Taking a break from ‘being an immigrant’

130 people of all ages and all nationalities met this weekend for a fully booked international family retreat with socialising, learning and fun for all.

“Faroese people are generally kind and welcoming to immigrants,” says Bjørk Berg Wiggins, one of the Red Cross organisers of the event.

“But the Faroes are a close-knit community, and it can take a long time for immigrants to create a social network and integrate into the Faroese society. That’s why integration events like this are important.”

 >> SEE ALSO Intercultural Family Retreat returns after Covid break

The Red Cross intercultural family retreat has been a recurring annual event since 2018, although it was cancelled for a couple of years during the Covid pandemic.

“This event gives people the chance to get together and be more than just ‘immigrants’, which is how they are usually regarded here,” she says.

“Our goal is to create a space where immigrant families can be themselves and express their true identities, together.”

The diverse programme of activities reflected the rich cultural heritage of the participants.

 >> SEE ALSO Language café to boost integration

In related news, the Red Cross málkafé/language café in Klaksvík is starting its autumn season.

The informal language café runs every other Thursday 5pm-7pm at Klaksvík’s library until 7 December, with the next event on 12 October.

The language café in Tórshavn takes place every Thursday 5pm-7pm at the city library (Býarbókasavnið).

Follow Málkafé / Language Café - Reyði Krossur on Facebook for regular updates.

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

English version by prosa.fo.

More Faroese News in English.