In 2020, DDFinance entered into a collaboration with NOREC, and has through the NOREC exchange program hired six employees; Christine, Anders and Khaled from Norway, Daniel and Eugene from Kenya, and Bernhard from Ghana.

NOREC (The Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation) is an executive body under the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aim is to increase developmental cooperation among countries through mutual exchange – meaning that they work with international partners who use the exchange model to learn from each other and develop

This is a great learning opportunity for both the participants of the exchange program as well as the companies who hires them. The combination of new employees with different backgrounds offer new inputs and perspectives that help companies grow and develop. Mutually, it is a great learning opportunity for young people to gain real work experience and learn how to work together across countries to reach company goals, and development.

We have conducted an interview with Christine, one of the participants of the exchange program with NOREC, to learn about her background and her experience with the exchange program.

Tell us a little about yourself, what is your background?

My name is Christine, and I am 25 years old. I was born in Ørje (Norway), but has moved around a lot during my education; for instance, in Vienna, Cape Town, San Francisco.

When it comes to my educational background – I have a bachelor’s degree in retail management, and a master’s degree in innovation and management with specialization in social entrepreneurship.

Why did you apply for a job at DDFinance AS?

I wanted to work in a start-up who combined technology and innovation, as well as being socially committed. I also find the Norway-Africa relation very interesting, hence, DDFinance was perfect with my background.

What are your main tasks?

We (the NOREC-interns) work with facilitating for further expansion of the company to other countries in Africa. With my background in innovation and entrepreneurship I provide input on how the company best can develop further.

How have you experienced working in DDFinance?

I have learned a lot in a short period of time, since I went straight from school and into work. And it has been a great experience working for a company that aims to make life a little easier for those who have less.

Of course, I would have preferred to be in Nairobi. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to work from Bergen. We are all looking forward to when it will be possible for us to move.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I still wish to work with companies and projects that balances purpose and profit. I think that all future businesses need to balance them both. In order to successfully make a change in people’s lives you need long-lasting and viable companies, hence you have to balance income and impact.

Would you recommend the NOREC exchange program to others?

Yes, definitely. Young people get work experience abroad, at the same time as companies get the opportunity of good and various labor (i.e. educational background, perspectives, culture). It is a lot of learning for both the companies and employees. It is also an important foot into work networks for recent graduates.

Are you interested to learn more about NOREC? Visit their page on www.NOREC.no