Children and young people in Norway enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities, including cinema, sports, music, books, television, clubs and associations. In a national study carried out among pupils at upper and lower secondary schools in 2002, 93 per cent indicated that they had been members of at least one organization, association or club since turning ten. Participation in organized sports activities, under the auspices of non-governmental children’s and youth organizations is a key element of the social life of Norwegian children.
One of the central aims of Norwegian child and youth policy is to create a framework that enables children and young people to take part in non-governmental organizations, associations or clubs. These efforts are supported by local as well as central authorities. Groups of this kind provide a hub for social activities, and encompass everything from choir and drama groups to political activities and groups based on religious or ethical commitment. Participation gives social skills and knowledge, builds leadership qualities and promotes involvement and a sense of responsibility for others.
Municipal and government authorities offer a variety of funding schemes as part of the effort to establish and maintain active recreational opportunities. In addition to local grant schemes, a national support scheme (Frifond) has been established. This scheme, which in 2006 administers NOK 135 million, seeks to promote local activities through teams and associations as well as among independent groups of children and young people who have good ideas they wish to realize.
The Ministry of Children and Equality provides basic support to some 70 national non-governmental children’s and youth associations. These have a total of more than 350 000 members under 26 years of age (2004). In 2006, total support allocated by the ministry was in excess of NOK 65 million. Funding for activities for children and young people is allocated by a number of other ministries as well.
Municipal youth clubs have become widespread throughout Norway. These offer informal activities and social contact and are open to everyone. Many youth clubs are divided into a junior club for children under 12 and a senior club for those over 12. Some municipalities also offer multi-activity facilities and media workshops for young people over a certain age.
By the Ministry of Children and Equality