The participating organizations in this project proposal have well-established record of past cooperation. Motivated by previous initiatives, we have come to identify a common focus area that presents specific needs.  

The Faroese Nautical School is a public institution that provides vocational maritime education in Tórshavn,  Faroe Islands. It was founded in 2005 as a result of merging three previous schools: the Faroese Nautical School, the Engineers School and the Faroese Firefighting School. The school offers three-year programs for shipmasters and marine engineers, as well as other courses related to maritime activities. The school has a long history of training skippers and fishermen for the Faroese fishing industry, dating back to the late 19th century when private schools were established by experienced seamen. The school also adapted to the changing needs and challenges of the maritime sector, such as fishing in Greenlandic waters, using modern technology and complying with international standards.

The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, are located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. This rugged archipelago consists of 18 volcanic islands, known for their dramatic landscapes featuring steep cliffs, narrow fjords, and rolling green hills populated by more sheep than people. With a population of around 54,000, the Faroese maintain a close-knit society with a unique cultural heritage that reflects both Scandinavian and distinct local traditions.

The Faroe Islands’ economy is largely driven by fishing, which accounts for over 90% of exports and is central to Faroese livelihoods. The islands are also pursuing economic diversification, focusing on sustainable tourism, aquaculture, and innovative technology sectors. In recent years, they have become popular with travelers seeking unspoiled natural beauty, drawing visitors to their remote villages, coastal cliffs like Trælanípan, and cultural highlights such as the traditional chain dance and local music festivals.

In terms of governance, the Faroe Islands exercise a high degree of autonomy, managing their own domestic affairs and maintaining control over resources such as fisheries. They also have their own language, Faroese, which is rooted in Old Norse and reflects the islands' Viking heritage. Environmentally, the Faroe Islands are committed to sustainability, exploring renewable energy sources like wind and hydroelectric power to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. This blend of ancient tradition, self-sufficiency, and forward-looking sustainability makes the Faroe Islands a unique and resilient community in the North Atlantic.

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Akureyri Vocational College (VMA) is a secondary school located at Eyrarlandsholt in Akureyri. The school opened in 1984. The school offers both industrial and technical studies along with traditional book studies. The school is a middle school and students can complete matriculation examinations in three years or longer. Students can graduate from more than one track.  VMA students come from all over the country and students outside Akureyri can apply to the joint VMA and MA dormitory which is a short walk away from the VMA.

Iceland is a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, known for its stunning natural landscapes, unique geology, and progressive approach to sustainability. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland experiences significant volcanic and geothermal activity, which has shaped its iconic scenery of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Its natural beauty includes vast glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe, and breathtaking waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. These landscapes have made Iceland a popular destination for ecotourism, with millions visiting each year to experience its unspoiled wilderness.

Despite its small population of around 370,000 people, Iceland is notable for its high quality of life, robust social welfare system, and strong democratic institutions. Icelanders benefit from a comprehensive healthcare system, free education, and one of the world’s highest levels of gender equality. Reykjavík, the capital and cultural hub, is known for its vibrant arts scene, hosting festivals, concerts, and unique Icelandic music and literature traditions.

Iceland has also been a global leader in renewable energy. Thanks to its abundant geothermal and hydroelectric resources, the country generates almost all its electricity and heating from renewable sources, reducing its carbon footprint and setting an example for sustainable energy practices worldwide. Economically, Iceland is known for its fishing industry, which remains a critical sector, as well as for increasing innovation in technology, finance, and renewable energy research. Iceland’s commitment to sustainability, social progress, and environmental conservation makes it one of the world’s most admired small nations.

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Fagskolen Rogaland  (Rogaland Polytechnic College) is a public education institution in Norway, offering education and training in various fields. As a leading provider of vocational education, Fagskolen Rogaland specializes in programs related to petroleum, maritime, mechanics, electrical, automation, building, construction, robotics, economics, administration, and health. The college provides both full-time and part-time degrees as well as post-graduate courses. While most of its facilities are located in Stavanger, the maritime and mechanics programs are situated in Haugesund.  With over 1500 students Fagskolen Rogaland plays a crucial role in shaping skilled professionals across various industries. 

Norway, located in Northern Europe, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including deep fjords, rugged mountains, and a long, scenic coastline along the North Atlantic. With a population of about 5.4 million, Norway is a high-income nation known for its progressive society, high standard of living, and strong social welfare programs. It consistently ranks among the top countries globally for quality of life, education, and gender equality, with a highly developed healthcare and social security system. Oslo, the capital, is a hub for Norwegian politics, culture, and innovation.

Norway's economy is bolstered by its extensive natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas from the North Sea, which have played a significant role in making it one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The country has also invested revenues from its oil wealth into the Government Pension Fund, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, ensuring financial stability for future generations. At the same time, Norway is a global leader in environmental sustainability and renewable energy, with most of its domestic electricity needs met through hydropower. In recent years, it has taken steps to transition toward a green economy, promoting electric vehicles, sustainable practices, and clean energy solutions.

Culturally, Norway has a rich heritage that includes Viking history, distinctive traditional music, and a thriving contemporary arts scene. Norwegian society values outdoor life and environmental 

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KTI Tech College Greenland is a vocational technical school in Greenland that offers various courses and programs in different fields of study. The school have two campuses located in Nuuk and Sisimiut. The school aims to provide quality education that meet the needs of the Greenlandic labor marked. Some of the educations and courses offered by KTI includes Mining, construction, carpentry, plumbing, electricians, and marine engineering.

The school also have a strong partnership with other educational institutions in Norway, Denmark, Canada, and USA to facilitate student exchange and cooperation. The school honor Greenlandic culture, language, and identity but also aim for an international standard on all education taking place at KTI.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Known for its vast, icy landscape, over 80% of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet that is up to three kilometers thick in some areas. Its stunning Arctic scenery includes massive glaciers, fjords, and rugged coastlines that attract scientists and adventurous tourists. Greenland’s population of about 56,000, primarily Inuit, lives along the ice-free coastal areas, and the culture reflects a strong connection to Inuit heritage, with traditional practices in hunting, fishing, and storytelling.

Greenland’s economy is heavily dependent on fishing, particularly for shrimp and halibut, which are major exports. The island also has substantial natural resources, including rare earth minerals and gemstones, and there is ongoing interest in developing mining and energy projects. However, economic diversification is challenging, partly due to Greenland's remote location and harsh climate. Climate change is having a profound impact on Greenland, causing its ice sheet to melt at an accelerating rate, which has significant implications for global sea levels. This has also opened up new opportunities, like increased access to fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves, though these raise environmental and sustainability concerns.

Greenlandic society is increasingly focused on sustainable development and addressing climate change impacts. Autonomous in many domestic matters, Greenland has its own government, which is working to achieve greater economic independence and sustainable growth. Greenlandic, the official language, reflects the island’s cultural heritage, and Greenlanders maintain a strong sense of identity tied to their Arctic environment. As a nation at the forefront of climate change effects, Greenland plays a crucial role in global environmental discussions and is an important symbol of both the beauty and fragility of the Arctic.

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