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Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 2 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Next week student delegations are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Reggio Emilia, Italy and Budapest, Hungary. 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, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, 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 other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical          location,” said Sister Cities board member and Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. A complete list of Student Ambassadors and the schools they represent is attached or can be accessed here.

2014-02-18 02:46

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 2 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Next week student delegations are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Reggio Emilia, Italy and Budapest, Hungary. 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, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, 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 other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical          location,” said Sister Cities board member and Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. A complete list of Student Ambassadors and the schools they represent is attached or can be accessed here.

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. 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 field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

2014-02-11 01:00

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. 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 field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

SISTER CITIES ELECTS LEADERSHIP 2013

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Volunteer of the Year, Rose Knoop and Board Leadership Award winner, Dr. Staussa Ervin

Membership Celebrates 2013 at Annual Meeting

Newly elected officers at the annual meeting and holiday party last night were Board Chair, Ann Rice; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Johnny Campbell,  Greg Kalina, David Parker, Paxton Motheral, Nancy Lopez, Tracy Williams, Asusena Resendiz, Ronda Stucker, David Johnson and Andrea Puente.

Chairwoman Ann Rice and Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Ann Rice Chairwoman of the Board. “This year we signed a five-year contract with the City of Fort Worth, celebrated 25 years as partners with Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan and coordinated youth exchanges to our sister cities for nearly 100 students.”

Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Japanese Society was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Dr. Staussa Ervin was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Janet Diaz was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Sarika Sabnis and Volunteer of the Year to Rose Knoop.

Bob, Catrina & Eva Bonilla and Harvey Yamagata

Other elected officers include: Past Chair/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier; Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Renfro Foods; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services; Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories; Program & Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin, TCC; At-Large members Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways, James Meintjes, JP Morgan Chase and Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport; Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest Chair, Mary Alyce Zimmerman; Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP; Mbabane Chair, Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business; Nagaoka Chair, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia Chairs, Mark & Robin Nurdin, Bank of Texas; and   Toluca Chairs, Richard Casarez, ONCOR and Asusena Resendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Pro Tempore Zim & Mary Alyce Zimmerman

“We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Hungary & Austria in June; we’re moving into City Hall; welcoming Toluca, Mexico’s new mayor to Fort Worth; arranging a trade mission from Trier, Germany; and we have nearly 100 students going to our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Ms. Rice. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.

For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104.

 

2013-12-05 12:06

SISTER CITIES ELECTS LEADERSHIP 2013

Volunteer of the Year, Rose Knoop and Board Leadership Award winner, Dr. Staussa Ervin

Membership Celebrates 2013 at Annual Meeting

Newly elected officers at the annual meeting and holiday party last night were Board Chair, Ann Rice; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Johnny Campbell,  Greg Kalina, David Parker, Paxton Motheral, Nancy Lopez, Tracy Williams, Asusena Resendiz, Ronda Stucker, David Johnson and Andrea Puente.

Chairwoman Ann Rice and Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Ann Rice Chairwoman of the Board. “This year we signed a five-year contract with the City of Fort Worth, celebrated 25 years as partners with Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan and coordinated youth exchanges to our sister cities for nearly 100 students.”

Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Japanese Society was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Dr. Staussa Ervin was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Janet Diaz was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Sarika Sabnis and Volunteer of the Year to Rose Knoop.

Bob, Catrina & Eva Bonilla and Harvey Yamagata

Other elected officers include: Past Chair/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier; Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Renfro Foods; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services; Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories; Program & Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin, TCC; At-Large members Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways, James Meintjes, JP Morgan Chase and Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport; Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest Chair, Mary Alyce Zimmerman; Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP; Mbabane Chair, Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business; Nagaoka Chair, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia Chairs, Mark & Robin Nurdin, Bank of Texas; and   Toluca Chairs, Richard Casarez, ONCOR and Asusena Resendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Pro Tempore Zim & Mary Alyce Zimmerman

“We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Hungary & Austria in June; we’re moving into City Hall; welcoming Toluca, Mexico’s new mayor to Fort Worth; arranging a trade mission from Trier, Germany; and we have nearly 100 students going to our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Ms. Rice. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.

For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104.

