– I am here in Hamar to save our school, says teacher Åse Storbråten at Berg high school in Lom to NTB.
She has been a teacher at the school for 30 years and emphasizes how crucial it is for the maintenance of a vibrant local community in the village.
It was expected that several thousand people would come to Hamar in buses to mark their opposition to the county council politicians’ decision to close the high schools in Dokka and Skarnes, as well as the schools in Lom, Dombås, Flisa and Sønsterud.
When the event started at 1 p.m., county mayor Thomas Breen (Ap), county deputy mayor Hanne Alstrup Velure (H) and county politician Johannes Wahl Gran (MDG) were among the audience. It is the three parties that together secure a majority for the proposal on school closures.
The politicians on the podium
In total, the protesters handed over around 7,000 signatures from people opposed to the proposal.
When county mayor Breen later went up to the podium to loud boos from the protesters, he pointed out that although some people have made “undemocratic statements of disapproval” in the debate about the school cuts, the young people have not.
– You will meet me with boos and posters, but I have never felt unsafe, said Breen.
Right-wing representative Velure was occasionally drowned out by boos from the audience when she made her short appeal.
So did MDG representative Gran when he spoke. Gran had to wait until the protesters had finished shouting “let the school live” to end her post.
– No matter how much you boo, it doesn’t change the fact that we only want the best for you, he said and was met with even more booing.
Political strike
At the same time, a political strike was held at the upper secondary schools in the interior in protest against the planned school closures. Between 1pm and 2pm, the teachers at several upper secondary schools in the county stopped work to take part in various demonstrations against school closures in the county.
Leader Thore Johan Nærbøe of Uddanningsforbundet Innlandet tells NTB that he does not have an overview of how many people participate in the protest markings.
The county mayor had to interrupt the TV interviews he was doing after his post when several apparently very angry protesters started shouting “get the hell out of here!” and “go to bed!” repeatedly.
– There is no shame in turning around. I think we deserve another chance, says Storbråten and points out that the school has stable student numbers, low drop-outs and good exam results.
Adopted on Wednesday
The proposal on school closures has been passed with barely a majority both in the main committee for education and in the county committee. The case will finally be decided on Wednesday in the county council in Innlandet.
– This is more reminiscent of dictatorship than democracy, said 14-year-old Thilde Kveum Bergheim about the party whip in Ap.
The demonstrations on Tuesday were among the very last opportunities to influence the political process.
– This should go peacefully. Nobody supports personal attacks, points out Storbråten.
The event in Hamar is scheduled to last until 4.30pm on Tuesday. Between appeals and entertainment features, the participants began, among other things, rhythmic “let the village live” shouts.
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Interview with Åse Storbråten: A Teacher’s Fight to Save Local Schools
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Åse. You’ve been a dedicated teacher at Berg High School for 30 years. Can you tell us why you believe it’s vital to save the school?
Åse Storbråten: Thank you for having me. The school plays a crucial role in our community. It’s not just about education; it’s about maintaining a vibrant village life. Losing the school would mean losing jobs, a center for youth activities, and a place where families can feel connected.
Interviewer: You were in Hamar for a significant protest against the proposed school closures. What was the atmosphere like during the event?
Åse Storbråten: It was incredibly powerful. Thousands of people came together, united in their opposition to these cuts. We saw parents, students, and community members all standing up for our schools. The energy was palpable, and everyone was determined to make their voices heard.
Interviewer: The county mayor and other politicians faced considerable backlash during their speeches. How do you feel about their responses to the protests?
Åse Storbråten: It’s disheartening. While they claim to want what’s best for our communities, their actions suggest otherwise. The loud boos were not just disrespect; they were a clear message that the community feels ignored. Politicians need to listen to their constituents rather than dismiss their concerns.
Interviewer: What do you hope will come from this protest and the signatures collected?
Åse Storbråten: We delivered around 7,000 signatures today. I hope this shows the county council that there’s overwhelming opposition to the closures. We want them to reconsider their decision and engage in dialogue with us. The future of our schools is at stake, and we won’t back down easily.
Interviewer: what message do you have for the local community and the decision-makers?
Åse Storbråten: To the community, I say keep fighting for what you believe in. To the decision-makers, please take a moment to truly listen to the voices of your constituents. Our schools are more than brick and mortar; they are the heart of our community. Let’s work together to find a solution that benefits everyone.
Interviewer: Thank you, Åse, for your insights and dedication to your students and community. We wish you the best in your efforts.
Åse Storbråten: Thank you! Together, we can make a difference.
M>Interviewer: The county council has proposed closing several schools, including yours. How does that decision affect the students and families in your community?
Åse Storbråten: The impact would be devastating. Many families would have to travel much further for education, and some might even choose to move away. Our school has stable student numbers, low drop-out rates, and consistently good exam results. Closing it would disrupt not just education but the whole community fabric.
Interviewer: During the protest, there was a notable tension between protesters and county politicians. How did you feel about the exchanges on stage?
Åse Storbråten: It was intense. The frustration was clear. While it’s important to express disapproval, we must keep our discourse respectful. I want the politicians to understand that our voices matter, and our community deserves a chance to thrive. Personal attacks only hinder that goal.
Interviewer: What do you hope will happen with the upcoming vote on school closures?
Åse Storbråten: I hope that the county council will reconsider their decision. We need to demonstrate that our schools are valuable assets to society. This isn’t just about education; it’s about our future as a community. I believe that if we stand together, we can effect real change.
Interviewer: What message do you want to send to the community and the politicians?
Åse Storbråten: I want to remind everyone that there’s no shame in turning around on a decision that doesn’t serve our community well. We deserve another chance, and we must continue to stand up for our schools and our children. Let the village live!
