We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you.
Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler
FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools
Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year. They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative.
Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders. Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society.
“The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby.
While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools. Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.
It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed.
On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you. The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place.
Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States.
Sincerely,
Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy
Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another.
Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.
The closing ceremonies take place this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers.
“We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.
North Texashas been selected as the venue for the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens which aims to strengthen the peaceful relationships between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level. The Summit, held alternately in Japan and the U.S., honors one of the first friendships between a Japanese and an American, a unique bond begun in 1841 and continuing through their descendants to the present day.
The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas from Tuesday, August 28, to Monday, September 3. Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of the Texas cowboy heritage as well as the region’s cultural and sports achievements. Residents of fifteen North Texas cities will open their homes and hearts to the Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program. The 15 North Texas host cities are:
ArlingtonDallas Denton Fort WorthGainesvilleGlen RoseIrving
The Summit honors the life-long friendship between Captain William H. Whitfield, an American whaler, and John Manjiro Nakahama, a Japanese fisherman and the first Japanese citizen to be educated in America. Manjiro’s knowledge of America faciliated the opening of Japan to trade with the western world following the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853. Manjiro taught English, navigation, ship-building and American ideas, such as democracy, to young Japanese samurais who led Japan to modernize and join the developed world.
“The friendship between these two men is unique in that it has continued for more than 170 years between their descendants,” said Hiroko Todoroki, CIE Secretary General. “The purpose of the annual Grassroots Summit is to encourage new friendships between Japanese and Americans that will last a lifetme and beyond. Members of the Whitfield and Nakahama families play a pivotal role in each Summit, and serve as a reminder of the enormous potential of grassroots exchange.”
The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit is being presented by the JASDFW and the CIE in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, the host cities, and community organizations. Sponsors are 7-Eleven, Inc.; Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.; and Gulf States Toyota, Inc. Additional support is provided by The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas GiveCamp, and Suzuki Graphic Design Studio.
“North Texas is honored to be chosen as the host for the 22nd Grassroots Summit,” said John M. Stich, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Dallas and Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit in North Texas. “We anticipate there will be approximately 150-200 Japanese visitors coming to North Texas. We look forward to introducing our Japanese guests to real Texas hospitality and to the many attractions in North Texas.”
The Summit honors the life-long friendship between Captain William H. Whitfield, an American whaler, and John Manjiro Nakahama, a Japanese fisherman and the first Japanese citizen to be educated in America. Manjiro’s knowledge of America faciliated the opening of Japan to trade with the western world following the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853. Manjiro taught English, navigation, ship-building and American ideas, such as democracy, to young Japanese samurais who led Japan to modernize and join the developed world.
“The friendship between these two men is unique in that it has continued for more than 170 years between their descendants,” said Hiroko Todoroki, CIE Secretary General. “The purpose of the annual Grassroots Summit is to encourage new friendships between Japanese and Americans that will last a lifetme and beyond. Members of the Whitfield and Nakahama families play a pivotal role in each Summit, and serve as a reminder of the enormous potential of grassroots exchange.”
The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit is being presented by the JASDFW and the CIE in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, the host cities, and community organizations. Sponsors are 7-Eleven, Inc.; Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.; and Gulf States Toyota, Inc. Additional support is provided by The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas GiveCamp, and Suzuki Graphic Design Studio.
“North Texas is honored to be chosen as the host for the 22nd Grassroots Summit,” said John M. Stich, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Dallas and Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit in North Texas. “We anticipate there will be approximately 150-200 Japanese visitors coming to North Texas. We look forward to introducing our Japanese guests to real Texas hospitality and to the many attractions in North Texas.”
Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies
Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 125 participants will converge at TCU July 14-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership.
Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.
The closing ceremonies take place on July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
This year also marks the 8th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 9—13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education.
“These 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.
Spirit Airlines launched its inaugural flight between DFW International Airport and Toluca, Mexico on June 21, 2012. The Airport celebrated the inaugural flight when the Toluca flight arrived at DFW on June 22nd with a community breakfast. Toluca Chair Doug Harman spoke on the importance of this connection and members of Sister Cities and the Hispanic Women’s Network were in attendance, along with other community leaders.
“Forth Worth has had a special relationship with Toluca since 1998 when we signed our Sister City partnership. This direct route will not only make it easier for citizens of both cities to continue this special relationship but will make it easier to develop economic relations. We welcome our friends from Toluca to visit anytime and often.” – City Councilman Salvador Espino
“Toluca is an important governmental and business center, and having the new direct flight is an important step in creating new opportunities between the Fort Worth-Dallas region and the Toluca-Mexico City region.” – Doug Harman, Fort Worth Sister Cities Toluca Chair
Effective June 21st, flight 161 leaves DFW at 11:20 p.m. arriving Toluca (TLC) at 1:45 a.m.+1 – Daily
Effective June 22nd, flight 162 leaves TLC at 3:20 a.m. arriving DFW at 6:00 a.m. – Daily
Fort Worth Sister Cities International is thrilled to be hosting a delegation of engineering students from TEC de Monterrey University in our sister city of Toluca, Mexico.
Five engineering students and one adult chaperone and, for the first time, seven bio-engineering students and accompanying professor arrived on Saturday, March 31. The students will have separate but concurrent programs and they will be here through April 7th.
