What is a Red Cross Buddy?
What is a Red Cross Buddy?
Are you new in the Faroes and would like help to familiarize yourself with Faroese customs? Or do you come from a different background and find it challenging to become a part of Faroese society? Would you like someone to practise Faroese with?
The Faroe Islands Red Cross can help you connect with a family or a friend through the Red Cross Buddies programme.
We know that it can be difficult to make everyday life work when everything is new. How do you enrol your kids in the local football club? Do you understand the letters from the authorities that are written in Faroese, or maybe in Danish? How does the bus timetable work? In your native country, you probably had someone to ask for advice, but do you have someone in the Faroes who can help you and your family?
The idea behind Red Cross Buddies is that a volunteer Faroese family or individual can support you and your family to better understand the Faroese society, practice the Faroese language and by doing so, you will hopefully sooner feel at home and thrive in the Faroe Islands.
Good ideas for activities
- Practice the Faroese language, for example, help with homework.
- Watch Faroese television and listen to the radio.
- Read magazines and books.
- Help understand letters from the authorities.
- Go for a walk and talk about the local area.
- Talk about each other’s culture and traditions.
- Go to leisure-time activities, cultural events or concerts.
- Talk about everyday challenges and situations.
- Shop, cook and eat together.
- Form a “bindiklubb” or a similar club activity.
- Go on trips, for example, to a museum, a library, a historical site or a walk around the town.
- Get a coffee and have a chat.
- Play games or watch films.
Read more about the Red Cross Buddy programme by clicking the button “Download brochure” below.
Sign up to get a Red Cross Buddy by filling out the form below on: "Sign up for the Red Cross Buddies".
Sign up for the Red Cross Buddies Programme
Volunteer as a leader
Volunteer as a leader
Be part of the volunteer team leaders in Red Cross Buddies
We are looking for you, who wants to lead our programme Red Cross Buddies, whose purpose is to connect locals and immigrants on a 1-1 basis across the Faroes.
You will have the opportunity to make a difference for immigrants, refugees and volunteers, in addition to developing and forming the framework for integration within the Red Cross Buddies programme.
Your tasks can be one or several of the below:
- Match immigrants with volunteers.
- Support volunteers in their role.
- Recruit new volunteers when needed.
- Develop and organise social events for participants and volunteers in the Red Cross Buddies programme.
- Cooperate with municipalities and other organisations in relations to integration efforts.
- Communicate the good stories and represent Red Cross Buddies.
We do not expect that you have a certain education or background. Most importantly is that you have a desire to work with people, who may not speak your language and who may have different backgrounds than yourself. In addition we expect that you can give 3-4 hours a week, can be active in your local and surrounding areas, and can participate in meetings and courses in the Headquearters in Tórshavn occasionally. As many of the materials and courses are in Faroese, Danish and English, it is important to have a sufficient level of understanding of the these languages.
We offer relevant courses, guidance and a great community.
Do you see yourself in this role? Write a few words about yourself to redcross@redcross.fo. If you have questions, you are welcome to contact Katrin on +298 286692.