Two exchange students from Norway experienced STORM
Hello!
We are Ida and Mariell – two exchange students from Norway, training to become “vernepleier” which is a combination of social worker and a nurse. We have had our final internship period in 
Slovakia, with the organization Združenie STORM. Here we have observed, participated in, and learned more about the programs Circus, A Step Forward and Zone. It has been an exciting and educational experience where we have been able to learn more about how this type of work functions in another country as well as compare how similar work is carried out in Norway.
We have had the opportunity to participate in various programs that Storm offers its clients. We would like to write a bit about our thoughts on the programs
Circus: Over several weeks we have participated in the Circus program where we take part in activities with children and youth aged 10 - 20. This has been both exciting and educational. We feel that Circus is an important program for the youth as it provides them with a safe and secure 
meeting place. We establish good contact with the clients and have the opportunity to challenge them in their English skills. We have participated in many activities together, such as playing board games, Xbox, drawing, playing football, and basketball.
A Step Forward and Zone: We have also participated in the programs A Step Forward and Zone which both help drug users and sex workers. We find this work very important for the user group, as we have the impression that this user group is often isolated in everyday life otherwise. Here they have the opportunity to meet each other in safe environments and are met with respect and kindness by the staff. The programs promote harm reduction work, something we haven't seen much of in Norway. This is something we want to bring into our work as social educators!
We know that for the past 4 years, the organization has had to survive primarily on donations - as health authorities have not provided financial support during this period. Therefore, we wanted to help the Zone program with funds for equipment, and created a fundraiser to collect donations. Fundraising is a platform in Norway where one can collect money for anything.
The fundraiser was titled “Help us ensure safer health work for drug users and sex workers in Slovakia!”, with relevant information and a description of the ZONA program, as well as what the money would go towards. We shared the fundraiser on all our social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. We kept the fundraiser open for 1 month, aiming to collect 5000 NOK/439 EUR. We ended up raising 3560 NOK/312 EUR with 14 donors.
The money went towards a wardrobe where clients can store their personal belongings.
Thank you for everything we have learned :)