Operation Dayswork
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jan 07 2006 at 3:46 PM
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Operasjon Dagsverk (OD) is the Norwegian school students own solidarity campaign. Through OD, school students in Norway become aware of their responsibility to contribute to create a more just world. By giving a day of their education, they give youngsters in poorer parts of the world the possibility to education.

Operasjon Dagsverk is a solidarity campaign by, with and for youth. The campaign is arranged by The Norwegian School Student Organization (Elevorganisasjonen i Norge) and consists of two parts; the information campaign "International Week" and the OD-day. International Week is the fundament for the work and being of OD, and is arranged about two weeks before the OD-day. OD spreads information about the theme/issue of the year, in order to create involvement and sustainable/long term attitude changes. In this period, OD is offering the schools free information material, lecturers and loads of local activities.
International Week ends in the OD-day, where school students skip one day of their education and do a ”Days work”. The salary they’re given goes to OD. Every year about 750 lower- (13 – 15 years) and upper (16 – 18 years) secondary schools participate, and OD reach out to approximately 180.000 school students. In the last 3 years, a yearly amount of 28 – 30 million kroner (appr. 4 million €) has been raised. The funds are channelled through Norwegian NGOs who can apply to become a partner organisation for a campaign, and administer the whole amount that is collected that year.
The implementation of Operasjon Dagsverk is done by school students. Approx. 5000 volunteers are involved in the campaign. These are organised locally, regionally and centrally. In addition, OD has an administration with two permanent employees, one yearly elected leader and one doing his community service.

Since 1964 Norwegian school students have been giving one day of their education in solidarity with youth in the south.
Youth in different parts of the world are born with different opportunities. OD wants to create an interest and involvement for international questions among school students in Norway, by giving information and the opportunity to make an effort. By supporting local initiatives for education in the South, they can contribute to change the present situation.
If you want more information on Operasjon Dagsverk you’re welcome to contact the OD-administration.