News / Shetland to host Global Classroom meeting
AROUND 60 school pupils and staff from across the world will visit Shetland in June as the isles hosts this year’s Global Classroom Conference.
Youths from as far flung as Australia and South Africa will take the trip to Shetland for the educational project’s 19th annual conference.
It will be the fourth time the isles have hosted the event, which links eight schools from around the globe and is supported by Erasmus+ – an EU initiative that helps young people learn across the continent.
This year’s conference will take place between 20 and 29 June, with workshops, presentations and trips planned.
Pupils visiting from Europe will come from Bobergsgymnasiet in Ǻnge, Sweden, Graf Friedrich Schule, Diepholz, Germany and the Czech Republic’s Gymnazium Zlín.
South Peninsula High School in Cape Town, New Jersey’s Ridgewood High School and Lake Ginnenderra College in Canberra will also be represented.
Shirley Boys’ High School in Christchurch, New Zealand will be unable to send visitors as their school is being rebuilt following the area’s 2011 earthquakes.
The theme of this year’s conference will be Sharing Pasts, Shaping Futures as pupils reflect on the history of the scheme, as well as looking ahead to the
future.
Global citizenship officer with Shetland Islands Council, Lewie Peterson, said that he hopes the conference will promote the isles on a global level.
“It is great fun for young people, but also an eye-opening experience, giving them the chance to share their views and experience on current affairs and culture.
“A group of Anderson High students have put together ideas for how it will run, and we hope it will promote Shetland round the world as a welcoming and tolerant place, as well as challenging the perspectives of young people who take part.
The Anderson students are putting in a lot of work to make sure it runs smoothly and we can’t wait to get everyone here.
“I’d like to take this chance to remind parents of AHS pupils in S4, S5 and S6 that we’re still looking for a few families to act as hosts for our visitors.
“If anyone is keen to get involved, please get in touch as we want to make this an event for the whole community,” Petersen said.
Council convener Malcolm Bell added: “The Global Classroom has done tremendous work down the years to help young people share their experiences and culture, and develop understanding between communities across the world.
“My own children have benefited previously from the Global Classroom and the insight it provides to communities across the globe.
“I look forward to meeting this year’s delegates and hope their time in Shetland is rewarding.”
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