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TODcast - The Oslo Desk Podcast

TODcast - The Oslo Desk Podcast

By The Oslo Desk

Bringing you diverse stories of amazing immigrants living in Norway and people abroad doing incredible work you didn't know and more.

Season 1 - International female leaders in Norway
Season 2 - European initiatives for an inclusive Society
Season 3 - Meet the founder of The Oslo Desk - Ka Man Mak
Season 4 - Leadership focused on "leading together"
Season 5 - Black Parents in Norway - Their Story
Season 6 - Thriving or Surviving in Norway

Learn more about The Oslo Desk (TOD) here: www.oslodesk.com



Graphic credit: Yang Xu
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TEASER S5E1 - Chisom Udeze on being a Black Parent in Norway

TODcast - The Oslo Desk PodcastDec 25, 2021

00:00
03:13
S6E8 - Hyacinth Walters-Olsen on Compassionate Leadership, Wellness, and Thriving in Norway

S6E8 - Hyacinth Walters-Olsen on Compassionate Leadership, Wellness, and Thriving in Norway

Hyacinth Walters-Olsen, born and raised in Manchester, is the founder and Chief People Champion of YUDconsult. Recently the company got accepted into Google Norway Business Development Incubator. Helping people champion their well-being mentally and physically, and through her full-time job being Head of Department at Fotobaren AS. After 20+ years of experience working in leadership positions, most notably as the director of customer liaisons for a financial services organization with customers in 130+ countries, CEO of a cross-cultural national organization and private consultant to multiple C-suite leaders, she relishes every opportunity to invest her time and resources into the growth and upliftment.

Living in Norway for several years, Hyacinth felt left behind and alone in society. She especially noticed it when visiting her daughter with the company of her ex-husband's family. Suffering from health issues and the loss of her ex-husband, Hyacinth’s daughter eventually left her too during the loss of her father. Being unemployed and alone was difficult. Eventually, she got help from an old friend that was very supportive. The difficulties she went through made her a stronger person and more experienced in counselling people.

And a huge big thank you to Fotobaren for allowing us to use their venue.

Check out YUDconsult: www.yudconsult.com

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Thriving or Surviving in Norway.

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film Production: Andre Percy Katombe
Podcast Production: Ka Man Mak & Julien Kaseya

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely. Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers. If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution, please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Jan 05, 202348:16
S6E7 - Leanna Lunde on Performing Arts and Losing Her Children to Norwegian Language

S6E7 - Leanna Lunde on Performing Arts and Losing Her Children to Norwegian Language

Leanna Lunde is an Australian who has lived in Norway and worked with arts for the last 18 years. Educated in Performing Arts, Leanna has worked in creative, technical and management positions for production companies, culture houses and festivals. Through many talents, she managed to thrive in Norway. Having audio dyslexia, vocal language has always been a challenge, so learning Norwegian is a slow process.  However, she didn’t expect that not understanding Norwegian could impact her relationship with her own children. Even though her children knew  Norwegian she received pressure from the Norwegian health services to have her children ‘socialized’, she ultimately ‘lost’ them to the  Norwegian language for several years and they stopped speaking to their mother. Eventually, her children started to speak to her more, and by bringing her children to Australia for 2 months, they understood how  English stood in the contents of the world and their family. She felt like that knowledge was the one thing of value she could help them with in the world. Then they started to know each other all over again and they could tell Leanne what they really thought and felt.    

And a huge big thank you to Rebel Oslo for allowing us to use their venue.  

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway. 

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film Production: Andre Percy Katombe
Podcast Production: Ka Man Mak & Julien Kaseya  

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely. Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers. If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution, please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.  

Dec 27, 202246:49
S6E6 - Lila Zotou on Photography, Medical Obstacles and Grief

S6E6 - Lila Zotou on Photography, Medical Obstacles and Grief

Lila Zotou lived and obtained her first BA in Visual Arts in Greece.  After that, she went to the Netherlands where she graduated with a  Master’s Degree in Fine Arts at Utrecht University of the Arts. There she lived for 7 years and it was an experience that shaped her professionally and developed the ideology that she desired to approach her creative thinking.   

