Young people from around the world meet during BCC`s yearlong youth program, where one of the goals is for participants to learn respect and tolerance in a multicultural environment. Participants of different nationalities are tasked to present something from their culture several times yearly for cultural-themed events.

Text by Johanne Reiersrud – Photos by BCC
“The places and countries we focus on vary from year to year, since the composition of the group here fluctuates,” explains Gershon Twilley, student leader at Brunstad Bible School. Approximately 350 young people participate every year in the international youth program, and the majority of these come to the Bible School, which is in Sandefjord municipality, Vestfold.
READ MORE: Cultural exchange and missions at Brunstad Bible School
“Last year, for example, we had South American, Dutch, Asian, and Danish cultural festivities. These celebrations are held 8-10 times a year and are popular with attendees and planners alike,” continues Twilley.
Youth are responsible for planning and execution of events
Ideas evolve along the way for the young people who plan the celebrations, and they get support and quality assurance from our staff at the Bible School. “The creativity of the students is truly impressive – they get going and create programs with elements of art, culture, party games, and food native to their region,” explains Twilley.
Les mer: Sør-amerikansk kulturfest på bibelskolen
Learn from mistakes while looking forward
Dedicated work together and presentation of part of one’s own cultural identity has an effect. “I think these cultural evenings at the Bible School are really fun. In October, the German youth hosted the cultural event, and it was a terrific program,” reports Naomi Chan (24) from Hong Kong.
The end of an eventful year at Brunstad Bible School