Category: Uncategorized

JOINT POLICE TRAINING BETWEEN FORT WORTH AND TOLUCA, MEXICO

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas — Toluca, Mexico sends officers to Fort Worth for specialized training

Mayor Gonzalez of Toluca, Mexico during the last police officers exchange

As part of a five year partnership with the Toluca, Mexico Police Dept., the Fort Worth    Police Dept. will host ten officers from Toluca July 3—13 for specialized police training.

Sister Cities Toluca vice chair and former FWPD detective Manny Reyes along with FWPD Public Information Officer Daniel Segura are leading the training effort.

The Toluca officers will be in Fort Worth for a week long training at the Fort Worth Police Academy learning new skills on how to handle auto theft, kidnapping and robbery cases. They will tour the FW Police Department’s communications office, crime lab and property room.  They will also study how to become neighborhood police officers.  While in Fort Worth all officers will be home hosted by Fort Worth Police officers. As a reciprocal program for over five years, the FWPD has benefitted from training and information received from Toluca, as well including the addition and updating of a Spanish language training program at the Police Academy; collaboration with the Toluca PD on cold cases involving Mexican nationals in the US who now live in Mexico; direct contact with Mexican cities to locate and apprehend prisoners; and information and tactics for dealing with kidnappings involving Mexican nationals in Fort Worth. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; butterfly tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

2014-06-26 03:47

JOINT POLICE TRAINING BETWEEN FORT WORTH AND TOLUCA, MEXICO

Fort Worth, Texas — Toluca, Mexico sends officers to Fort Worth for specialized training

Mayor Gonzalez of Toluca, Mexico during the last police officers exchange

As part of a five year partnership with the Toluca, Mexico Police Dept., the Fort Worth    Police Dept. will host ten officers from Toluca July 3—13 for specialized police training.

Sister Cities Toluca vice chair and former FWPD detective Manny Reyes along with FWPD Public Information Officer Daniel Segura are leading the training effort.

The Toluca officers will be in Fort Worth for a week long training at the Fort Worth Police Academy learning new skills on how to handle auto theft, kidnapping and robbery cases. They will tour the FW Police Department’s communications office, crime lab and property room.  They will also study how to become neighborhood police officers.  While in Fort Worth all officers will be home hosted by Fort Worth Police officers. As a reciprocal program for over five years, the FWPD has benefitted from training and information received from Toluca, as well including the addition and updating of a Spanish language training program at the Police Academy; collaboration with the Toluca PD on cold cases involving Mexican nationals in the US who now live in Mexico; direct contact with Mexican cities to locate and apprehend prisoners; and information and tactics for dealing with kidnappings involving Mexican nationals in Fort Worth. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; butterfly tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

Students learn about entrepreneurship at local academies

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX: Social Ventures—Investing in 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, over 100   participants will converge at TCU July 19 – Aug. 3 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership and its role in social entrepreneurship. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, China, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. 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 and a community service project. This year marks the 10th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 14—18. 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 Toluca, Mexico and Hanoi, Vietnam,  to gain an international perspective.
“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.
The closing ceremonies take place on Aug. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public  

2014-06-26 03:13

Students learn about entrepreneurship at local academies

Fort Worth, TX: Social Ventures—Investing in 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, over 100   participants will converge at TCU July 19 – Aug. 3 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership and its role in social entrepreneurship. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, China, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. 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 and a community service project. This year marks the 10th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 14—18. 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 Toluca, Mexico and Hanoi, Vietnam,  to gain an international perspective.

“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.
The closing ceremonies take place on Aug. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public  

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

2014-06-24 09:26

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

Joel Burns to Lead Official Delegation to Budapest

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — Sister Cities to Promote Fort Worth Abroad

Click and fly over Budapest Councilman and Budapest Liaison Joel Burns, along with Sister Cities Chairwoman Ann Rice, are leading a delegation of Fort Worth Ambassadors to Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria for a ten day exchange this month. The exchange will include visits to the U.S. Embassies in both Budapest and Vienna, as well as official meetings with the mayors of Budapest and Gyor, Hungary. Gyor will be visited to thank the town for their kindness during a recent youth exchange. Students from Fort Worth were stranded on the highway between Budapest and Vienna when a snow storm forced their bus to stop. The Gyor citizens cared for the students bringing them blankets, food and other necessities until the roads could be cleared. Burns and Rice will present the mayor with a gift on behalf of the City of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Ambassadors will also meet with tour operators and citizens in Budapest to promote Fort Worth and to encourage tourism. Another planned meeting will be with the U.S. Embassies in both Budapest and Vienna to acquaint them with Sister Cities programs, as well as discuss ways to increase exchanges between the two cities and countries. Fort Worth became the first U.S. city to link with Hungary and this partnership continues to produce interesting and resourceful exchanges such as: TCU’s Budapest campus, the Cliburn Piano Institute-Franz Liszt Academy Scholar exchange; annual youth exchanges; nurse training exchanges; and the establishment of home healthcare delivery service programs.

