“A vitamin injection into the heart”

Gísli Rafn Ólafsson visited Víðistaðaskóli last Friday and gave a lecture to Year 10 pupils about his experience of humanitarian work. Gísli Rafn also spoke about how pupils can help and contribute to humanitarian work.

Gísli Rafn has worked all over the world in humanitarian aid and is an expert in using technology for coordination when natural disasters strike. The students listened with great interest and a pin could have been heard drop as Gísli Rafn described his experience of dealing with the bodies after the great earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Gísli Rafn was the leader of the Icelandic International Rescue Squad that went to Haiti.

It was interesting to hear what methods he uses to process the difficult emotions connected with his work in rescue operations. What gets him through it is the feeling of saving others. Gísli Rafn pointed out that one of our basic needs is to help others. We feel good about helping. Saving others, he says, is a vitamin shot for the heart.

The students were keen to ask questions and received many answers about e-bol and Gísli Rafn's work in West Africa last winter. But Gísli Rafn went to Africa on behalf of Nethope, which is an umbrella organisation for the 42 largest aid organisations in the world.

What the students were keen to know was, what can we do today to help? Gísli Rafn pointed out that young people can also help, for example by taking part in youth work with the Red Cross and rescue organisations. Likewise, teenagers can come up with their own ideas on how they can contribute, for example, by raising money in some way. It is also important to remember that time is something we can all give: spending time with others, helping others, teaching others. Let's give a warm welcome to those who come to Iceland and those who are expected to arrive in the country. Perhaps some new pupils will come to Víðistaðaskóli, for example from Syria. Then, pupils can contribute, show friendship, teach them the language, etc. It is very important to get to know children and teenagers from other cultures.

We warmly thank Gísli Rafn Ólafsson for an informative and inspiring lecture.