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 use a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as findings from existing 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 School Programme
The Holberg School Programme is an annual research competition for students in Norwegian upper secondary schools i the humanities, social sciences law and theology. Each year, around 1,000 students from 20 selected schools participate in the competition.
The Holberg School Programme Jury selects three research projects that are awarded prizes of NOK 30,000, NOK 20,000 and NOK 10,000 respectively.
The finalists are announced in mid May, and the award ceremony is held during the Holberg Week in early June each year.