Satisfied: Both principal Lisbeth Øgsnes and county councilor for education and competence, Joakim Sennesvik, smiled with satisfaction when Knut Hamsun Vgs changed its name too Nord-Salten upper secondary school last autumn.Now they have good reason to smile again.
Photo: Øyvind A. Olsen
Narvik, Norway, November 28, 2023
Nord-Salten School Celebrates Funding Boost
Table of Contents
A Norwegian secondary school, formerly named after a controversial author, is receiving additional funding after a period of positive change.
- Nord-Salten upper secondary school in Norway has been granted extra funding.
- The funding comes after the school successfully changed its name from Knut Hamsun Vgs.
- Principal Lisbeth Øgsnes and county councilor joakim Sennesvik expressed satisfaction with the developments.
Nord-Salten upper secondary school is set to benefit from a financial boost, a welcome advancement following its recent name change. The school received approval for additional funding, signaling a positive trajectory after shedding its former identity. This funding will allow the school to continue its mission of providing quality education to students in the region.
A name Change and a Fresh Start
The school formerly operated under the name Knut Hamsun vgs, a tribute to the Nobel Prize-winning author Knut Hamsun. However, Hamsun’s well-documented support for Nazi Germany sparked considerable controversy. Last autumn, the school officially changed its name to Nord-Salten upper secondary school, a decision met with satisfaction by both principal Lisbeth Øgsnes and county councilor for education and competence, Joakim Sennesvik.
The name change wasn’t simply about distancing the school from a problematic figure; it was about creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. The new name, Nord-Salten, reflects the school’s location and its commitment to serving the broader community.
Looking Ahead
With the additional funding secured, Nord-Salten upper secondary school is well-positioned to build on its recent successes. Principal Øgsnes and county councilor Sennesvik both expressed their contentment with the school’s progress, suggesting a bright future for the institution and its students. The school’s story serves as a reminder that institutions can evolve and adapt to reflect changing values and priorities.
