Sámi Upper Secondary and Reindeer Herding School
Winner of the Holberg Prize School Project
Sara Lea Gaup, Sara Elise Eira, Ellen Mathisdatter Sara and Marita Alexandersen from Sámi Upper Secondary and Reindeer Herding School came in third place in the 2023 Holberg School Programme with their research project ‘The Impact of Reindeer Herding on Mental Health’.
Sara Lea Gaup, Sara Elise Eira, Ellen Mathisdatter Sara and Marita Alexandersen from Sámi Upper Secondary and Reindeer Herding School came in third place in the 2023 Holberg School Programme with their research project ‘The Impact of Reindeer Herding on Mental Health’.
In their research project, the students aim to examine what affects the mental health of young reindeer herders as well as how it is affected. They they use a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as findings from excisting research. Their findings show how youth participation in herding is important to identity and quality of life. Yet, growing up with this practice may also impact mental health negatively due to issues such as land disturbance, climate change, racism and fear of an uncertain future.
The Holberg Prize School Project
20 upper secondary schools and more than 1000 students from all over Norway participate in the Holberg School Programme each year. The students are assisted by scholars, and the projects are integrated into the students' regular curriculum. Three research projects are awarded prizes of NOK 30,000, NOK 20,000 and NOK 10,000 respectively.
The finalists are announced in mid May, and the Holberg Prize School Project Award Ceremony is held during the Holberg Week in early June each year.
The jury
All submitted projects are evaluated by the School Project's jury. In 2023 the members of the jury have been:
- Jørn Ljunggren ( Chair)
- Hallvard Andre Kjelen
- Elise Farstad Djupedal
- Tale Birkeland Engebretsen
- Stine Helena Bang Svendsen