Norway: Beggars roam the streets of Oslo – API’s Elizabeth interviews Kari Gran
Posted by African Press International on June 15, 2012
http://www.africanpress.me/ API’s Elizabeth M. Koikai (Left) with Kari Gran of Norway’s Bymisjon Organization during an interview in her office on 13th of June.2012
The Begging epidemic brought about by the Roma gypsies is causing uneasiness in big cities in Norway. Many of the beggars have descended on the streets of Oslo due to lack of jobs and opportunities back in their country. Many of them turn to begging to support their families back in Romania. Norwegian political parties are trying to come to an agreement on how to stop the menace.
However, according to Kari Gran who works as a chairperson at Kirkens Bymisjon a Christian-based humanitarian organization, claims that Romanian beggars need help rather than being discriminated. They are seen as outlaws and not as human beings. Kari Gran adds that most Roma gypsies are willing to work. They come to Norway with the hope of finding employment rather than beg.
Kirkensbymisjon runs a cafe called the meeting place. It is a shelter where beggars, drug addicts and homeless people get meals at a reasonable price. The organization conducts outreach work among men and women who are battling substance abuse around Oslo area. They also act as a link to doctors, social services among others.
Kirkens Bymisjon co operates with other humanitarian organizations like Red Cross and Caritas which work effortlessly to help the less fortunate in the society. Their hopes are that the politicians will work together and find a long-lasting solution that will help humans beings who are languishing in the streets.
Below: API’s Elizabeth M. Koikai interviews Kari Gran of Bymisjon Organization in Oslo, Norway;
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