 

Champions Announced

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sharon2-Revised (1)
Champions Dan & Sharon Millians with Mae Ferguson
Millians 2013 Dance Champions at Mayor’s International Dinner Fort Worth, Texas – Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars Winners Announced

Dan and Sharon Millians were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as the 2013 Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities. Dan is a retired teacher who taught at Country Day School in Arlington and Sharon an attorney at Kelly Hart & Hallman. They performed a spicy salsa to the Miami Sound Machines’ Conga. Close behind in 2nd place were Frank Shiels, Sr. VP at Frost Bank and Connie Blake,  interior designer with GL Seaman Co.  Gordon Rhodes and wife Julie Rhodes’ understudy, Abi Abel, rounded out the top three.

Gordon and Abi also won Best Costume for rapper/hip hop—styled garb including a gold jacket and pants worn by Gordon over a fishnet t-shirt!  Gustavo Pena and Anne Cox were awarded the Most Likely to Go to Broadway trophy for a beautiful waltz to The Commitments, Never Loved a Man.

The event was Chaired by David Parker, Vice President of AT&T and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price. Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising nearly $180,000 to support Sister Cities’ programs.

The surprise of the night was a gift of song performed by Andy Taft, Gary Cumbie,  Michael Bennett, Owen Daniel, David Parker, Commissioner Roy Brooks and Alison Edwards.  The audience jumped to their feet and sang along to the Coca Cola inspired song, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”.

Another crowd pleaser was the African Hip Hopsters. These brave guys and gals danced to live African drum music performed by the Mondo Drummers led by Eddie Dunlap and wowed the crowd with their hip hop skills. They included: Councilwoman Kelly Allen Gray, Andrea Ballard, Dr. Jennifer G. Brooks, Kelly Campbell, Jason Lamers, Clint Riley, Renee Snoke, Robert Sturns and Alan Young with a surprise ending including Mayor Price herself.

Eighteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of disco, swing, waltz,  salsa and a free-style routine that had them “bustin’ a move”. Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances. They included: Jim & Gloria Austin; Jerod Butler & Renee Glass; Bill & Julie Fairley; Tre Garrett & Renita Smith; Randle & Teresa Harwood; Courtland Kilpatrick & Morgan Albert; Dan & Sharon Millians; Brandon & Carley Moore; Frank & Martha Newman; Todd & Sandy Olsen; Gustavo Pena & Anne Cox; Gordon & Julie Rhodes; Joe Rians & Christen Glennon; Ramon Romero & Anette Soto;  Dennis O’Neill & Stacy Robinson; Frank Shiels & Connie Blake; Jeff & Shelly Whitfield; and    Joshua Willis & Tracy Williams.

Videos of the evening can be seen soon on You Tube and online at www.fwsistercities.org.

2013-11-22 02:00

Champions Announced

Sharon2-Revised (1)
Champions Dan & Sharon Millians with Mae Ferguson
Millians 2013 Dance Champions at Mayor’s International Dinner Fort Worth, Texas – Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars Winners Announced

Dan and Sharon Millians were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as the 2013 Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities. Dan is a retired teacher who taught at Country Day School in Arlington and Sharon an attorney at Kelly Hart & Hallman. They performed a spicy salsa to the Miami Sound Machines’ Conga. Close behind in 2nd place were Frank Shiels, Sr. VP at Frost Bank and Connie Blake,  interior designer with GL Seaman Co.  Gordon Rhodes and wife Julie Rhodes’ understudy, Abi Abel, rounded out the top three.

Gordon and Abi also won Best Costume for rapper/hip hop—styled garb including a gold jacket and pants worn by Gordon over a fishnet t-shirt!  Gustavo Pena and Anne Cox were awarded the Most Likely to Go to Broadway trophy for a beautiful waltz to The Commitments, Never Loved a Man.

The event was Chaired by David Parker, Vice President of AT&T and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price. Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising nearly $180,000 to support Sister Cities’ programs.

The surprise of the night was a gift of song performed by Andy Taft, Gary Cumbie,  Michael Bennett, Owen Daniel, David Parker, Commissioner Roy Brooks and Alison Edwards.  The audience jumped to their feet and sang along to the Coca Cola inspired song, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”.

