The Árborg Library, the Education Network and the University Association of South Iceland have joined forces and have begun implementing the project “Give Icelandic a Chance”. The project was launched at the University Centre of the Westfjords, where it has achieved great success, and is now bringing its roots to us in Árborg.
There were lively discussions and joy on the faces of the participants at the speed dating with Icelandic in Tryggvaskála. The main goal of the event was to give residents of foreign origin the opportunity to practice speaking Icelandic and no less to train us native speakers in listening and responding back in Icelandic. Representatives of the Árborg Library in Selfoss, the Education Network and the University Association of South Iceland came armed with lapel pins, posters and discussion points to create a conversation, but most went much further and deepened the conversations even further on their own.
One of the most valuable things we have in an unfamiliar country is the language, as so much depends on communication and connecting with people to find a place in a new society. Participation in the event exceeded our wildest hopes and we plan to hold another speed dating with Icelandic in September and can even count on one or two such events in Uppsveitur, Árnessýsla.
A delicious coffee buffet was served in the style of the caterers at Tryggaskáli and it was clear that there was a lot of enjoyment with the event. We look forward to continuing this project and strengthening it even further in the near future.