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Current news from Allstad

Solum Vicarage Becomes a School Farm

OVF is working on new uses for the vicarages. The vicarages in Stokke and Hommedal have become school farm projects based on the model from Abildsø in Oslo. Now Solum Vicarage in the municipality of Skien is following in their footsteps. From January 2023, the buildings will be in full operation, offering a different and practically oriented school day. With its large vicarage residence, farm building and tenant farmer’s residence, the vicarage has the qualities suited to the concept.
Published 17.10.2022
Solum Vicarage

When Solum Vicarage in Skien becomes a school farm, it will be the third former vicarage to serve as an arena for young people who struggle with motivation in their regular school day. In both Hommedal and Stokke, OVF has already rented out the vicarages for the same purpose. The aim is to provide an additional offering for children in primary and lower secondary school. By spending one day a week at the vicarage/school farm, the young people will gain increased motivation, social and academic development, as well as good and different experiences. The model for the concept is based on Abildsø School Farm in Oslo.

Plans are now being drawn up for the school farm at Solum
From left: vicarage inspector Arne Sørum, farmer and new tenant at the vicarage Morgan Sørensen, and head of the School Farm Centre Asgeir Føyen

Solum is carrying out some rehabilitation work before the school begins operating in January 2023. A new wood-fired boiler and a new kitchen are already in place. The Sparebankstiftelsen Sør and DNB foundations have provided funding to restore the old vicarage.