Ålesund municipality abolishes gathering place for Fagerlia High School graduates

Ålesund municipality has decided to abolish its designated gathering place for graduating students, which is concerning for third-year students at Fagerlia High School. The student community fears that the removal of this space will lead to increased exclusion and a heightened competition for spots on party buses.

Mayor Håkon Lykkebø Strand stands firm on this decision, asserting that it is a culture that students must address themselves. Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun advocates for local initiatives to foster community among graduates, emphasizing that such gathering places are vital for an inclusive graduation experience. The students in Ålesund are calling for the reinstatement of the gathering place to promote inclusion.

With over 200 days until graduation festivities begin, the students have already named their party group and set up an Instagram account. This year, Fagerlia students plan to engage as “wandering graduates” and seek a community space. Historically, the municipality has provided a place for graduates to gather, but this year, they have reversed that decision.

Students like Julie Slinning feel that removing the meeting place will lead to exclusion, particularly for those not affiliated with party buses. Lydia Bjørke and Hennie Standal-Nordmo share worries that without a shared space, the focus will shift to gaining access to buses, which should not be the priority.

Mayor Strand contends that despite previous provisions, the celebrations have spilled into public spaces, and the competition for bus spots would persist regardless of any designated area. Minda Myklebust, a municipal representative, points out that the local government’s involvement in graduation festivities has dwindled, highlighting the need for national guidelines to better address the complexities of current celebrations.