In Oslo, she got motivated working as a freelance photographer, photo  instructor and occasional curator. Her artistic practice ranges across notions of identity, belonging and place. Lila uses all kinds of photography such as vernacular photography, peripatetic photography, and visual storytelling to explore the world around her and her role in it.  It was in Oslo that she learned more about herself and developed  creative practices as an act of self-care.  

Lila talks about her experience with the Norwegian health system. She suffered some major medical obstacles in getting reproductive health treatment and not getting the help that she needed from the hospital.  Lila got exhausted during the process of getting follow-ups whilst also overcoming grief. The waiting times in the hospitals were also too long and it seemed like they did not want to prioritize her.   

And a huge big thank you to Oslo International Hub for allowing us to use their venue.   

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway.  

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak  
Film Production: Andre Percy Katombe  
Podcast Production: Ka Man Mak & Julien Kaseya   

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely. Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers. If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution, please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Dec 27, 202258:03
S6E5 - Aiko Yamashita on her PhD journey, Depression, Motherhood and ESG Data

S6E5 - Aiko Yamashita on her PhD journey, Depression, Motherhood and ESG Data

Aiko Yamashita (PhD.) is the Principal Data Scientist at Group Risk  Management and Lead of ESG Data Task Force in the Norwegian bank, DNB.  Aiko has lived in Japan, Sweden, Costa Rica, US and Netherlands. before landing in Norway. She talks about embracing the beauty of two cultures –  Japanese and Latin American and navigating these cultures with parenting in Norway. After finishing her degree in Costa Rica, she went to the US, which was a tough break from her family who provided her with a safety net. Her depression led her into nature and connected with the tour guide who shaped her perception of life. Aiko also shared about her best friend’s passing – a friendship that was so dear to her and how she overcame these challenges in her life. Her last remarks are “To get out there. Move!”.  

Aiko Yamashita has a background in Informatics with a doctoral degree in experimental software engineering. She has +10 years of experience in data analytics within the logistics, retail and finance industries. She is currently leading the ESG Data Task Force, which has a mission to ensure top-of-class ESG analytics and timely access to ESG data for the  Corporate. She believes in the responsible use of Data, AI, and  Technology, and is a passionate advocate for data literacy in DNB. In addition to being a Data Scientist at DNB, Aiko is an Adjunct Associate  Professor at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, where she has taught courses in Data Science and supervised students.  

A huge big thank you to Sentralen and Aqeel Shafqat Gujjar for allowing us to use their venue.     

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway.    

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film and Production: Andre Percy Katombe    

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely.     

Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers.  If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution, please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Oct 22, 202231:23
S6E4 – John Alan Resse on Opening a Radio Show, Powerlifting, Media and Community

S6E4 – John Alan Resse on Opening a Radio Show, Powerlifting, Media and Community

John Alan Resse is born and raised in Ohio, USA. He moved to Norway in  2002 with his Norwegian wife. He has two children and a daughter back home in the USA from a previous relationship. He talks about how he navigates the hardship in life when we don’t see opportunities, and how he applies his insight in powerlifting into other aspects of his life.  John has also made guest appearances on Norwegian TV broadcasting channels: TV2 and NRK where it’s important to have media representation.  He talks about his thoughts on crowdfunding for his new radio show to share more uplifting, inspiring and educational content; and makes an open call to the international community to band together so that we can support each other when we are barely surviving. Actions speak volumes to love and the social impact we want to create. The need to be seen and heard.   

John founded and hosted The Comin' Home Podcast, which is now turned into a FM radio show. John is currently a writer, singer-songwriter,  champion and record-holding powerlifter, standup comedian, podcaster,  and radio program producer, creator, and host. He was a former US Marine and US police officer who worked as a narcotics and gang detective,  crime scene technician and juvenile officer for 7 years in the U.S.A. In  Norway, he has worked as a project leader, music teacher, child services case worker, and consultant for the Norwegian Police Immigration Service, and founded 3 gyms. His podcast was inspired by his  own search for motivation and meaning after losing his son to heroin overdose in November 2019.  

A huge big thank you to Scandic Ambassadeur Drammen and George Daniels for allowing us to use their venue.     

