Meet and learn Icelandic at the library
The City of Hafnarfjörður has entered into a partnership with the Icelandic Red Cross to teach Icelandic to foreign residents. The first meeting was yesterday, Tuesday. Around ten people came to practise their Icelandic at the Hafnarfjörður City Library with volunteers from the Red Cross.
Volunteers lead conversation in Icelandic.
Foreign residents of Hafnarfjörður now have the opportunity to practise their Icelandic at our library every Tuesday. Volunteers from the Red Cross lead the conversation.
„We often say that language is a kind of key to the community. That's what we see,“ says Thorsteinn Valdimarsson, a project manager in the refugee team at the Red Cross. „We primarily think about vulnerable groups, such as refugees and other immigrants with vulnerable backgrounds.“
Thorsteinn says needs analyses show that these groups lack access to the language. „That's why we're trying to create grassroots work with volunteers that can meet that need. People can then practise the language,“ he says.
Is this wider than here at the Library?
„We have similar groups in two locations in Reykjavík. There are also groups that operate in Selfoss, Akranes and Akureyri,“ says Thorsteinn. „Each group has its own identity, but they are all driven by volunteers who help people to become proficient in the language.“
Doesn't it also about relationships, about people forming connections?
„Yes, certainly,“ says Thorsteinn. „Perhaps it's underlying most of what we do, to form some kind of community and have a place where people are welcome.“
Hildur Ýr Jónsdóttir, Multicultural Project Manager for the City of Hafnarfjörður, is responsible for the organisation. „It's important to be able to practise your Icelandic in your local community,“ she says, agreeing with Þorsteinn that the language is often the key to the community. „Here, we give people a springboard to practise using the language and thus take a greater part in the community.“
Thorsteinn points out that it costs nothing to take part. It is pleasing to see the project get off to such a good start, with many people having attended. There will be a weekly chat at the Library, and it is important to know that it is free of charge.
„We also have a service four times a week in Reykjavík, at different times and places.“ The chat is run by volunteers.
„I am very proud of the people we have. That is perhaps the most important thing to mention. Nothing would be happening if it weren't for the volunteers.“
When is the chat?
- At Hafnarfjörður Library, Tuesdays from 13:00 to 14:30.
In the feature photo: Thorsteinn Valdimarsson third from the left and Hildur Ýr Jónsdóttir at the far right with the volunteers who led the Icelandic language class yesterday.