99 transparency, and professionalism, true sharing of ownership of and input into the project, and keeping a long-term perspective. To a certain extent the project has been vulnerable to the commitment of the partners in the project. For the most part this commitment has been strong, but at times the turn-over of people in key positions has resulted in a reduced role of at least one of the partners, although it is yet to be seen if this partner will become more active again. Continuous support from the authorities has facilitated the solution of organisational issues, such as access to the closed city of Severomorsk, visa procedures, etc. One of the major achievements has been to open up for true dialogue on human rights and multicultural understanding. No ready-made solutions have been presented from the partners, and Norwegian and Russian participants (both pupils and teachers) have been able to discuss differences in e.g. human rights emphasis. While in the beginning the teachers were mainly recruited from Norway, during the last few years there has been a better balance, and a larger number of Russian trainers and lecturers have been recruited. Norwegian participants have benefited from learning the points of view and different accentuations of Russian partners in the dialogue. The project has been visible in the local Russian setting, but there has been little coverage of the project by Norwegian media. The project partners on the Russian side have disseminated information about the activities to teachers in other parts of the Murmansk oblast’ at seminars and meetings. The evaluation team would suggest involving regional (county) administration also on the Norwegian side more strongly.
3.10
Work and Training for Deaf Youth
Institutions involved and funding. Project partner on the Norwegian side is Døves Fylkeslag Troms, and main coordinator is Knut Nilsen. On the Russian side the main partner has been “Children’s Creative House” in the town of Polyarny, and Boarding School no. 3 (for deaf youth) in Murmansk. The main coordinator on the Russian side is Irina Mel’nik (from Polyarny). The Norwegian partner has been the main initiator, has been in charge of finding NIBR Report 2008:4