The interview was recorded back in February 2022, and both the guest and host were recovering from surgeries at the time.  

The Comin' Home Podcast: https://johnalanpod.com/   

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway.    

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film and Production: Andre Percy Katombe    

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely.     

Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers.  If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution, please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Oct 22, 202259:54
S6E3 - Enzo Rossi on Culture Shock and International Health Information System that Helped Norway

S6E3 - Enzo Rossi on Culture Shock and International Health Information System that Helped Norway

Enzo Nicholás Rossi was born in Uruguay but has since lived in Paraguay, Canary Islands, Germany, United Kingdom, and now has been in Norway for the last nine years. He has a degree in International Trade and Languages, as well as a master's in Higher Education Studies. His main expertise is  Internationalisation of Education and has worked for many years  recruiting international students and helping institutions become more  international. He currently works as an Implementer for an Open Source software project, supporting Ministries of Health in African and Latin American countries. He also does presentations and workshops about cross-cultural awareness and coping with culture shock for companies and organisations.  

And a huge big thank you to Rebel Oslo for allowing us to use their venue.   

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway.  

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film and Production: Andre Percy Katombe  

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely.   

Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers. If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution,  please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Aug 04, 202239:31
S6E2: Abi Høier Hoel on Finding Work, Good Health, and Support

S6E2: Abi Høier Hoel on Finding Work, Good Health, and Support

A Mexican American and woman-in-tech, Abi Høier Hoel is an Account  Manager for local scale-up and agri-tech game-changer, Farmforce AS.  After marrying her Norwegian husband, Abi left her home in Phoenix,  Arizona and her promising career in financial advising to immigrate to  Norway in December 2019. Since then, she has faced the challenges of being an immigrant in a new country head-on and continues to use her passions for kindness, people, and technology to help others feel seen,  heard, and empowered.   

And a huge big thank you to Fotobaren for allowing us to use their venue.   

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway.  

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film and Production: Andre Percy Katombe  

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely.   

Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers. If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution,  please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Aug 04, 202236:41
S6E1: Yvan Bayisabe on Surviving and Thriving the Entrepreneurship Ride

S6E1: Yvan Bayisabe on Surviving and Thriving the Entrepreneurship Ride

An interview with Yvan Bayisabe, a serial entrepreneur based in Oslo with a Master's degree in law at the University of Oslo, and is currently studying part-time Computer science at Oslo Metropolitan  University. Born in Burundi and migrated to Norway in 2003.  Recently launched a tech startup called Vibrantcreator with a bold aim to provide universal access to successful entrepreneurship. The startup provides entrepreneurs with a virtual business partner that formalizes and structures ideas into businesses.  Heavily passionate about impact development and speaks five languages.  

The Oslo Desk Podcast Season 6 - Surviving or Thriving in Norway.  

Interviewer: Ka Man Mak
Film and Production: Andre Percy Katombe  

The Oslo Desk is building a leading media house to portray racialised immigrant communities more accurately and completely.   

Most of our work is conducted by dedicated journalists and storytellers.  If you would like this work to continue and can make a contribution,  please go to https://buymeacoffee.com/oslodesk.

Aug 04, 202229:57
S5E5 - Lucas Salmon on being a Black Parent in Norway

S5E5 - Lucas Salmon on being a Black Parent in Norway

A conversation with Lucas Salmon based in Oslo on fatherhood, music, BLM, immigration journey, networking, youth work,  grief, racism, school, resilience, ambitions, coronavirus pandemic and bullying.

Lucas is from London and is now living in Norway since 2010. He has worked with a wide variety of organizations in Norway such as Youth  Against Drugs, Antiracist centre, Queer Word, Red Cross and in different schools in Norway. He worked formerly as a milieu counsellor (in Norwegian: miljøarbeider) in schools with a special focus on working with at-risk youth, as well as mentoring one-on-one school dropouts and as project manager for some creative projects. He is currently working as a project manager with the responsibility for developing prevention programs at the national level aimed at at-risk youth and is a Life  Coach Mentor for young people in the community.

Season 5 - Black Parents in Norway - Their Story.

