The Stavdals

Ever since I married a Finnish lady back in -92, I've been challenged weekly on the much overrated Norwegian tradition of bringing packed lunch to school. When I ask Finnish teachers working in Norway what they think is the most significant difference between the Norwegian and Finnish school system, the warm meal receives the highest ranking. Even the Government fully funded fruit-at-school project has received opposition with several counties where the fruit-money has been spent on other things. In yesterday's radio program "Norgesglasset" on P1, commentator Tron Soot-Ryen addressed the issue in the most brilliant way. I've taken the liberty of summarizing his main arguments, and you may also download his comment in mp3-format. In summary, the food issue lies with the home while teaching is the responsibility of the school.

A summary of Tron Soot-Ryen's report:

Listen to his report by clicking here (5Mb). (It's in Norwegian).

Food is a private issue

During SV's political campaign 2005, they fronted the issue of warm meals at schol to be implemented in 2009. Both Ap and FrP gave their support to this proposition. Experts applauded the suggestion; finally our pupils would have a healthy meal at school rather than throwing the dry packed lunch in the bin replacing the traditional giant with sweet rolls and coke. Even polls showed that there was solid support among the voters for such action to be taken. However, there was a sudden shift of interest. Money should first be spent on improving learning before wasting money on something as private as food. The institution of packed lunch was declared holy, the parents would have to take the responsibility for their kids' lunch box and the SV's proposal was regarded a flop.

Nevertheless, little attention was given to the scientific fact that there undoubtedly is an interrelation between healty meals and kids' learning. Hungry or even malnutritioned pupils' ability to consentrate and behave suffer. Maybe "incompetent" teachers isn't the main problem in Norwegian schools, rather, it's lack of a daily, wholsome meal!

Sweden has done it for 60 years!

Three decades ago, our neighbouring country, Sweden, was more well-to-do than Norway. But Norway has for the past 20 years had a far more solid economy than Sweden. Despite this, they're ahead of us Norwegians in many areas of society. Public transportation and school-meals are two good examples. The Swedes have served warm meals to pupils for 60 years. They socialize, enjoy fellowship, relax, learn table manners and grow to appreciate a variety of flavours. No-one in Sweden want to drop this institution although the costs are high.

When good traditions go bad

Adhering to traditions is important, such as the one where secondary school pupils run down to the nearest baker's to buy sweet rolls and soft-drinks preparing the way for live-style sicknesses. Queueing usually takes so long that the bell rings by the time they've paid. All this while their packed lunch, if it was at all made, lies in the dust-bin at school rottening away, or perhaps it was thrown to the sea gulls. They too need food...

Thanks to Tron Soot-Ryen and P1's "Norgesglasset". I'm now armed for battle for the kick-off of warm meals at school!

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