2014-05-29 11:45

Joel Burns to Lead Official Delegation to Budapest

Fort Worth, TX — Sister Cities to Promote Fort Worth Abroad

 Click and fly over Budapest Councilman and Budapest Liaison Joel Burns, along with Sister Cities Chairwoman Ann Rice, are leading a delegation of Fort Worth Ambassadors to Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria for a ten day exchange this month. The exchange will include visits to the U.S. Embassies in both Budapest and Vienna, as well as official meetings with the mayors of Budapest and Gyor, Hungary. Gyor will be visited to thank the town for their kindness during a recent youth exchange. Students from Fort Worth were stranded on the highway between Budapest and Vienna when a snow storm forced their bus to stop. The Gyor citizens cared for the students bringing them blankets, food and other necessities until the roads could be cleared. Burns and Rice will present the mayor with a gift on behalf of the City of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Ambassadors will also meet with tour operators and citizens in Budapest to promote Fort Worth and to encourage tourism. Another planned meeting will be with the U.S. Embassies in both Budapest and Vienna to acquaint them with Sister Cities programs, as well as discuss ways to increase exchanges between the two cities and countries. Fort Worth became the first U.S. city to link with Hungary and this partnership continues to produce interesting and resourceful exchanges such as: TCU’s Budapest campus, the Cliburn Piano Institute-Franz Liszt Academy Scholar exchange; annual youth exchanges; nurse training exchanges; and the establishment of home healthcare delivery service programs.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities This summer 45 students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Guiyang, China; a Service Adventure to Mbabane, Swaziland; and Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family,  attend schools, meet other adults in their profession, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of the world and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. creating beneficial connections for Fort Worth. “Fort Worth’s student ambassadors have the unique experience of being welcomed as family members for home stays.  This gives them the opportunity to “live” the culture of the city they’re visiting on a daily basis.  Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Nancy Marchant, delegation leader to Mbabane, Swaziland. The Mbabane group is planning a visit to a newly opened Health & Social Center built by Fort Worth through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing. The Japanese group will experience home stays and share their culture with elementary and middle school students. The students visiting China will experience community service work in the minority villages near Guiyang.

2014-05-29 09:33

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities This summer 45 students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Guiyang, China; a Service Adventure to Mbabane, Swaziland; and Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family,  attend schools, meet other adults in their profession, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of the world and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. creating beneficial connections for Fort Worth. “Fort Worth’s student ambassadors have the unique experience of being welcomed as family members for home stays.  This gives them the opportunity to “live” the culture of the city they’re visiting on a daily basis.  Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Nancy Marchant, delegation leader to Mbabane, Swaziland. The Mbabane group is planning a visit to a newly opened Health & Social Center built by Fort Worth through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing. The Japanese group will experience home stays and share their culture with elementary and middle school students. The students visiting China will experience community service work in the minority villages near Guiyang.

CELEBRITY CHEFS COOKING FOR SISTER CITIES

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Chefs to cook unique menus in winners’ homes Eleven well-known Fort Worth chefs have graciously donated their time and expertise to help Sister Cities promote Fort Worth to the world and provide the community with a global education. Some chefs are preparing meals in winning bidders’ homes for 8 to 10 people and some with specialized wine pairings to complement the menus. “These chefs are some of the best in the country and are willing to create a unique meal in your home,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Sister Cities Development Chair.   “I have already put a group together to bid on a package.  What a fun way to raise money and help our kids.”  Bidding starts May 15th and ends May 30th at /fort-worths-favorite-chefs-up-for-bid with these participating chefs:
  • Bobby Albanese—Piola Italian Restaurant & Garden
  • Vance Martin—Lili’s Bistro
  • Anthony Felli—Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
  • Janet Capua– Z’s Café
  • Derek Venutolo—Capital Grille
  • Chef Rivera—City Club
  • Donatella Trotti—Nonna Tata
  • Heather Kurima—Culinary School of Fort Worth
  • Timothy Prefontaine—Fort Worth Club
  • Michael S. Thomson—MichaelsCuisine Restaurant & Bar
  • Nehme Elbitar—Chadra Mezza & Grille
In an ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment is crucial for students, adults and businesses alike. Sister Cities’ programs leave lasting impressions for guests to take home and share with others leading to economic ties, educational opportunities that prepare youth for a global marketplace and cultural understanding. Sister Cities maintains and nurtures international relationships so that other partnerships, including economic development programs, can flourish. Tourism from Fort Worth’s sister cities contributes $2.6+ million annually to the Fort Worth economy.