Podcast cover & production by Ka Man Mak

Dec 29, 202148:34
TEASER S5E5 - Lucas Salmon on being a Black Parent in Norway

TEASER S5E5 - Lucas Salmon on being a Black Parent in Norway

A teaser for a conversation with Lucas Salmon based in Oslo on fatherhood, music, BLM, immigration journey, networking, youth work, grief, racism, school, resilience, ambitions, coronavirus pandemic and bullying.

Lucas is from London and is now living in Norway since 2010. He has worked with a wide variety of organizations in Norway such as Youth Against Drugs, Antiracist centre, Queer Word, Red Cross and in different schools in Norway. He worked formerly as milieu counsellor (in Norwegian: miljøarbeider) in schools with a special focus on working with at-risk youth, as well as mentoring one-on-one school dropouts and as project manager for some creative projects. He is currently working as a project manager with the responsibility for developing prevention programs at the national level aimed at at-risk youth and is a Life Coach Mentor for young people in the community. 

Season 5 - Black Parents in Norway - Their Story.

Podcast cover & production by Ka Man Mak

Dec 29, 202100:59
S5E4 - Dora Poni Loro on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 29, 202140:16
TEASER S5E4 - Dora Poni Loro on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 29, 202100:59
S5E3 - John Alan Reese on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 28, 202101:00:36
TEASER S5E3 - John Alan Reese on being a Black Parent in Norway

TEASER S5E3 - John Alan Reese on being a Black Parent in Norway

A teaser on the conversation with John Alan Resse on parenting, police force in US and Norway, child welfare system, BLM, podcast, racism, immigration journey, talent recognition, and rising above all odds.

John founded and hosted The Comin' Home Podcast, which is now turned into a FM radio show. John is also an independent artist, musician, songwriter, standup comedian and powerlifter. He was a former US police officer who worked as a narcotics and gang detective, crime scene technician and juvenile officer for 7 years in the U.S.A. In Norway, he has worked as a caseworker for child welfare services, and founded 3 gyms. His podcast was inspired by his own search for motivation and meaning after losing his son to heroin overdose in November 2019.

The Comin' Home Podcast: https://johnalanpod.com/

Season 5 - Black Parents in Norway - Their Story.

Podcast cover & production by Ka Man Mak

Dec 28, 202105:28
TEASER S5E2 - André Percy Katombe on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 25, 202102:46
S5E2 - André Percy Katombe on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 25, 202101:06:11
TEASER S5E1 - Chisom Udeze on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 25, 202103:13
S5E1 - Chisom Udeze on being a Black Parent in Norway
Dec 25, 202155:34
S4E6 Behind the scenes of "Leading together" with host Helene Timm
Feb 17, 202110:26
S4S5 Vindskift - "Leading together" by community
Feb 17, 202122:31
S4E4 Christy Lorgen - "Leading together" by trust
Feb 17, 202123:21
S4E3 Frederick Fladmark - "Leading together" by intent
Feb 17, 202123:01
S4E2 Melanie Coffee - "Leading together" by compassion
Feb 17, 202124:51
S4E1 Anthony Giannoumis - "Leading together" by equity
Feb 17, 202120:05
S3E8 - Meet Ka Man - Final Interview no.3 Uncut on pregnancy journey and domestic violence

S3E8 - Meet Ka Man - Final Interview no.3 Uncut on pregnancy journey and domestic violence

A final interview with the founder of The Oslo Desk, Ka Man Mak, where she talks about her pregnancy journey in Oslo, her relationship with her daughter, and her own experience with domestic violence. 

She is interviewed by Dr. Anthony Giannoumis, an action researcher, social entrepreneur and equality advocate, as well as a podcast anchor for Universal Design – Life and Work. Check out his work here: https://www.dranthony.design/listen.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode contains violent content and graphic descriptions of abuse that listeners may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.

