Latest news

At the end of June, we completed the first round of our Norwegian language course for Ukrainians who are not entitled to publicly funded Norwegian language instruction. The course consisted of 18 hours of beginner-level lessons and was delivered by our staff with the support of dedicated volunteers who were able to assist in Norwegian, Ukrainian, and Russian. In July, we continue with our language café, where participants can practise what they have learned. In August, we will begin a new round of Norwegian language courses. Please contact us if you need a beginner-level Norwegian course and are not entitled to publicly funded Norwegian language instruction.

This week, Venezuela has been hit by two powerful earthquakes, leaving many people without homes, safety, or loved ones. The disaster strikes a country already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, and the need for assistance is great. Caritas and the Catholic Church are present through local networks, providing emergency aid such as food, water, and shelter – and remain long after media attention fades. We encourage prayers for all those affected and support for Caritas’ emergency response: Vipps 91895 or caritas.no.

Solidarity Concert for Ukraine – Featuring Local Musicians Steenhuset Vinbar and Caritas Arendal invite you to a solidarity concert for Ukraine, featuring a wide range of local musicians performing free of charge. All ticket revenue and profits from bar sales will go directly to Caritas’ humanitarian work in Arendal’s Ukrainian friendship city, Bilopillia. Tickets:https://steenhuset.ticketco.events/no/nb/e/5_juni_stoettekonsert_for_ukraina In 2023, Arendal became a friendship city of Bilopillia, Ukraine, a town located close to the Russian border. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Bilopillia has been heavily affected by the war. Once home to around 20,000 people, many residents have since fled, but those who remain continue to face significant challenges and need support. The initiative for the friendship partnership came from the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), which encouraged Norwegian municipalities to establish partnerships with Ukrainian communities. The concept of friendship cities, twin towns, and sister cities was developed after World War II. Its purpose was to promote understanding between cultures, foster friendships, and contribute to reconciliation between former enemies. At the same time, these partnerships encouraged cooperation, trade, and tourism. A special thank you to the talented musicians of Arendal who are donating their time and music for this cause: Simen Steinklev, Cantabile, Anna Ulrikka, Håkon Christensen, Folkdjupet, Mats Aronsen, Trond Aslaksen Trio, , Dinasour Hour, Decoy, Lovely Rita, Dertz band, Mads Erik Aall og Tonje Ludvigsen, Police & Thieves og ungdomsscene.

Caritas Arendal invites you to a panel discussion at Arendal Library on Tuesday, June 2, as part of Ukraine Week in Arendal, a fundraising initiative supporting the town of Bilopillia in Ukraine. At 4:00 PM, the photo exhibition “WASH in War” will open at the library. The exhibition highlights the consequences of the war in Ukraine, where water infrastructure has become a target—described by some researchers as “aquicide.” Later that day, at 6:00 PM, a panel discussion will bring together local and national experts. Using the situation in Ukraine as a starting point, the discussion will focus on Norwegian water preparedness in the context of Total Defence 2026. Norway, including the Agder region, is also vulnerable to attacks on water and energy infrastructure. Panel participants: The project is a collaboration between Caritas Norway, Caritas Arendal, and Arendal Library, and forms part of Ukraine Week, which aims to raise funds for the friendship town of Bilopillia in Ukraine.

Innkalling til årsmøte i Caritas Arendal Dato og tid: Søndag 26. april 2026 kl. 12.15Sted: St. Franciskus skole – personalrommet Saker til behandling:

Serdecznie zapraszamy na warsztaty dla polskich rodziców w NorwegiiCzy zastanawiasz się, jak najlepiej wspierać swoje dziecko w codziennych wyzwaniach – niezależnie od jego wieku?Chcesz lepiej zrozumieć jego emocje, potrzeby i zachowania, szczególnie w kontekście życia i wychowania w Norwegii? Zapraszamy na wyjątkowe warsztaty skierowane do polskich rodziców, podczas których poruszymy m.in. tematy: • jak wspierać dzieci w różnych trudnościach rozwojowych,• jak radzić sobie z wyzwaniami rodzicielskimi w norweskiej rzeczywistości,• jak budować bezpieczną, zdrową relację z dzieckiem,• jak skutecznie komunikować się i reagować w sytuacjach kryzysowych. Podczas spotkań zdobędziesz praktyczną wiedzę z zakresu psychologii, neurobiologii i pedagogiki – przekazaną w przystępny i zrozumiały sposób. Warsztaty prowadzone są przez doświadczonych, certyfikowanych doradców rodzicielskich: psychologa klinicznego oraz pedagoga. Dbamy o komfort uczestników, dlatego pracujemy w małych, kameralnych grupach. Liczba miejsc jest ograniczona. Tworzymy atmosferę wsparcia, życzliwości i zrozumienia – bez oceniania. To przestrzeń dla Ciebie – aby wzmocnić swoją rolę jako rodzica, zdobyć konkretne narzędzia i poczuć większą pewność w codziennym wychowaniu. Warsztaty beda prowadzone po polsku w salce konferencyjnej (møterommet) w naszej parafii podczas 8 wieczorow. Rozpoczynamy warsztaty ICDP 9 kwietnia 2026.godz.18:00. Zapisz się już dziś i zadbaj o relację z Twoim dzieckiem. Pozdrawiam Krystyna Sierpiń[email protected], mob. 96 72 57 59

Right in the heart of Arendal, at Torvet, you will find Kopano Café. This is where Welcome Hub Agder hosts “Coffee Connection” every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is an informal meeting place where internationals and locals meet to get to know one another and share experiences about life in Norway. Are you new to the city, or do you simply want to meet new people? You are heartly welcome! Caritas Arendal is also present to provide advice and guidance. Among other things, we can help you write a professional CV and job application. In addition to Coffee Connection, Welcome Hub Agder organizes the “Job Start Course,” where Caritas Arendal contributes with a workshop on CV and application writing. The next course will be held on March 4th and 5th in Kristiansand. Click here to register.

After the Norwegian Conversation Café, you can now also join the English Conversation Café! In collaboration with Welcome Hub Agder, Caritas Arendal invites you to an English Conversation Café every Tuesday from 14:00 to 15:00 at Arendal Adult Education (Kystveien 2, 2nd floor, in the common area). The Norwegian Conversation Café continues as before, every Wednesday from 14:00 to 15:00. The cafés are free and open to everyone – and we are always looking for volunteers who speak Norwegian or English.

Following the election of a new board for Caritas Arendal, which took place from April 13 to April 27, 2025, a constituting meeting was held on Tuesday, May 20. The new board was formally established and now consists of the following members: Permanent representatives:– Sylwia Prusinska-Sliwa– Hans Petter Asser– Ingrid Fløistad– Catherine Ann Dahlen– Hans Christian Lunde Deputy representatives:– Divina M. Halvorsen– Kurt Moritz Homme At the constituting meeting, Hans Petter Asser was elected Chair of the Board, and Ingrid Fløistad was elected Deputy Chair. We would like to thank the previous board for their dedication and look forward to a new chapter marked by commitment and the continued development of our work.