Category: Sister City Connections

Youth Ambassadors Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 27 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Rebecca Cichock, Samantha Cruz, William Dibble, Priscilla Gutierrez, Imani Kayembe, Katey Parham, Emily Pruitt, and Brigit Teschendorf; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Dawnelle Butler and Nicole Vallee.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 27 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 9-17.

All student applicants (9th-11th grades) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

2018-07-27 08:59

Youth Ambassadors Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 27 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Rebecca Cichock, Samantha Cruz, William Dibble, Priscilla Gutierrez, Imani Kayembe, Katey Parham, Emily Pruitt, and Brigit Teschendorf; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Dawnelle Butler and Nicole Vallee.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 27 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 9-17.

All student applicants (9th-11th grades) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

International Students Attend Leadership Academies

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX: Meet the World in Fort Worth, Theme of Academies

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 12. Students from eSwatini, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 29th International Leadership Academy (ILA). The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 90 participants will converge at Texas Christian University (TCU) July 12 – 26 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 14th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 9 – 13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 25, 6:30 p.m. at TCU’s BLUU Ballroom and is free and open to the public. For more info call 817/632-7100.

2018-06-27 10:44

International Students Attend Leadership Academies

Fort Worth, TX: Meet the World in Fort Worth, Theme of Academies

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 12. Students from eSwatini, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 29th International Leadership Academy (ILA). The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 90 participants will converge at Texas Christian University (TCU) July 12 – 26 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 14th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 9 – 13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 25, 6:30 p.m. at TCU’s BLUU Ballroom and is free and open to the public. For more info call 817/632-7100.

Fort Worth Representing USA at Italian Sports Games

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fields youth sports teams

Fort Worth is sending nearly 100 student athletes and coaches to the sixth edition of the Tricolore Youth Sports Games in Italy next week July 5 – 14, 2018.

The games create an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to over 3,000 athletes from around the world who will be participating in the event.

“Living with and competing against these young athletes, our students will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with them than what separates them,” said Michael Jacobsson, Fort Worth Tricolore Chair. “These are the types of experiences that help kids shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and it’s a lot of fun, too!”

The athletes and coaches will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries, as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The Games offer an international experience these kids will remember the rest of their lives. Bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals will be a highlight of their athletic careers,” said Matt Graves, Tricolore Vice Chair.

The Tricolore Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s sister city for thirty-three years, and Fort Worth will be the sole representative of the U.S.A. Teams participating are girls volleyball, swimming, and four boys baseball teams.

2018-06-26 01:26

Fort Worth Representing USA at Italian Sports Games

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fields youth sports teams

Fort Worth is sending nearly 100 student athletes and coaches to the sixth edition of the Tricolore Youth Sports Games in Italy next week July 5 – 14, 2018.

The games create an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to over 3,000 athletes from around the world who will be participating in the event.

“Living with and competing against these young athletes, our students will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with them than what separates them,” said Michael Jacobsson, Fort Worth Tricolore Chair. “These are the types of experiences that help kids shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and it’s a lot of fun, too!”

The athletes and coaches will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries, as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The Games offer an international experience these kids will remember the rest of their lives. Bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals will be a highlight of their athletic careers,” said Matt Graves, Tricolore Vice Chair.

The Tricolore Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s sister city for thirty-three years, and Fort Worth will be the sole representative of the U.S.A. Teams participating are girls volleyball, swimming, and four boys baseball teams.

Youth Represent Fort Worth in France, Japan, Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Youth Ambassadors travel to three sister cities

Forty-six students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s sister cities this month including Nîmes, France; Nagaoka, Japan; and Mbabane, Swaziland.

These Youth Ambassadors of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. In addition to learning leadership skills and participating in cultural exchange, they also receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S., Texas, and Fort Worth which enhances their college and career opportunities.

“Today’s growing global community is making more of a footprint in young people’s lives, making cultural understanding and exchange a pivotal part of a student’s education. Our student-centered program ensures students develop the skills necessary for them to pursue their own goals and become globally-minded leaders in their communities,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

Educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities will lead the delegations including:

Nîmes, France: Jay Kurima, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences and Marvin Vann Griffith, World Languages Institute, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Stephanie Atkinson and Michelle Chuah

Nagaoka, Japan: James Gleaton, Tarrant County College and Courtney Smith, Como Montessori, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Sienna Andrade, University of Texas at Arlington and Rubi Roy, Tarrant County College

Mbabane, Swaziland: Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill-Jarvis, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Madeline Hale, University of Texas at Dallas and Jailine Garcia, Tarrant County College

2018-05-31 10:53

Youth Represent Fort Worth in France, Japan, Swaziland

FORT WORTH, TX – Youth Ambassadors travel to three sister cities

Forty-six students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s sister cities this month including Nîmes, France; Nagaoka, Japan; and Mbabane, Swaziland.

