NAMED - Sustaining National Minorities in Education: Kven/Norwegian Finnish and Forest Finnish Experiences and Needs in Mainstream Schools

The NAMED Project addresses the representation of Kven/Norwegian Finns and Forest Finns in Norway's education system, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings on historical assimilation policies. It aims to develop pedagogies that sustain these minorities' cultural and linguistic heritage through mainstream education.

Focusing on mainstream teachers, pupils from these minority backgrounds, and their parents, the project evaluates teachers' preparedness and explores minority pupils' experiences and needs through surveys and focus group interviews, integrating these perspectives into the curriculum.

The project comprises three working packages (WP): WP1 surveys teachers' knowledge, WP2 examines Kven/Norwegian Finnish pupils and parents, and WP3 focuses on Forest Finnish pupils and parents. WP1 uses quantitative and qualitative methods, while WP2 and WP3 use qualitative methods for data collection and analysis.

NAMED aims for societal impact by addressing educational gaps identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. By enhancing public understanding, it seeks to reduce stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Outcomes include recommendations for policy reforms, curricular changes, and teaching methods and materials reflecting the national minorities' cultural heritage.

Managed by The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) and The University of Inland Norway (INN), with Professor Leena Maria Heikkola as project manager and Associate Professor Jonas Yassin Iversen leading the INN team, the research collaborates with an advisory board of stakeholders and an international expert panel. The project also recruits a PhD student and a postdoctoral researcher to advance minority studies in education.

Overall, the NAMED Project represents a pioneering effort to integrate culturally sustaining pedagogies into Norway's education system, potentially transforming minority representation and support within mainstream education.

Funding: Research Council of Norway

Grant Amount: 12MNOK