Reflecting on six remarkable years and embracing 2024 with a focus on inclusivity, education, and your stories.
Photograph: Pexels
Text: Lyndsay Jensen
Dear readers
As we enter the new year, I find great joy in reflecting on the remarkable journey we've shared at The International. Celebrating our sixth anniversary, I am deeply grateful for the thriving community that surrounds our online magazine. Your unwavering support and engagement have driven our commitment to delivering insightful and meaningful content, for which we are truly thankful.
Many of us contemplate resolutions and aspirations for the year ahead in the spirit of fresh beginnings that often accompany January. At The International, we firmly believe in the collective power of a supportive community and a determined mindset - essential elements for navigating the cultural diversities encountered in Denmark.
While embracing new beginnings, it is crucial to consider the social aspects of life, especially for those who have recently relocated to Denmark. Making friends in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. We encourage you to take the initiative, explore local events, join clubs, or volunteer - excellent ways to connect with fellow internationals and locals.
I like to focus on specific articles for every issue, and this one is close to my heart, having a son with a disability. We take a look at the challenging and worrying issues faced by people with disabilities in Denmark - affecting both local Danes and internationals. Highlighting the report from the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, following her visit in 2023, the report acknowledges some positive legislative changes. Still, it underscores persistent gaps, including discrimination, transportation, accessibility, education, employment, healthcare, and living conditions. It calls for systemic changes to foster inclusivity and address longstanding challenges - we watch and wait to see how Denmark addresses these issues.
Turning our attention to education, we highlight the importance of instilling valuable skills in our children. Planning and organisation, often introduced through calendars, are vital tools for a child's academic success. As parents, we can guide our children in developing these skills early on, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
In navigating education in Denmark, we encourage parents to actively involve their children in this process. Engaging them in selecting extracurricular activities, setting academic goals, and managing schedules fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership – something Denmark is well known for in their education.
As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the promise of a fresh start in 2024, The International team extends heartfelt wishes to each of you. May this year bring you success, joy, new adventures, and happiness. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, keeping you informed about life in Denmark, and sharing stories that resonate with the diverse experiences within our community.
This is why we emphasise the importance of diversity in our feature stories and how we highlight a range of people from many diverse backgrounds. However, we need help finding these stories, so please reach out to us and share them.
Thank you for being an integral part of The International family. Your readership fuels our passion for storytelling, and we are excited to embark on this journey with you for another year.
Here's to a fantastic beginning, reaching new heights, and the beautiful stories that await us in the coming months.
Wishing you all a fantastic 2024!