These Youth Ambassadors of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. In addition to learning leadership skills and participating in cultural exchange, they also receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S., Texas, and Fort Worth which enhances their college and career opportunities.

“Today’s growing global community is making more of a footprint in young people’s lives, making cultural understanding and exchange a pivotal part of a student’s education. Our student-centered program ensures students develop the skills necessary for them to pursue their own goals and become globally-minded leaders in their communities,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

Educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities will lead the delegations including:

Nîmes, France: Jay Kurima, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences and Marvin Vann Griffith, World Languages Institute, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Stephanie Atkinson and Michelle Chuah

Nagaoka, Japan: James Gleaton, Tarrant County College and Courtney Smith, Como Montessori, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Sienna Andrade, University of Texas at Arlington and Rubi Roy, Tarrant County College

Mbabane, Swaziland: Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill-Jarvis, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Madeline Hale, University of Texas at Dallas and Jailine Garcia, Tarrant County College

Sister Cities on Diplomatic Mission to Russia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Delegation visits Russia to find connections

Fourteen delegates are currently visiting Russia May 27-June 8 on a twelve-day diplomatic mission to Russia to learn more about the country and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation consists of representatives from business, education, and finance sectors.

While there the delegation will visit Moscow, Kolomna, St. Petersburg and Maryino.

Special meetings are set with Consul General Tom Leary from the St. Petersburg Consulate and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Delegates plan to discuss current issues in Russia and how US and Russian citizens can connect on a diplomatic level.

“We are exploring a new part of the world and learning about Russia,” said Michael Hyatt, Director Emeritus of Fort Worth Sister Cities International (FWSCI). “Pursuing new relationships like these is needed now more than ever. There is tremendous potential to grow a global movement of citizens committed to deepening ties in the face of forces pulling us apart.”

The delegation will be led by Michael Hyatt, Director Emeritus; Tim Quigley, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities International (SCI); and Mae Ferguson, President/CEO. Other delegates include FWSCI board members Rae Hyatt, Ronda and Walter Stucker, and Melissa Thompson; SCI board members Mimi Barker and Carol Robertson Lopez; as well as Allen and Teresa Dunaway, Barbara and Rick Walker, and Jon Wilcox.

Other missions to connect Fort Worth internationally are planned this year to Hungary and France. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Danielle McCown at 817/632-7100 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2018-05-31 08:56

Sister Cities on Diplomatic Mission to Russia

Fort Worth, Texas – Delegation visits Russia to find connections

Fourteen delegates are currently visiting Russia May 27-June 8 on a twelve-day diplomatic mission to Russia to learn more about the country and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation consists of representatives from business, education, and finance sectors.

While there the delegation will visit Moscow, Kolomna, St. Petersburg and Maryino.

Special meetings are set with Consul General Tom Leary from the St. Petersburg Consulate and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Delegates plan to discuss current issues in Russia and how US and Russian citizens can connect on a diplomatic level.

“We are exploring a new part of the world and learning about Russia,” said Michael Hyatt, Director Emeritus of Fort Worth Sister Cities International (FWSCI). “Pursuing new relationships like these is needed now more than ever. There is tremendous potential to grow a global movement of citizens committed to deepening ties in the face of forces pulling us apart.”

The delegation will be led by Michael Hyatt, Director Emeritus; Tim Quigley, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities International (SCI); and Mae Ferguson, President/CEO. Other delegates include FWSCI board members Rae Hyatt, Ronda and Walter Stucker, and Melissa Thompson; SCI board members Mimi Barker and Carol Robertson Lopez; as well as Allen and Teresa Dunaway, Barbara and Rick Walker, and Jon Wilcox.

Other missions to connect Fort Worth internationally are planned this year to Hungary and France. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Danielle McCown at 817/632-7100 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

Nîmes, France to be Fort Worth’s Ninth Sister City

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – City Council votes unanimously to accept French invitation

After a two-year search and selection process, Fort Worth will add its ninth sister city, Nîmes, France. The last sister city added was Guiyang, China signed in 2011.

A resolution to accept the invitation from Nîmes Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier to partner was unanimously, “and with enthusiasm” as stated by Mayor Betsy Price, approved by the City Council on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth at last night’s Council meeting,

Sister Cities recommended Nîmes as a partner to build a mutually beneficial relationship through international education, exchange and commerce.

“Our goal is to promote Fort Worth globally and enrich our local community. We find that important now more than ever,” said Johnny Campbell, board chairman and President of Sundance Square.

“The two cities are well suited for each other because Nîmes, like Fort Worth, is experiencing significant demographic and financial growth,” said Pat Miller, Chair of the Long Range Planning committee of Sister Cities and leader of the delegation that traveled to France last year to research the possibility of partnering.

