Fort Worth, Texas – Goodwill Ambassadors travel to four Sister Cities
Later this month, thirty-two students and ten leaders are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Trier, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Toluca, Mexico.
This will be the first youth exchange to Toluca, Mexico since 2008. Educators from the FWISD, private schools and local universities will lead the delegations including:
Trier, Germany: Marvin Vann Griffith, Southwest High School and Travis Waggoner, recent University of North Texas graduate.
Reggio Emilia, Italy: Vicki Delgado, Leonard Middle School and Rachel Jenkins, University of Texas at Arlington, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Kiana Cunningham, University of Arkansas.
Budapest, Hungary: Jay Kurima, FWISD TABS and Michelle Chuah, University of Texas at Arlington.
Toluca, Mexico: Nathan Henderson, Stripling Middle School and Stephanie Atkinson, University of Texas at Arlington.
“In today’s ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment and exposure is crucial for students and adults alike. We believe in a student-centered program that encourages the development of leadership skills and motivates students to pursue their own goals,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.
The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. They learn leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They also receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S., Texas and Fort Worth which enhances their college and career opportunities.
Twenty-six Fort Worth Sister Cities International delegates will depart Friday on an eight day educational mission to Cuba to learn more about the country and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation will consist of representatives from the business, education, arts and tourism sectors.
Special meetings are set with the U.S. Embassy staff in Havana to discuss the current political climate of the country. While in Havana the delegation will also meet with Professor Carlos Alzugaray Treto on U.S./Cuba Relations. Professor Alzugaray is the Former Cuban Ambassador to the European Union and former Director of the Institute of Foreign Relations in Havana.
Sister Cities is working with Cuba Cultural Travel, an operator under a “People to People” license required by the U.S. Dept. of Treasury who sets regulations for any American citizen wishing to travel to Cuba.
Nearly 100 Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s international partners.