- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
Two 18-year-olds from Hardanger recently took matters into their own hands. Noa Golis and Eigil Hildonen-Teigland set course for Ukraine, transporting a pickup truck from Oslo to Lviv, where it is now in service with a Ukrainian defense unit.
“The trip we joined was both a powerful and very meaningful experience to be part of. We drove a car together down to Ukraine and took turns driving,” they say.
Strong impressions in Ukraine
Both are in their final year of academic studies at Kvam Upper Secondary School in Norheimsund and live in Øystese in vestern part of Norway. Alongside school and the approaching graduation celebrations, they chose to spend their Easter on a mission far beyond Norway’s borders.
“We’ve long been aware of the situation in Ukraine and how important it is to contribute. It was my mother, who works with Fritt Ukraina, who first sparked my interest, and I shared that engagement with Eigil. Together we saw that it was actually possible to contribute in this way. Then we looked for the opportunity once we both turned 18 and got our driver’s licenses to make the trip,” they explain.
Arriving in Ukraine left a strong impression.
“It was very exciting to enter Ukraine. There were very few lights, and it looked like an abandoned place at night when we arrived. But when we woke up the next day, we saw that it was a normal city.”
In Lviv, they delivered both vehicles and equipment to recipients operating in the midst of the war.
“We experienced delivering equipment and vehicles to individuals and units who received them. Everyone we met was very grateful and appreciated the support and contribution.”
“We got to meet soldiers taking part in an active war, which was something very special for us and made a strong impression.”
Want to contribute again
The experience has motivated them to do more.
“After the trip, we reflected that this is something we want to do again, and it felt like we had done something important.”
The two have followed the work of Fritt Ukraina over time and highlight the organization as a key enabler.
“We’ve known about Fritt Ukraina for a long time and have looked forward to a trip like this. So it was great to get the opportunity through Fritt Ukraina to contribute in this way. We see support for Ukraine as very important for those of us who want to live in a safe Europe.”
Action over words
“The efforts of Noa and Eigil are inspiring, and they have put action before words by traveling to Ukraine with equipment,” says Tina Bru, Chair of Fritt Ukraina.
“It makes a big difference to see and experience firsthand what it’s like to stand in this fight over time. I’m sure they both returned home with new perspectives and stories that can motivate others to contribute to Ukraine and Europe’s freedom, it is invaluable. We are very grateful for the commitment shown by these brave young men,” she says.
Encouraging others to contribute
Noa and Eigil have already given several presentations about their trip to fellow students at school. At the same time, they encourage others to contribute.
“We want to encourage others to contribute in whatever way they can. It may not be easy to travel to Ukraine and help directly, but there are many different ways to support.”
At Fritt Ukraina, there is pride in this engagement.
Noa and Eigil represent a generation that does not settle for simply following events but takes responsibility when it matters. The commitment to Ukraine is clear, and the organization is seeing more people like them joining the effort.
Delivery number 120
The trip Noa and Eigil participated in was Fritt Ukraina’s delivery number 120. It included eleven vehicles, drones, and high-capacity power banks.
Read also: Continuing his father’s commitment – donating vehicles for air defense