Letter to the editor: ViteMeir must be included in the State Budget

Torstein Tvedt Solberg and Torbjørn Vereide from the Labour Party published this letter to the editor in Porten and Sogn Avis on Wednesday, November 11th.

ViteMeir has impressed us all. The government has not. When a science center that delivers so solidly, in both subject matter and collaboration, is forgotten in the Conservative, Liberal and KRF's state budget, that is something we in the Labour Party cannot accept. ViteMeir deserves better.

World-class quality project

Even though the doors won't open until next autumn , then have ViteMeir have already achieved a lot. With a collaborative model where both schools and the business community are involved in everything from planning to implementation, it is perhaps not so surprising. Now they are well on their way to becoming a science center that is at the top of the country.

Worth every penny

This science center will be an important tool for schools and teachers to create interest in both technology and science. All children are essentially explorers. They are curious, and they find it exciting to take on good challenges. Unfortunately, there are several who have lost a bit of their spark and dropped out because it becomes too theoretical and sedentary.

That's when the science center here at Kaupanger comes into its own. Here they can see it in practice. Everything from hydropower and landslides to geometry and mathematics. The communication becomes active, and it becomes engaging. Not least, ViteMeir could help create interest and recruitment to an area of expertise our country really needs in the future. It's worth every penny.

Now we must take the fight.

When the Conservative Party, Liberal Party and KRF provide support to all science centers throughout the country except ViteMeir , it is no wonder that people react. State co-financing is crucial for ViteMeir their business model. We must take that seriously.

In the Labour Party, we have put the millions needed in our alternative budget. That's all that's missing. This is about team play. ViteMeir will be positive for our entire region. Now we must do our part. ViteMeir must be included in the state budget!

Torbjorn Vereide
County council representative for AP
Faction leader in the Industry Committee 

Torstein Tvedt Solberg
Representative in the Norwegian Parliament for AP
Education and Research Committee