Dugnad
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Dugnad
Dugnad is voluntary unpaid work. Dugnad work is a community effort. It is a common form of work in clubs and associations. In a housing cooperative, for example, the residents often take part in a dugnad in spring to tidy up after the winter. It is common in many kindergartens for the parents to get together for a dugnad once or several times a year. Then they might wash the kindergarten’s toys or fix up the outdoor areas.
Many children in Norway take part in organised leisure activities, and many of the activities are run by the parents as a dugnad. The parents could e.g. organise a jumble sale or a cultural event to raise money for the association.
Dugnad is an old custom in Norway. There is a similar tradition in most farming communities around the world.
In 2004, the word ‘dugnad’ was voted Norway’s national word.
Talk together
- What are your thoughts on dugnad? Are you already familiar with the concept?
- Have you ever been invited to take part in a dugnad in Norway?
- Some clubs and associations practise an arrangement where you can pay a certain amount to not take part in a dugnad. What do you think about that?
It’s Monday. Two fathers are picking up their children from kindergarten. They are talking about the weekend’s dugnad at the kindergarten.
Henrik: Nice to see you again! It was amazing how much we got done! The new playhouse turned out great!
Arne: Yes. It’s so nice to work together like that too. But Truls’ parents never come to any dugnad.
Henrik: I’ve noticed that too. Although it’s voluntary, it still doesn’t look good.
Arne: Yes. I realise there can be times when it doesn’t suit, but every time...?
Henrik: Mm. And I’m sure that Truls will use the playhouse just as much as the other children.
- Talk about the above situation. Why do Henrik and Arne react in the way they do?
- What do you think the consequence may be of not taking part in dugnad?
Select the right answer
What is Dugnad?
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What are typical dugnad jobs in a kindergarten?
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Who normally organises a dugnad?
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Is dugnad a phenomenon that is unique to Norway?
Select right or wrong
Read the statements. What is right? What is wrong?
Select the right image
Which images show typical dugnad jobs? You can select more than one image.