Feb 14, 202101:27:08
S3E7: Meet Ka Man - Full Interview no.2

S3E7: Meet Ka Man - Full Interview no.2

A second interview with the founder of The Oslo Desk, Ka Man Mak, where she unpacks her emotions - from her most embarrassing moments, to her tearful moment and her reflection over her own death.  She is interviewed by Dr. Anthony Giannoumis, an action researcher, social entrepreneur and equality advocate, as well as a podcast anchor for  Universal Design – Life and Work. Check out his work here:  https://www.dranthony.design/listen

00.00:40 - What is your most embarrassing moment in life?
00:03:30 - How does love affect your life?
00:06:25 - The different kinds of love.
00:10:57 - What would you say to your younger self about love?
00:15:12 - Crying and vulnerability.
00:21:34 - Headspace to process feelings.
00:33:19 - Things you do not joke about.
00:37:52 - What do you want to know in your future?
00:42:36 - Things you want to do?
00:45:59 - If you were going to die today, is there anything you want to say? & her special children's book.
00:51:42 - When was the last time you asked for advice?

Interviewed in late November 2020.
Published on 24th December 2020.


Dec 24, 202054:45
S3E6: Meet Ka Man - Childhood Experiences (6 mins)

S3E6: Meet Ka Man - Childhood Experiences (6 mins)

In this episode, Dr Anthony Giannoumis asks Ka Man about her childhood experiences. This is a snippet of the whole interview which you can listen to on Season 3 Episode 1 (S301).

Website: www.oslodesk.com

Nov 17, 202005:51
S3E5: Meet Ka Man - My Daughter's Kindness (3 mins)

S3E5: Meet Ka Man - My Daughter's Kindness (3 mins)

In this episode, Dr Anthony Giannoumis asks Ka Man about what she feels most grateful for. This is a snippet of the whole interview which you can listen to on Season 3 Episode 1 (S301).

Website: www.oslodesk.com

Nov 17, 202003:01
S3E4: Meet Ka Man - Turning Point (5 mins)

S3E4: Meet Ka Man - Turning Point (5 mins)

In this episode, Dr Anthony Giannoumis asks Ka Man about a moment that impacted her life . This is a snippet of the whole interview which you can listen to on Season 3 Episode 1 (S301).

Website: www.oslodesk.com

Nov 17, 202005:08
S3E3: Meet Ka Man - Being a Mum, Journalist and Entrepreneur (4 mins)

S3E3: Meet Ka Man - Being a Mum, Journalist and Entrepreneur (4 mins)

In this episode, Dr Anthony Giannoumis asks Ka Man about how she juggles between being a mum, journalist and entrepreneur. This is a snippet of the whole interview which you can listen to on Season 3 Episode 1 (S301).

Website: www.oslodesk.com 

Nov 12, 202003:56
S3E2: Meet Ka Man - Achievements and Journalism (6 mins)

S3E2: Meet Ka Man - Achievements and Journalism (6 mins)

In this episode, Dr Anthony Giannoumis asks Ka Man about her recent happiest moment. This is a snippet of the whole interview which you can listen to on Season 3 Episode 1 (S3E1).

Website: www.oslodesk.com

Nov 12, 202006:24
S3E1: Meet Ka Man - Full Interview

S3E1: Meet Ka Man - Full Interview

Meet Ka Man Mak, the founder of The Oslo Desk and TODcast who gets interviewed by Dr. Anthony Giannoumis, an action researcher, social entrepreneur and equality advocate, as well as a podcast anchor for Universal Design – Life and Work. Check out his work here: https://www.dranthony.design/listen 

Interviewed on 1st November 2020.
Published on 12th November 2020.

Nov 12, 202045:49
S2E8: Helga Hinse on Ettlinger Women and Family Centre, Germany (Food as Vehicle to Learn Cultures)

S2E8: Helga Hinse on Ettlinger Women and Family Centre, Germany (Food as Vehicle to Learn Cultures)

Who would have thought that food can be used as a vehicle to learn languages and the cultures? Intercultural dialogues don’t have to start by knowing the language, although that can help, but more importantly learning about the culture and fighting for your rights is also important. Tune into Helga Hinse’s episode to learn about how food can become a vehicle to German culture, how their women and family centre at Ettlinger, Germany tackle the far-right movement and how she opened up doors for the next generations. Helga Hinse is a former secondary school teacher and former Head of Ettlinger Women and Family Centre. She now works at Mütterforum. 

Text and Podcast production by Ka Man Mak.
Podcast Anchor: Ka Man Mak.

