‘It is crucial for our democracy that each individual sees themselves as a valuable part of the community and feels that their opinions matter.’
1) Who are you and what is your role at The European Wergeland Centre?
My name is Emilie, I am 33 years old and I’m from Oslo. I trained as a cultural mediator and librarian and have been working with youth participation for the past ten years. I joined the Wergeland Centre in March 2026 as an advisor in the Youth Section. Here, I’m responsible for the projects ‘No hate against Sámi people’ and ‘Young People who Change the World’. Both projects are involve work with youth councils. I’ve worked closely in this area before, so I’m really pleased to continue working with this target group!
2) What made you want to work at the Wergeland Centre?
I get to work with highly competent colleagues and an exciting portfolio of projects. I was also eager to work with democracy-building and participation, both in a professional and practical sense. In turbulent times for democracy, it feels particularly meaningful to meet young people and build their political self-efficacy – the belief that they themselves are important and valuable contributors in building, maintaining and further developing our democracy.
3) Which issues or questions are you particularly passionate about when it comes to democracy, human rights and education?
I am passionate about children’s and young people’s right to genuine participation, and about facilitating child- and youth-friendly processes. I am very happy i get to work on this every day in the Youth Section at the Wergeland Centre!
I believe it is crucial for our democracy that each individual sees themselves as a valuable part of the community and feels that their opinions matter. I see that many young people experience this through our projects, and it really gives me a boost!
4) What do people often find surprising when they get to know you?
Hmmm… I’m a fairly transparent and open person who wears my heart on my sleeve, so I’m not sure if there’s anything in particular about me that surprises people. But the fact that I didn’t see The Lion King until I was 28 certainly causes shock and disbelief in others.
5) What is a book everyone should read?
Everyone should read more than one book, so I’ll go so far as to mention three very different and absolutely indispensable books: the mad, funny, utterly unique novel Presens maskin by Gunnhild Øyehaug (our finest living Norwegian author – I’m prepared to fight for that claim. And I’m a pacifist, so that says it all!), the beautiful, heartfelt and light-hearted The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, and the strange and heart-warming novella The Ballad of the Sad Café by Carson McCullers.
6) What advice would you give to your younger self?
To keep embracing the opportunities and friends that come your way. Carpe diem and all that!