2014-05-15 09:16

CELEBRITY CHEFS COOKING FOR SISTER CITIES

Fort Worth, TX — Chefs to cook unique menus in winners’ homes Eleven well-known Fort Worth chefs have graciously donated their time and expertise to help Sister Cities promote Fort Worth to the world and provide the community with a global education. Some chefs are preparing meals in winning bidders’ homes for 8 to 10 people and some with specialized wine pairings to complement the menus. “These chefs are some of the best in the country and are willing to create a unique meal in your home,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Sister Cities Development Chair.   “I have already put a group together to bid on a package.  What a fun way to raise money and help our kids.”  Bidding starts May 15th and ends May 30th at /fort-worths-favorite-chefs-up-for-bid with these participating chefs:

  • Bobby Albanese—Piola Italian Restaurant & Garden
  • Vance Martin—Lili’s Bistro
  • Anthony Felli—Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
  • Janet Capua– Z’s Café
  • Derek Venutolo—Capital Grille
  • Chef Rivera—City Club
  • Donatella Trotti—Nonna Tata
  • Heather Kurima—Culinary School of Fort Worth
  • Timothy Prefontaine—Fort Worth Club
  • Michael S. Thomson—MichaelsCuisine Restaurant & Bar
  • Nehme Elbitar—Chadra Mezza & Grille
In an ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment is crucial for students, adults and businesses alike. Sister Cities’ programs leave lasting impressions for guests to take home and share with others leading to economic ties, educational opportunities that prepare youth for a global marketplace and cultural understanding. Sister Cities maintains and nurtures international relationships so that other partnerships, including economic development programs, can flourish. Tourism from Fort Worth’s sister cities contributes $2.6+ million annually to the Fort Worth economy.

Final Youth Ambassadors’ Orientation Prior to Summer Exchanges

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Student and adult Ambassadors are busy preparing for their summer exchanges. Delegations are departing for Guiyang and Beijing, China; Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan for both the June and Harashin exchanges. All students and a parent are asked to attend the final orientation meeting on Sunday, May 18th. See calendar for details.

2014-05-01 01:34

Final Youth Ambassadors’ Orientation Prior to Summer Exchanges

Student and adult Ambassadors are busy preparing for their summer exchanges. Delegations are departing for Guiyang and Beijing, China; Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan for both the June and Harashin exchanges. All students and a parent are asked to attend the final orientation meeting on Sunday, May 18th. See calendar for details.

Sister Cities Elects German and Swaziland Chairs

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Greg Irwin and Rae Hyatt Approved to Lead City Groups At a recent board of directors meeting of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Greg Irwin, BBVA Compass Bank, and Rae Hyatt, community volunteer, were approved to lead the efforts of the Trier, Germany and Mbabane, Swaziland committees respectively. As chair of the Trier, Germany group, Irwin will focus on an upcoming business exchange to Fort Worth from Trier, as well as local educational and cultural events to enrich the local community.  One such event is the as the always popular Oktoberfest planned for this Fall. Hyatt will chair the Mbabane, Swaziland group and will lead a delegation of students and adults there in June.  The purpose of this service adventure to Swaziland will be to assist in the health and social center Fort Worth built there with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The people of Swaziland and Fort Worth have forged a strong bond working, living and planning together.   This is what was intended by President Eisenhower when he proposed the idea of citizen engagement in order to foster peace,” said Hyatt. Trier, Germany and Fort Worth became sister cities in 1987 and have conducted diverse exchanges for hundreds of people.  Fort Worth is well-represented in Trier with a life-sized bronzed longhorn donated by Fort Worth and exhibited in a public garden there. Mbabane, Swaziland is Fort Worth’s only sister city on the African continent and was signed in 2004.   A few spots are still available for the Service Adventure to Swaziland scheduled for June 2014.  Call today to reserve. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org

2014-04-02 10:10

Sister Cities Elects German and Swaziland Chairs

Fort Worth, TX – Greg Irwin and Rae Hyatt Approved to Lead City Groups At a recent board of directors meeting of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Greg Irwin, BBVA Compass Bank, and Rae Hyatt, community volunteer, were approved to lead the efforts of the Trier, Germany and Mbabane, Swaziland committees respectively. As chair of the Trier, Germany group, Irwin will focus on an upcoming business exchange to Fort Worth from Trier, as well as local educational and cultural events to enrich the local community.  One such event is the as the always popular Oktoberfest planned for this Fall. Hyatt will chair the Mbabane, Swaziland group and will lead a delegation of students and adults there in June.  The purpose of this service adventure to Swaziland will be to assist in the health and social center Fort Worth built there with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The people of Swaziland and Fort Worth have forged a strong bond working, living and planning together.   This is what was intended by President Eisenhower when he proposed the idea of citizen engagement in order to foster peace,” said Hyatt. Trier, Germany and Fort Worth became sister cities in 1987 and have conducted diverse exchanges for hundreds of people.  Fort Worth is well-represented in Trier with a life-sized bronzed longhorn donated by Fort Worth and exhibited in a public garden there. Mbabane, Swaziland is Fort Worth’s only sister city on the African continent and was signed in 2004.   A few spots are still available for the Service Adventure to Swaziland scheduled for June 2014.  Call today to reserve. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

2014-03-27 07:45

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

2014-03-18 02:20

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.