//

About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:

The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Oct 11, 202036:58
S2E7: Lene Løge Almqvist on Primary School for Adults at Oslo Rosenhof VO

S2E7: Lene Løge Almqvist on Primary School for Adults at Oslo Rosenhof VO

While its primary mandate of the Oslo Primary School for Adults is to provide education, Lene Løge Almqvist, who heads the school wonders how curriculum can be tweaked to respond to other needs of the student such as offering alternative pathways for learning for some students or prepare more integrated learning activities that can be helpful for students who may be interested in using their education to find a job rather than pursue higher learning.

In this regard, Almqvist revealed that the school office in Oslo is presently discussing possibilities to create several pathways in adult education by creating specialized programs within the primary school for adults to make learning outcomes more relevant for each participant. One of the programs will specialize in preparing students for further education, another program directed towards work skills education, and the third that will be directed towards being an active citizen participating in their local community all within fulfilling the primary school obligations as a state-funded educational institution.

At the moment, Almqvist thinks that the curriculum that the primary school for adults is not flexible enough to respond to the needs of adult learners and sees the need to “widen the focus of the curriculum” to include the knowledge and skills and competencies that the students “need to be active citizens and gain control over their own lives to obtain the competencies.”

She stressed that the adult education school is facing a lot of structural and organizational challenges that hinder flexibility that a voice needs to be raised to point out how some participants are actually falling between different chairs, and figure out how to help them by adjusting the system to ensure that fewer people fall through the cracks.


About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:

The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.  
Text by Macel Ingles
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley.  
Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202044:35
S2E6: Donika Nura on Introduction Program in District Stovner, Norway.

S2E6: Donika Nura on Introduction Program in District Stovner, Norway.

The Introduction Program in Norway is focused on getting the participants qualified for work by usually designating them three days a week to Norwegian classes and two days a week to obtain work experience. But, only if their Norwegian language skills are good enough, will they get a Praksisplass - the Norwegian term for gaining training and work experience, which is for two days a week on a 3-month contract.

This process is beneficial since the refugees and immigrants need work experience. Some do get a job after practising while others need to take more time to gain work eligibility.

“Integration is a shared sense of responsibility,” said Donika Nura the Project Leader of the Introduction Program at District Stovner. The main purpose of this program is to integrate immigrants into work, so that they can become financially independent, especially for refugees who are granted a residence permit. Donika elaborates further on integration, “it’s not enough to just have an introduction program unless society takes a common responsibility for assimilation.”

One of the major challenges that Donika faced is finding employers, who are willing to give a chance to immigrants with work experience in another country or ones who have none. It is her job to make sure that the employers do not take advantage of free labour. “I stay in touch with the employer and ask for a plan on what they are meant to go through. When I hear justifications like the participant is good, but they need more time; and they don’t have a proper reason on why the time is needed; then I will tell the employer that they either hire the person or the candidate is told not to go there anymore.”

Even though the current climate of the far-right movement and the anti-immigration sentiment looms Europe, Donika sees the reduction of refugees in the District Stovner. However, there may be a silver lining to this which is work can be effective for smaller classes so that there is more contact time for the participants to help them get a job.

About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:

The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Text and Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley.
Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202015:45
S2E5 : Ismahan Ahmed Adan on Bydelsmødre (District Mothers) in Norway

S2E5 : Ismahan Ahmed Adan on Bydelsmødre (District Mothers) in Norway

“We don’t work for the government, that’s really important because the trust between us and the women we support is the most important.”

These are the words of Ismahan Ahmed Adan (30), a part-time student of Bachelors in Social Work, a multicultural doula at Oslo university hospital, and volunteer at Bydelsmødre, that translates as ‘’District Mothers’’.

Commenced in 2016, Bydelsmødre now has 131 branches in Oslo, in 6 different districts. It focuses on supporting women especially the ones isolated and mothers who are not receiving help in their communities and are unable to contact public institutions. They're given a wide range of support such as translating letters from their children’s school, or initiating the application process for kindergarten, or access to resources such as where to learn Norwegian language or basic rights. ‘Bydelsmødre acts like a cultural bridge by eliminating language barriers and building trust in their communities,’ said Ismahan who was raised in Oslo with roots in Somalia and is fully aware of how crucial this bridge is to empower the women, who trust them to understand their problems better than anyone else. “The initiative that hasn't been in Norway for such a long time, but the impact and the success stories have been so many,” cited Ismahan, who is hopeful to see that every district or neighbourhood in Oslo will have a district mother.


