The residents of Hólar, Hjaltadalur, North Iceland, have contacted the district of Skagafjörður to express their willingness to receive refugees, RÚV reports. They point out that the community in Hólar is international, since a number of foreign students attend the Hólar University College, and people educated in pastoral care and crisis counseling live there.
Ordination Bishop Lára Halla Guðmundsdóttir announced the plan on RÚV radio this morning: “This idea was born, like any good idea, in many people‘s minds at once. This flood of refugees has left no one untouched, and all have asked themselves what they can do to help.”
Discussions developed among the residents who jointly decided to put themselves in touch with the district and declare themselves ready to receive refugees. In addition to the international environment and specially trained counselors, there is housing available, grade school, preschool and last, but not the least, people with open arms ready to help.
“The atmosphere in the community is enthusiastic and first and foremost, people want to do their share and show there are communities able to do this all over the country,” Lára Halla stated.
Hólar University College, which specializes in equine science, aqua-culture and aquatic biology, and tourism studies, has about 240 students. The population of Hólar is close to 100.