While in Fort Worth, the group will visit several businesses and universities to learn about the variety of potential careers in their chosen field, and to learn about the sciences behind those fields.
The group will be hosted by: BNSF Railway, Oncor Electric Delivery, XTO Energy, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth Police Dept. Crime Lab, UNT Health Science Center School of Forensic Sciences and Human Movement lab, University of Texas at Arlington, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, and DFW International Airport.
For more information, contact Beth at beth@fwsistercities.org
A heartfelt thank you to Sundance Square for their support over the last ten years and their commitment to global education for students. Sundance supports Sister Cities in many ways corporately but the Sundance Santa partnership is very unique. 100% of proceeds made from photos taken with Sundance Santa has provided over $110,000 for youth scholarships giving students an international perspective by participating in Sister Cities programs. Each year Sundance has provided all the camera equipment, film, giveaways for the children, and a wonderful Santa Claus with his beautiful sleigh and holiday setting to take photos for special holiday memories. Our partnership began with just one Polaroid camera in 2002 to this year’s high tech printers and digital cameras. Sister Cities has provided more than 2,000 students, parents and teacher volunteers to take the photos and to serve as Santa’s helpers thereby creating a magical partnership.
When I asked the Chief if fire fighter training in Fort Worth was similar or different to fire fighter training in Bandung, his response was “very different”. We had just toured the Tarrant County Fire Technology Program (FTP) with Richard “Rocky” Vasquez a Fort Worth Fire Fighter and seen many of the procedures, equipment and technology that keep the area’s fire fighter trainees safe during this comprehensive program. In Bandung, they do it for real. They use real diesel fuel to start real fires and explode real buildings. They rappel off 9-story structures so that they know what it will really be like when they go to an actual fire. This is indeed different! So the chief and his staff were most interested to see what the Tarrant County Fire Technology program has to offer.
Thank you to the Fire Technology Academy for the informative tour!
Fire fighter trainees come from cities all around Tarrant County to train at this academy. However, they are currently developing a hybrid version of the program in which many of their courses will be online. This will enable fire fighters from all over the world to begin their studies online before traveling to Texas for the hands on portion of the program. The Comanche Peak Nuclear Facility in Glenrose, Texas contracts with the FTP to train their engineers as fire fighters. The training these engineers receive enables them to go “anywhere on the planet” as fire service professionals. The creator of the FTP is currently working in Qatar, which boasts the largest oil production per capita, to create a similar program for the petroleum industry.
The Bandung delegation, JOHN HILBERT SIREGAR, SH, Head of Firefighter Dept., YAN ACHMAD SOFYAN, SE, Head of Sub-Dept., RIDWAN HARDIANTO, SIP Firefighter TOTOY YUHASMANA, Operator Unit/Driver, BELLA BHAKTI NAGARA, Fire Fighter, carefully observed equipment and training tools throughout the tour. They photographed everything, especially each other. (Notice they are wearing the same turnout gear that is hanging in the lockers…) It was great to see how quickly our photographs bridged the language barrier.
Swift Water Training was of particular interest to the delegation since their city lies in a river basin, surrounded by volcanos and the area is subject to frequent flooding. We observed the ‘remote control river’ which can rise at varying speeds anywhere from 20 minutes to fill to 7 minutes (or 80,000 gal/min.) to reach full capacity. You can see in the photo below, Hardi, our translator, describing the banana boat rescue craft design.
Another training structure, the high-rise, offers a room with a ‘spongy ceiling’. Trainees learn to back out of a room when the floor feels this way, since it is a signal that the support columns have been compromised and floor may give way at any moment. The Bandung crew recently worked a fire in which a roof collapsed, resulting in two of their own sustaining burns over 40% of their bodies. Personally, I didn’t want to be walking in that room even without it being on fire.
The rapid urbanization in Indonesia has increased the focus on fire safety and training. Hosting the Indo Firex: No. 1 Fire Protection and Safety and Rescue Industry Event is just one way that they are increasing access to vital information, experts and solutions to technical challenges of fire safety. Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to be a part of these ongoing training efforts.
To see more photos go to the Fort Worth Sister Cities Flickr account, or visit our Facebook page.
Swift Water Training was of particular interest to the delegation since their city lies in a river basin, surrounded by volcanos and the area is subject to frequent flooding. We observed the ‘remote control river’ which can rise at varying speeds anywhere from 20 minutes to fill to 7 minutes (or 80,000 gal/min.) to reach full capacity. You can see in the photo below, Hardi, our translator, describing the banana boat rescue craft design.
Another training structure, the high-rise, offers a room with a ‘spongy ceiling’. Trainees learn to back out of a room when the floor feels this way, since it is a signal that the support columns have been compromised and floor may give way at any moment. The Bandung crew recently worked a fire in which a roof collapsed, resulting in two of their own sustaining burns over 40% of their bodies. Personally, I didn’t want to be walking in that room even without it being on fire.
The rapid urbanization in Indonesia has increased the focus on fire safety and training. Hosting the Indo Firex: No. 1 Fire Protection and Safety and Rescue Industry Event is just one way that they are increasing access to vital information, experts and solutions to technical challenges of fire safety. Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to be a part of these ongoing training efforts.
To see more photos go to the Fort Worth Sister Cities Flickr account, or visit our Facebook page.