Sixth-grade students from Melaskóli and Háteigsskóli are currently participating in a Nordplus project alongside peers from Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, and Aarhus, Denmark. The project, called SPIN (Sprogvenner i Norden - kunsten at forstå hinanden), translates to "Language Friends in the Nordic Countries - the Art of Understanding Each Other."
Multilingualism is a valuable resource
The project is founded on the core belief that multilingualism is a valuable resource. SPIN aims to enhance cultural awareness and promote inclusion. Through creative projects and artistic expression, children gain a deeper understanding of their own linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as that of their Nordic peers. The project is being conducted in partnership with the National Gallery of Iceland and Dokk1 Culture House in Aarhus. Kristín R. Vilhjálmsdóttir serves as the SPIN project manager, with the Center for Language and Literacy representing the Department of Education & Youth.
Work will be showcased at the Children's Culture Festival
SPIN launched in October 2024 and will run for two years. The children's first involvement came in December when they exchanged holiday video greetings. All 250 participants have received training and completed creative projects exploring identity and diversity. They have also participated in a Cultural Fair where parents and community members were invited to view the children's work and engage in conversations with them.
All students have completed the Cultural Fair process with Kristín V. at their respective schools, with Háteigsskóli finishing as the final school this week. Six students from each school will be selected as SPIN ambassadors and will meet for the first time in Iceland during the first week of April to prepare the exhibition for the Children's Culture Festival at the Culture House on Hverfisgata. A similar project with the same group will take place at Dokk1 in Denmark this fall. Selected students from Melaskóli and Háteigsskóli will travel as project ambassadors. Additional student collaboration opportunities are being developed as the project evolves.