About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Text and Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley. 
Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202036:19
S2E4 : Elisabeth Larsen on NAV Jobbsjansen (Job Opportunity Scheme) in Norway

S2E4 : Elisabeth Larsen on NAV Jobbsjansen (Job Opportunity Scheme) in Norway

NAV Jobbsjansen (Job Opportunity Scheme) - a qualification program for women who want to work or begin education. The program is for two to three years but has been running since 2013. She emphasised that Jobbsjansen provides women who have been at home for a long time with an opportunity to be educated and helps them sneak in the backdoor to get a job or work experience.

“Norway really needs diversity and people from different backgrounds because that really enriches our own culture and country in various ways. So, I am very glad to have this job where I meet so many wonderful women and am very grateful to be a part of their lives,” said Elisabeth Larsen, Project Leader of NAV Jobbsjansen (Job Opportunity Scheme).

Elisabeth further continued about how it’s been a learning process about participants of different cultures. Elisabeth is from Finmark but has been living in Oslo for 20 years. Due to her love for learning languages and cultures, not only has she mastered Russian, German, and Farsi but also feels like an immigrant. She can perceive the hard work these women put in. And since more and more jobs are disappearing from the labor market, there is a great need to focus on education or re-skilling.

She talked about how Jobbsjansen motivates adults to learn languages by including specific topics that concern the women who are participating. Every Friday, 10 am to 2pm, they have a gathering where participants are put into groups and everyone gets a chance to voice their opinions and speak about politics, women’s rights, dependency etc. and see that there are different women with distinct personalities growing together.

Elisabeth Larsen, Project Leader of NAV Jobbsjansen (Job Opportunity Scheme). Email: Elisabeth.Larsen2@nav.no.


About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:
The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Text and Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley. 
Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202059:32
S2E3 : Ann-Britt Svensson and Marianne Lööf on Kvinno Center in Sweden

S2E3 : Ann-Britt Svensson and Marianne Lööf on Kvinno Center in Sweden

Ann-Britt Svensson is a teacher and Marianne Lööf is a social worker. Both work at the Women's Center (Kvinno Center) in Bergsjön. The Swedish non-profit organisation was founded in 1998 to help women with immigrant backgrounds participate in society. They talk about the challenges of finding funding, the meaningful work they do, political integration, and how they help in bridging cultures.

Ann-Britt describes that “integration is mostly about participating in society and making your voice heard.”

Women’s Centre in Bergsjön runs as a local center of excellence for equality and diversity. They are an open meeting place for women of all ages and nationalities with an ambition to pass on knowledge to members; collaborate with other similar organizations and businesses. Due to their efforts in bridging the gap, 80 women were able to come out to work, and were employed in jobs such as cultural translators. Now, the Women's Center wants to be able to promote exchanges internationally.

Marianne also explains how they deal with racist people by inviting them to the Women's Center and help fight for the rights of women in every way they can.

“I think it is very important, they learn and work together, and support each other at the women's center. It is a nice place to be for them and for us. We learn together,” says Marianne. Ann-Britt thoughtfully adds about human rights being so important to participate and integrate as a part of society. Learning a language is a human right just as the right to work.


About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:
The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Text and Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley. 
Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202016:51
S2E2 - Peter Wahl and Nesrin Tyurksyoz on Elternseminar and Rucksack program, Germany

S2E2 - Peter Wahl and Nesrin Tyurksyoz on Elternseminar and Rucksack program, Germany

For Elternseminar, getting help for families with migrant backgrounds is the right way to go in integrating the migrant population into mainstream society. Elternseminar is the Family Education Service of the Youth Welfare Office of Stuttgart, located at the capital of the region Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany.

For years, it has been organised into a cross-cultural family education service to respond to the growing migrant population of the city. Elternseminar has placed more efforts in helping migrant families by providing services for the education of children but also to the development of women and mothers.

