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School partnerships between Austria and Dharamsala. Cultural exchange, as is widely known, is beneficial for all involved. In our case it will be the first step of a long-term improvement in environmental and waste disposal awareness for youth and future generations.
We implemented school partnerships with students 11 and up involving two fields of activity. On the one hand projects are worked collectively by the whole class, and on the other, individual dialogue will develop personal relationships between the students by means of letters, pictures, songs, movies etc. The Austrian Service Abroad will offer assistance in providing the equipment and support for writing letters, taking photos, and shooting videos that the children produce. Each participant will have the same starting position.
In the beginning, students will write an introduction to their international partner about their personal interests such as hobbies, favorite food, music, pass-time and so on. Later students will describe their partner to the class. This will be an interesting undertaking that will induce mutual curiosity due to their respective cultural backgrounds. For instance, talking about favorite foods and meals should raise interesting questions and discussion, shifting the focus to environmental and waste disposal issues. For example, discussion on favorite meals would lead to shopping habits, use of packaging and subsequently to waste management. In October 2007 we start with two prototype classes in order to consult with the schools, evaluate our concept and make amendments as necessary. Based on the successful prototype class, we will expand to more schools and youth.If you want to see some small videos of our school class in Dharamsala click here .
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