Triangle / Democracy Project- Swedish Delegation in Port Shepstone - May 2008

As part of this project, 4 students and 4 teachers were part of a delegation in May 2008. The first day of all delegation programme is welcome and briefing by PSTA committee members. The following day, a warm welcome to our country, to our town by Deputy Mayor, Mr. Johnny De Wet.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

• Presentation on HIV/Aids by Mabuyi Mnguni of Ugu District Municipality.
• Exposure to rural life and the hardship endured - Pauline Duncan
• Talks, discussion and debates at respective schools.
• Participation in life skills programmes and student council meeting.
• Weekend accommodation and picnic with host families , experiencing
  different cultures.
• Talk on SA today and our new democracy by Ravi Pillay
• Evaluation and Swedish dinner ended the two week intensive programme.

First Student/ Teacher Exchange Programme -2007

Overall objectives was for teachers and students to participate in a practical exchange project on issues pertaining to democracy development, knowledge on HIV/ Aids and life skills. SA delegation was well oriented on the subject matter and prepared a PowerPoint presentation.

Participating schools were: P/S Sec, Marsec, ESayidi FET,
Vezubhule, Oscarsgymnasiet, Monsterasgymnasiet & Parskolan.

SA delegation of 9 was welcomed by Mayor, Peter Wretlund and introduced to Oskarshamn Municipality. OSAK chairman, Tormod Nesst gave a detailed insight on the important role of civil society in a democratic society, including the Twinning Project.

The delegation participated in class discussions, gave talks on SA,held debates and discussions on democracy with students, teachers & politicians. Other activities included: introduction to Time Travel, sport, nuclear station etc.

Weekend stay with families, experiencing Swedish family life, gave a glimpse of a developed society's values and lifestyle. The 2 week programme ended with a SA evening on cultural exchange of food,music and clothes.

Equally important, our SA delegation from the 4 schools, worked together in months ahead in preparation of this programme, bringing us S. Africans together in creating bonds, hence achieving a twinning objective of internal twinning.

We place on record our gratitude and thanks to Helena, Ake and many others that have worked tirelessly in making this project a reality. Not forgetting the funders.

Coming up, an exchange by the Swedish delegation in April 2008. G.K

Ake & friends

Hello AKe, Helena, Andreas, Christina, Linnea and Friends,

So good of all to make a special trip to visit Silvy in Kalmar. Hope to see all soon in SA. Keep the communication open.

Love Gulshera

TWINNING ORIENTATION

As part of the preparation stage once a delegation is selected, the delegation is exposed to an intense orientation and exposure to our community, both urban and rural. Visits to rural communities, walking the hills, crossing the rivers, meeting ordinary people, understanding our needs as part of our nation building and reconciliation objective.

In addition, preparing the delegates on topical issues such as HIV & Aids, local govt , crime -- so that delegates are good ambassadors.

We are indeed very grateful to the many individuals that are part of this process and commit voluntarily. South Africans -- YOU ARE GREAT!