Among the 220,000 students from more than 900 high schools that participate each year, there seems to be no lack of creativity when it comes to earning money for the project. Students are often seen entertaining in the streets, selling home baked goods to people rushing to work, helping the elderly get their gardens ready for spring, or working for a day in various businesses all over the country. The money earned is donated to the selected developing country for educational purposes, and the amount earned by the students is matched by the Norwegian government. These organizations will spearhead the initial efforts of this program. Down the road, we hope that the program will be fully adopted and implemented by the schools themselves, working with local officials, NGOs, and the private sector.
Local participation is essential in shaping the program so as to fit the local situation.
Five years from now, our hope is that Operation Day's Work will be up and running nation wide. There will no doubt be modifications to the Norwegian model in the way the program is implemented. More than likely, we will seek private funds as opposed to government funds to match students' contributions, and the way in which students raise funds may be different as well. We would like to begin the U.S. program in several pilot cities across the country. D.C. To read the official statement by Minister of Development Cooperation and Human Rights Hilde Frafjord Johnson on Operation Day's Work, click here .