Red Cross partnership
Our collaboration with the Red Cross is a cornerstone of our identity, bringing both a sense of pride and a deep sense of responsibility.
Since the College opened in 1995, the Red Cross has been an integral part of campus life. Rooted in shared values, our partnership influences how we support one another and care for our surroundings. The partnership seeks to prepare UWC RCN students to be ethical leaders of tomorrow, to be ambassadors for the core values of the two organizations, and agents of positive change in the world.
Through our programs, students and staff enjoy many opportunities to learn and get involved with the Red Cross at a local and at a national level.
Siri Hatlen, President Norwegian Red Cross with students from UWC Red Cross Nordic.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient world. At UWC Red Cross Nordic education is not just about acquiring knowledge – it is about fostering understanding, empathy and responsibility. These values are deeply rooted in the mission of both the United World Colleges movement and the Red Cross, making our partnership both natural and essential.
UWC Red Cross Nordic is a unique institution that brings together students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. They are united by a shared commitment to humanitarian values. As a Red Cross school, it plays a crucial role in equipping young people with the skills and awareness needed to navigate the challenges of today’s world.
The seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality – are not just concepts taught in classrooms. These principles guide the students in becoming ambassadors for peace, human dignity and international cooperation.
We have all had the privilege of visiting the school several times. There is something truly unique about experiencing this sense of community in the small municipality of Fjaler. It demonstrates the value of building understanding for democracy, dialogue, and peacebuilding across nationalities. The students who graduate from this school each year leave for the wider world with a very special set of experiences and perspectives. In a time marked by unrest and polarization, it is genuinely hopeful to meet young people who actively choose the opposite: to listen, build trust, and see the person behind the differences.
We are grateful for the ongoing partnership between the Norwegian Red Cross and UWC Red Cross Nordic, and we look forward to witness the continued impact of this collaboration in the years ahead.”