Framework agreements with municipalities

It is important to have regional support among school owners.

During the spring, the following municipalities decided to enter into 3-year framework agreements on the use of ViteMeir

- New Sogndal municipality

- Luster municipality

- Årdal municipality

- Lærdal municipality

The agreements include the use of the center's exhibitions and various learning programs for kindergartens and primary schools in the municipalities. The agreements offer some transport to/from the center, visits from ViteMeir to the schools, as well as an associated ambassador scheme for employees in kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and student teachers at HVL. This scheme has been established as a link between ViteMeir and the aforementioned groups and is a forum where they can help shape the center's offerings.

Application for regional science center

- "It's particularly gratifying that these municipalities have taken the lead and chosen to invest in ViteMeir as a supplementary learning arena for kindergarten children and pupils in their schools," says Marianne Jevnaker, project manager for ViteMeir. "We have applications pending in several municipalities and hope for a positive response during the fall.

She points out that these framework agreements are important pieces to put in place before the application to become a regional science center is submitted in the autumn of 2019. "Status as a regional science center is crucial for receiving government funding for operations. There are currently 10 regional science centers in operation. Two more centers were approved as regional science centers in 2019, one at Atlanterhavsparken in Ålesund and one in Mo i Rana.