A delegation, led by Nîmes Mayor Fournier, several Deputy Mayors and the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce and University of Nîmes, visited Fort Worth in January to discuss programs that would be of interest to both cities.

An official signing trip to France will be planned for this fall or Spring 2019. Anyone interested in learning more about Nîmes or joining the delegation to Nîmes can visit www.fwsistercities.org or contact danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2018-04-04 10:11

Nîmes, France to be Fort Worth’s Ninth Sister City

Fort Worth, TX – City Council votes unanimously to accept French invitation

After a two-year search and selection process, Fort Worth will add its ninth sister city, Nîmes, France. The last sister city added was Guiyang, China signed in 2011.

A resolution to accept the invitation from Nîmes Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier to partner was unanimously, “and with enthusiasm” as stated by Mayor Betsy Price, approved by the City Council on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth at last night’s Council meeting,

Sister Cities recommended Nîmes as a partner to build a mutually beneficial relationship through international education, exchange and commerce.

“Our goal is to promote Fort Worth globally and enrich our local community. We find that important now more than ever,” said Johnny Campbell, board chairman and President of Sundance Square.

“The two cities are well suited for each other because Nîmes, like Fort Worth, is experiencing significant demographic and financial growth,” said Pat Miller, Chair of the Long Range Planning committee of Sister Cities and leader of the delegation that traveled to France last year to research the possibility of partnering.

A delegation, led by Nîmes Mayor Fournier, several Deputy Mayors and the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce and University of Nîmes, visited Fort Worth in January to discuss programs that would be of interest to both cities.

An official signing trip to France will be planned for this fall or Spring 2019. Anyone interested in learning more about Nîmes or joining the delegation to Nîmes can visit www.fwsistercities.org or contact danielle@fwsistercities.org.

Japanese Mayor Leading Delegation to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of people from Nagaoka, Japan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Nagaoka on October 27, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Nagaoka, Tatsunobu Isoda, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Betsy Price, tour Sundance Square and the Cultural District, attend the Japanese Fall Festival in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and participate in an educators panel discussion at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

On October 28, a 30th anniversary celebration dinner will be held in Mayor Isoda’s honor at Billy Bob’s Texas. Tickets to the celebration include dinner and a ticket to the Trace Adkins concert that evening. To buy tickets go to: www.fwsistercities.org/event/nagaoka-30th-anniversary/

“We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Jane Bass, Chair of the Nagaoka 30th Anniversary committee.

A delegation from Fort Worth plans to visit Nagaoka in 2018 to continue the 30th anniversary celebrations.

For more information or to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at 817-632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2017-09-28 12:28

Japanese Mayor Leading Delegation to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of people from Nagaoka, Japan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Nagaoka on October 27, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Nagaoka, Tatsunobu Isoda, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Betsy Price, tour Sundance Square and the Cultural District, attend the Japanese Fall Festival in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and participate in an educators panel discussion at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

On October 28, a 30th anniversary celebration dinner will be held in Mayor Isoda’s honor at Billy Bob’s Texas. Tickets to the celebration include dinner and a ticket to the Trace Adkins concert that evening. To buy tickets go to: www.fwsistercities.org/event/nagaoka-30th-anniversary/

“We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Jane Bass, Chair of the Nagaoka 30th Anniversary committee.

A delegation from Fort Worth plans to visit Nagaoka in 2018 to continue the 30th anniversary celebrations.

For more information or to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at 817-632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

German Mayor Leading Delegation of 53 to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of 53 people from Trier, Germany to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Trier on September 30, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Trier, Wolfram Leibe, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and City Manager David Cooke, tour Sundance Square, and take part in a Reaffirmation Ceremony with Mayor Price. At mid-day on October 2, the famous Stadtgarde Augusta Trevororum, the official marching band of Trier, will perform in Sundance Square. This group travels on all official visits with the mayor and it is an honor to have them perform in Fort Worth.

This exchange comes after a delegation from Fort Worth visited Trier in 2016 to leverage Fort Worth’s long-standing friendship with Trier and capitalize on the opportunity to grow a new platform in the business sphere of influence.

“Our visit to Trier was just the beginning of continued growth.  The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow small business internationally,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Fort Worth Sister Cities. “We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before.”

Click here for more information about the visit and how you can participate

2017-08-28 09:58

German Mayor Leading Delegation of 53 to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of 53 people from Trier, Germany to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Trier on September 30, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Trier, Wolfram Leibe, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and City Manager David Cooke, tour Sundance Square, and take part in a Reaffirmation Ceremony with Mayor Price. At mid-day on October 2, the famous Stadtgarde Augusta Trevororum, the official marching band of Trier, will perform in Sundance Square. This group travels on all official visits with the mayor and it is an honor to have them perform in Fort Worth.

