19/01/2011
On Wednesday 21 April Crown Prince Haakon and 12 volunteers held a Dignity Day at Ulsrud High School in Oslo, Norway. 280 students in firstgrade were invited to a conversation about what dignity means to them and how dignity can be a basic guiding principle for their choices and actions.
The Crown Prince introduced by explaining why he is concerned about respect and tolerance and how we can do more to stengthen eachother’s dignity. He was himself the leader of the group conversation in one of the classes.
- No matter what challenges we face in life, we all have hopes and dreams. Dignity allows us to keep our dreams. The school is an important tool to keep and to achieve those dreams, said Crown Prince Haakon.
After discussions in smaller groups, tens of students lined up to tell their dignity stories to the rest of their fellow students – receiving silent attention and warm and supporting applause. The stories touched on topics such as discrimination, bullying, poverty, racism, difficult choices in life andvarious forms of exclusion, and – not least – that someone had faith in them and held out a helping hand.
- This has been an exciting day where everyone has contributed. I am proud to be the headmaster of Ulsrud High School, Principal Patrick Stark said after listening to the students. – I believe that this help us all develop and experience dignity.
-Thomas Horne