Another crowd pleaser was the African Hip Hopsters. These brave guys and gals danced to live African drum music performed by the Mondo Drummers led by Eddie Dunlap and wowed the crowd with their hip hop skills. They included: Councilwoman Kelly Allen Gray, Andrea Ballard, Dr. Jennifer G. Brooks, Kelly Campbell, Jason Lamers, Clint Riley, Renee Snoke, Robert Sturns and Alan Young with a surprise ending including Mayor Price herself.

Eighteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of disco, swing, waltz,  salsa and a free-style routine that had them “bustin’ a move”. Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances. They included: Jim & Gloria Austin; Jerod Butler & Renee Glass; Bill & Julie Fairley; Tre Garrett & Renita Smith; Randle & Teresa Harwood; Courtland Kilpatrick & Morgan Albert; Dan & Sharon Millians; Brandon & Carley Moore; Frank & Martha Newman; Todd & Sandy Olsen; Gustavo Pena & Anne Cox; Gordon & Julie Rhodes; Joe Rians & Christen Glennon; Ramon Romero & Anette Soto;  Dennis O’Neill & Stacy Robinson; Frank Shiels & Connie Blake; Jeff & Shelly Whitfield; and    Joshua Willis & Tracy Williams.

Videos of the evening can be seen soon on You Tube and online at www.fwsistercities.org.

2014 YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Area students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

77 students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges help provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days. The Ambassador selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and  several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students to  represent Fort Worth. On exchanges students 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.

2013-11-13 01:14

2014 YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED

Area students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

77 students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges help provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days. The Ambassador selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and  several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students to  represent Fort Worth. On exchanges students 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.

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Trinity Valley Ambassador School 2013

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 17 – Dec. 7th, 2013. TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program as the 2nd year for this program. The exchange begins with sharing cultures in classes, discussion on “Leadership & Dignity”, local tours and a week of traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last week will include classes in Environmental Science , volunteer service activities and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer. Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways. Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

2013-10-28 12:45

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Trinity Valley Ambassador School 2013

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 17 – Dec. 7th, 2013. TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program as the 2nd year for this program. The exchange begins with sharing cultures in classes, discussion on “Leadership & Dignity”, local tours and a week of traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last week will include classes in Environmental Science , volunteer service activities and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer. Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways. Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

JAPANESE STUDENTS IN FORT WORTH FOR AMBASSADOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Partnering With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 19-27th 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 global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students to be globally fluent and give them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “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.

The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  In partnership with the City of Fort Worth Library, the students will present a Japanese enrichment program for Fort Worth youth at the Shamblee Library.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

If you want your school to be involved in a program like this, contact Irene Chase, Vice President at 817-632-7101 or send email.  Your school could be mentioned in our FaceBook page similar to this post:

Congratulations to McLean Middle School! (https://www.facebook.com/mcleanmiddle) They will be one of 3 Fort Worth schools to host students & teachers from Nagaoka, Japan as a part of our partner program with Fort Worth ISD to promote global fluency. (www.fwsistercities.org/news)

2013-10-15 11:16

JAPANESE STUDENTS IN FORT WORTH FOR AMBASSADOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Sister Cities Partnering With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 19-27th 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 global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students to be globally fluent and give them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “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.

The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  In partnership with the City of Fort Worth Library, the students will present a Japanese enrichment program for Fort Worth youth at the Shamblee Library.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

If you want your school to be involved in a program like this, contact Irene Chase, Vice President at 817-632-7101 or send email.  Your school could be mentioned in our FaceBook page similar to this post:

Congratulations to McLean Middle School! (https://www.facebook.com/mcleanmiddle) They will be one of 3 Fort Worth schools to host students & teachers from Nagaoka, Japan as a part of our partner program with Fort Worth ISD to promote global fluency. (www.fwsistercities.org/news)

DIG INTO GOULASH & CULTURE!

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Save November 12th for a new event to bring a little bit of Hungary to Fort Worth.  There will be a goulash contest, plus a conversation with Hungarian author Emmerich Koller. More information will be available soon.  And if you are interested in learning more about Hungary, check our next June’s trip to Budapest and Vienna, Austria.    

2013-09-24 02:47

DIG INTO GOULASH & CULTURE!

