Student report from UArctic Congress 2026: Aviaaja Olsen

I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Social Education at the Social Pedagogical College in Ilulissat, Greenland. My studies focus on supporting children, young people, and families, particularly those experiencing social or mental health challenges.

As a Greenlandic student, I have grown up in an Arctic society where both the strengths and the challenges of northern communities are part of everyday life. This has shaped my interest in mental well-being, early intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally relevant approaches to social education. My ambition is to contribute to stronger communities where children and young people have the opportunity to thrive while preserving their culture, identity, and sense of belonging.

Purpose of my travel

Attending the UArctic Congress 2026 in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, was an exceptional opportunity to connect my education with Arctic research and practice. I wanted to learn from researchers, professionals, Indigenous representatives, and fellow students from across the Circumpolar North while expanding my professional network.

Throughout the Congress, I participated in sessions focusing on mental health, resilience, Indigenous knowledge, education, community engagement, and sustainability. I was particularly inspired by discussions showing how research and Indigenous knowledge can complement one another when developing solutions that are both evidence-based and rooted in local communities.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Congress was realizing how many challenges Arctic communities share despite our geographical distances. Whether the discussions focused on education, well-being, or community resilience, I could recognize issues that are also relevant in Greenland. At the same time, I discovered inspiring examples of how collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the Arctic can help create new solutions.

Impact of the grant

Receiving this grant made my participation possible. Without this financial support, attending an international Congress of this scale would not have been possible during my studies.

The experience strengthened both my academic knowledge and my confidence as a future social educator. As a Greenlandic student, it was inspiring to see that many of the topics discussed were not simply research questions — they reflected realities that I recognize from everyday life in the Arctic. This made the Congress especially meaningful and strengthened my motivation to contribute to positive change in my own community.

One of my most important takeaways was the importance of developing solutions together with communities rather than for communities. I left with a deeper understanding of how interdisciplinary collaboration, respect for Indigenous knowledge, and meaningful community involvement can strengthen initiatives that promote mental health, education, and social well-being.

Beyond the academic programme, the Congress gave me the opportunity to meet researchers, professionals, and fellow students from across the Arctic. These conversations reminded me that although our communities are different, we share many common goals and can learn a great deal from one another.

I returned to Greenland with renewed motivation, valuable international connections, and new perspectives that will influence both my remaining studies and my future career. The experience reinforced my commitment to supporting children and young people and to contributing to stronger, healthier, and more resilient Arctic communities.

I am sincerely grateful to UArctic and its supporters for investing in students and early-career professionals. Your support provided far more than the opportunity to attend a conference — it invested in my education, broadened my perspective, and strengthened my determination to contribute to the future of Greenland and the Arctic.

The travel grant was funded by Forøya Banki.