For Peter Wahl, Headquarter Director of Elternseminar, his office’s integration task is to create opportunities for all inhabitants in all towns through education. By creating opportunities for everyone, Wahl believes that this creates an equal chance. The first thing that has to be done is to support good education for the inhabitants and to learn to live in diversity.

One of the programs that work exclusively with mothers under the family education service of Elternseminar is called Rucksack, backpack in German. The education program for mothers who have children in kindergarten and is run by Nesrin Tyurksyoz who is the program coordinator.

About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:
The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles. 

Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley.
Text and Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202036:26
S2E1 : Beatrice Alger and Randi Myhre - ForumSkill - Sweden

S2E1 : Beatrice Alger and Randi Myhre - ForumSkill - Sweden

ForumSkill is a Swedish resource organisation, comprising four employees and based in Gothenburg with a focus on human rights. The activities at ForumSkill consist of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE), rehabilitative cultural work, and an educational section that offers lectures, workshops, and educational material in areas such as social enterprise, work environment, sexuality, and functionality.

“One of the human rights is the right to work, and so together with persons who have difficulty entering the work market. We have decided to focus on this target group and help support and start together with this group,” says Randi Myhre of ForumSkill.

Randi is Norwegian living in Sweden, now as a language teacher. She has 15 years of experience in intercultural development projects and started a second-hand shop with immigrants in Gothenburg, and another sewing enterprise together with newcomers from Syria and Afghanistan. She has made educational training materials for the workplace to train newcomers.

“I think in all countries, we are very fast to label people and put them into boxes. So, we want to get rid of those boxes,” adds Beatrice Alger, who is a director of ForumSkill and works for human rights.

Having worked with people with mental disabilities, Beatrice saw their potential and due to the mutual philosophy of “everyone was good at something,” she got into Forumskill.

They've heard that adult education in Norway is good and would have liked to compare the notes under different circumstances; along with how issues like funding and problems like social inaccessibility are addressed here.

Beatrice shared a success-story - “where a person had intellectual disabilities and was due to be put in a care home; but due to FormSkill’s intervention and an opportunity to work, now he has progressed so much!

Randi thoughtfully urged- “The majority of the population, they are like door openers or gatekeepers. Please open the doors. Give people a chance.”


About European Initiatives For An Inclusive Society:The Oslo Desk was invited to contribute to a third study visit of the Family+ project in Oslo under a three-day conference between 11th and 13th March. The project aims to overcome the social exclusion of families through family education and empowerment activities, adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged and migrant families. Therefore the conference is part of exchanging knowledge and practices between Germany, Sweden and Norway. However, the conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures. In collaboration with Oslo VO Rosenhof, an adult learning centre, and funded by Erasmus plus programme of the European Union, are we able to produce a podcast season and series of articles.

Text and Podcast cover by Ka Man Mak and Kriti Thepade.
Podcast production by Ka Man Mak and Alex Whateley. 
Articles by Maria Cecelia Ingles

Read articles: www.oslodesk.com  

Apr 24, 202019:38
Physiotherapist turned Entrepreneur Preeti Agarwal on Turning Her Life Around - S1E10
Jan 21, 202035:25
Malaysian Yenyin Kwan on Chinese Diaspora History in Oslo and Power of Networking – S1E9
Jan 14, 202040:59
Honger Konger Architect Karie Yu on Navigating Her Life in Scandinavia - S1E8
Jan 07, 202025:08
South African Michell Mpike on Diversity in Norwegian Children's Literature - S1E7
Dec 12, 201932:04
Tina Marie Tsiplakis on her ADHD and Publishing House Startup – S1E6
Dec 05, 201940:28
Hifza Shahzad on Gender Equality in Pakistan and Technology - S1E5
Nov 27, 201917:16
Cathrine Bui on Blockchain, Negotiation and Self-Compassion - S1E4
Nov 19, 201935:28
Suriati Supani - Changing Your Mindset - S1E3
Nov 13, 201931:58
TEASER - Tara, Janine and Leeanne - The International Women Behind Oslo Soup - S1E2
Nov 09, 201900:58
TEASER - Akuba Dolphyne - Badass Ghanaian Women - S1E1
Nov 09, 201900:41