This exchange comes after a delegation from Fort Worth visited Trier in 2016 to leverage Fort Worth’s long-standing friendship with Trier and capitalize on the opportunity to grow a new platform in the business sphere of influence.

“Our visit to Trier was just the beginning of continued growth.  The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow small business internationally,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Fort Worth Sister Cities. “We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before.”

Click here for more information about the visit and how you can participate

Rotary Leads Humanitarian Mission to Mbabane

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – First Partnership with Rotary Club for 2017 Swaziland Mission

Fort Worth Sister Cities International, in partnership with the International Service Committee of the Rotary Club, is planning a mission to Mbabane, Swaziland. An adult delegation of 25 will travel to Fort Worth’s seventh sister city from Sept. 1 – 10, 2017. Participants will deliver 265 wheelchairs and 5 bicycles directly to those in need and teach the recipients how to maintain the chairs to provide income for them and sustain the project.

Additionally, Fort Worth Sister Cities is partnering with Dream Outside the Box founder Kam Phillips to provide “Dream Delivered” boxes to the Swazi children. These boxes, brimming with fun and educational activities and pamphlets, are designed to introduce children to diverse careers, such as forensic science, journalism, and archaeology.

“Our Swaziland trip is taking the Rotary Wheelchair program to the next level. We are not only distributing donated wheelchairs to those in need, we are establishing a wheelchair and bicycle repair shop business that Mbabane citizens will operate long after we are gone,” said David Campbell, Rotary President. “The training and equipment we will provide makes this project more sustainable, creating a legacy of trade skills that will ensure the repair of wheelchairs and bicycles we bring and provide jobs for years to come.”

Some participants are also staying an additional two nights at the Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge to experience a South African safari. With lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, the group will see the “Big Five” up close and personal.

For more information about future Sister Cities exchanges, call Danielle at 817/632-7100 for more information.

2017-08-16 05:19

Rotary Leads Humanitarian Mission to Mbabane

Fort Worth, TX – First Partnership with Rotary Club for 2017 Swaziland Mission

Fort Worth Sister Cities International, in partnership with the International Service Committee of the Rotary Club, is planning a mission to Mbabane, Swaziland. An adult delegation of 25 will travel to Fort Worth’s seventh sister city from Sept. 1 – 10, 2017. Participants will deliver 265 wheelchairs and 5 bicycles directly to those in need and teach the recipients how to maintain the chairs to provide income for them and sustain the project.

Additionally, Fort Worth Sister Cities is partnering with Dream Outside the Box founder Kam Phillips to provide “Dream Delivered” boxes to the Swazi children. These boxes, brimming with fun and educational activities and pamphlets, are designed to introduce children to diverse careers, such as forensic science, journalism, and archaeology.

“Our Swaziland trip is taking the Rotary Wheelchair program to the next level. We are not only distributing donated wheelchairs to those in need, we are establishing a wheelchair and bicycle repair shop business that Mbabane citizens will operate long after we are gone,” said David Campbell, Rotary President. “The training and equipment we will provide makes this project more sustainable, creating a legacy of trade skills that will ensure the repair of wheelchairs and bicycles we bring and provide jobs for years to come.”

Some participants are also staying an additional two nights at the Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge to experience a South African safari. With lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, the group will see the “Big Five” up close and personal.

For more information about future Sister Cities exchanges, call Danielle at 817/632-7100 for more information.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan & Prepare for Reciprocal Exchange

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 26 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include: Henry Chao, Charlie Estes, Valeria Gutierrez, Zoe Nichols-Payne, Jamil Okada, Matthew Ontiveros, Janrose Samson, Shay Smith, and delegation leaders Liliana Hinojosa and Mikako Daniel.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 8-16.

On August 14, Fort Worth and Nagaoka Harashin scholars will visit Globe Life Park for Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers. The students and delegation leaders will have the opportunity to take part in a pre-game flag ceremony on the field.

All student applicants (9th-11th grades) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program.  It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

2017-07-26 09:13

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan & Prepare for Reciprocal Exchange

FORT WORTH, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 26 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include: Henry Chao, Charlie Estes, Valeria Gutierrez, Zoe Nichols-Payne, Jamil Okada, Matthew Ontiveros, Janrose Samson, Shay Smith, and delegation leaders Liliana Hinojosa and Mikako Daniel.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 8-16.

On August 14, Fort Worth and Nagaoka Harashin scholars will visit Globe Life Park for Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers. The students and delegation leaders will have the opportunity to take part in a pre-game flag ceremony on the field.

All student applicants (9th-11th grades) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program.  It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.