Save November 12th for a new event to bring a little bit of Hungary to Fort Worth.  There will be a goulash contest, plus a conversation with Hungarian author Emmerich Koller. More information will be available soon.  And if you are interested in learning more about Hungary, check our next June’s trip to Budapest and Vienna, Austria.    

Zaji Girl Magazine Features Sister Cities Delegation to Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sharing stories is one of the best parts of the Fort Worth Sister Cities experience.  Denise, a young writer for Zaji Magazine, recently shared her favorite memories with us including a link to the article she wrote about her trip to Swaziland.

“I just wanted to get back with you and tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Swaziland in June.  Staussa was a wonderful delegation leader and the kids were fantastic!

One of the projects that has been born out of my trip came from a wonderful experience I had with Staussa’s host mom, Ms. Ellen Matsenjwa. She took us to a recycling center to a women’s cooperative where the women are making jewelry out of recycled magazines and newspapers. I bought a couple of items and have had so many compliments on the jewelry. One of the needs, Ms. Matsenjwa pointed out was that especially in the Nkwalini community where the health center was built that clean water was still a major need.   

I discovered this Swedish company that makes solar-powered water purification units and thought that would be a wonderful fundraising goal for Nkwalini. To raise money to buy these solar-powered water purification units and by selling the jewelry being made from Swaziland. I promised I’d check out some hotels and boutiques for the women’s cooperative that might be interested in their jewelry and have had a couple of strong candidates.

It definitely gave me a chance to assess the country and the projects that I want to pursue personally and for my magazine.

I wanted to share the links with you for the magazine Summer/Fall 2013 issue which features HRH Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland and also the photo story I did featuring the Fort Worth Sister Cities Mbabane delegation. Please feel free to share it with everyone.

     

A couple of the kids wanted me to feature their photographs in the magazine. I didn’t get opportunity to do that with this issue, but I was thinking we could put together a mini mag with their experiences and give them a chance to share their Swaziland adventure and continue with a global community service project back at home.

I really enjoyed my time in Swaziland and will definitely head back soon.

Thanks again.
 ~ Denise”
We’d love to hear your stories too!  Contact us or tag us in your facebook pics.

2013-09-23 03:11

Zaji Girl Magazine Features Sister Cities Delegation to Swaziland

Sharing stories is one of the best parts of the Fort Worth Sister Cities experience.  Denise, a young writer for Zaji Magazine, recently shared her favorite memories with us including a link to the article she wrote about her trip to Swaziland.

“I just wanted to get back with you and tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Swaziland in June.  Staussa was a wonderful delegation leader and the kids were fantastic!

One of the projects that has been born out of my trip came from a wonderful experience I had with Staussa’s host mom, Ms. Ellen Matsenjwa. She took us to a recycling center to a women’s cooperative where the women are making jewelry out of recycled magazines and newspapers. I bought a couple of items and have had so many compliments on the jewelry. One of the needs, Ms. Matsenjwa pointed out was that especially in the Nkwalini community where the health center was built that clean water was still a major need.   

I discovered this Swedish company that makes solar-powered water purification units and thought that would be a wonderful fundraising goal for Nkwalini. To raise money to buy these solar-powered water purification units and by selling the jewelry being made from Swaziland. I promised I’d check out some hotels and boutiques for the women’s cooperative that might be interested in their jewelry and have had a couple of strong candidates.

It definitely gave me a chance to assess the country and the projects that I want to pursue personally and for my magazine.

I wanted to share the links with you for the magazine Summer/Fall 2013 issue which features HRH Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland and also the photo story I did featuring the Fort Worth Sister Cities Mbabane delegation. Please feel free to share it with everyone.

     

A couple of the kids wanted me to feature their photographs in the magazine. I didn’t get opportunity to do that with this issue, but I was thinking we could put together a mini mag with their experiences and give them a chance to share their Swaziland adventure and continue with a global community service project back at home.

I really enjoyed my time in Swaziland and will definitely head back soon.

Thanks again.
 ~ Denise”
We’d love to hear your stories too!  Contact us or tag us in your facebook pics.

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA IN SEPTEMBER

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

2013-09-23 12:07

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA IN SEPTEMBER

Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.