liabilities 30.808.494 28.372.071 

Notes Operating income and operating expenses 2008 2007 

Government Grants 25.354.000 24.309.000 

International contributions 13.191.587 12.858.098 

Rental income 660.259 651.060 

Other income 6.217.930 6.653.066 

Total operating income 45.423.777 44.471.224 

2 Payroll expense 26.672.830 24.990.167 

7 Operating expenses cleaning, facilities and maintenance 6.805.254 6.419.374 

Operating expenses IT 760.677 930.833 

Books and teaching supplies/equipment 1.051.662 1.146.199 

2 Administrative expenses 3.240.239 3.661.544 

Operating expense vehicles 445.627 408.625 

3 Depreciation fixed assets 439.569 398.921 

Travel expenses 2.340.745 2.259.482 

Student support 349.149 362.223 

Moving expenses 94.305 79.758 

Other operating expenses 564.924 1.557.143 

Total operating expenses 42.764.981 42.214.271 

Result of operations 2.658.796 2.256.953 

Financial income and financial expenses 

Other interest received 306.485 178.174 

Other interest expense 792.111 738.473 

Financial items, net -485.626 -560.299 

Result for the year 2.173.170 1.696.654 

Allocation of net profit and equity transfers 

4 Transferred to other equity 2.173.170 1.696.654 

Total allocations -2.173.170 -1.696.654

Notes to the Financial Statements 2008 

Note 1 – Accounting principles 

The financial statement is prepared in accordance with The Norwegian 

Accounting Act and generally accepted accounting principles in Norway for 

small entities. 

General accounting principles income and expenses 

Income is recorded when earned, normally at time of delivery of goods 

and services. Expenses are recorded at the same time as related income. 

Expenses with no relation to income, are recorded when incurred. 

Valuation and classification of assets 

Assets meant for permanent ownership are classified as fixed assets. Other 

assets are classified as current assets. Debtors due within one year are 

classified as current assets. When classifying short-term liabilities similar 

criteria is used. 

Fixed assets are valued based on purchase price, but written down to actual 

cost when the fluctuation in the value is not expected to be incidental. Fixed 

assets with a minimum life expectancy are depreciated systematically. 

Current assets are valued at the lower of the purchasing price and the actual 

value. 

Note 2 – Payroll costs, benefits, etc. 

2008 2007 

Salary 22.428.102 20.781.060 

Payroll Tax, Employer’s 

2.522.343 2.369.466 

contribution 

Other Personnel expenses 1.722.386 1.757.768 

Total 26.672.830 24.908.294 

Average no. of employees 50.6 49.1 

Payments to leading 

personnel 

Headmaster Board 

Salary 800.568 0 

Other benefits 6.231 0 

Total 

Fees to Auditor 

806.799 0 

Deloitte AS 2008 2007 

Auditing 54.375 54.375 

Other Services 17.500 12.000 

RCNUWC is obliged to have an occupational pension scheme in accordance 

with the law on mandatory occupational pension. The arrangements 

RCNUWC have made meet these requirements. 

Note 3 – Property, plant and equipment 

Machines & 

Furniture 

Vehicles Housing 

Facilities 

Buildings Projects in 

progress 

Purchasing cost 01.01 2.681.365 1.089.363 15.576.099 52.732 1.328.323 21.727.882 

Retired items 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Purchase cost new assets 889.389 0 0 0 -386.040 503.349 

Purchase Cost 31.12 3.570.754 1.089.363 15.576.099 52.732 942.283 21.231.231 

Total Depreciation 2.087.845 866.508 0 29.931 2.984.284 

Book value 31.12 1.482.909 222.855 15.576.099 22.801 942. 283 18.246.946 

Annual depreciations 265.469 168.900 0 5.200 439.569 

Depreciation method Linear Linear Linear 

Depreciation percentage 10-30% 20% 0% 10% 

The housing facilities is not exposed to decrease in value beyond normal wear 

and tear and the facilities are therefore not depreciated. Buildings under 

construction are partly financed by donations and gifts. Net acquisition cost 

at year end is entered into the balance sheet. 

Property provided at no acquisition cost: 

Total 

Buildings from Statsbygg Gift from the Leif Høegh Foundation 

Administration building 

Auditorium / Cantina 

Two classroom facilities 

Four dormitories for students and 

Four teachers/mentor houses 

Laundry facilities 

House for cultural events 

Boathouse 

Year of acquisition 1995 1997 

Total Value 70.000.000 9.742.000 

As donations and gifts cover the acquisition cost for the buildings, they are 

only entered with a value of NOK 1,- in the Balance Sheet. 

The school facilities are partly financed by a loan from Den norske Stat at 

a nominal value of NOK 35.000.000. The loan is interest-free and has no 

repayment commitment unless the buildings are sold out of the foundation. 

The amount is therefore not recorded as debt in the financial statements. 

Note 4 –Equity etc. 


Basic Capital Other Equity Total 

Equity 01.01 50.000 7.286.411 7.336.411 

Result for the year 2.173.170 2.173.170 

Equity 31.12 50.000 9.459.580 9.509.580 

Note 5 – Project related funds 

The foundation receives yearly gifts and contributions to defined projects. 

Funds intended for such projects are shown as liabilities in the balance sheet 

and recorded in the income statement when used. 

Amnesty Intnl. 

Student Group 

Balance 01.01 Received Spent Balance 31.12 

49.900 91.697 96.173 45.424 

Culture-house Fund 19.400 0 0 19.400 

Total 69.300 91.697 96.173 64.824 

Note 6 – Security for Mortgage loans 

2008 2007 

Nominal value of mortgage loans 

Book value of pledged assets: 

12.431.041 13.093.790 

Machines, furniture 1.482.909 858.979 

Buildings 15.576.099 15.576.099 

17.059.088 16.435.078 

Note 7 – Rental agreement etc. 

The foundation has a rental agreement regarding lease of plant and buildings 

from Røde Kors Haugland Rehabiliteringssenter AS. 

Note 8 – Bank deposits 

The bank deposits include tied-up assets of NOK 1.016.763 related to withheld 

payroll taxes. Furthermore, there are bank deposits of a total of NOK 

944.766 regarding financing of certain projects, cf. note 3. 

Note 9 – Joint Ventures 

Company Starting Date Business Office Ownership / 

Voting share 

Haugland Internasjonale 

FOU Senter AS 

08.06.95 Fjaler 33% 

Intercompany Accounts 2008 2007 

Accounts receivable 38.281 21.656 

Liabilities 0 267.551 

Photographs by: 

Iita Kulmala, Marija Magoc, Xiaolong Li, Petr Salaba, Xilo Clarke, 

Peter Wilson, Alistair Robertson, Edmund Cluett 

Printed by E. Natvik Prenteverk AS, Florø 

15

UWC Mission Statement 

UWC makes education a force to unite people, 

nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. 

Red Cross Mission Statement 

The purpose of the Red Cross is to 

protect life and health and 

ensure respect for the human being. 

It is guided solely by individual need. 

It makes no distinction as to nationality, 

race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. 

Red Cross Nordic United World College 

N-6968 Flekke, Norway 

+47 5773 7000 

www.rcnuwc.no

Annual Report 2008 - Red Cross Nordic United World College

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