Category: Sister City Connections

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.

Educators Selected as International Academic Ambassador Chairs

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs recently at a reception held in the Botanic Gardens. These educators are selected by the principals in their schools to serve in this capacity for one academic year. Since 1999, Sister Cities International has established a successful network of school partnerships with public and private middle and high schools with the specific goal of creating and promoting awareness of international educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators. These Ambassador Chairs continue to be an invaluable component of Sister Cities’ international programs to provide youth with relevant cultural experiences preparing them to be successful in today’s global society and workplace.  And, for the teachers, these programs serve as a resource for global educational enrichment.   As we begin the new school year, Fort Worth Sister Cities has planned numerous international initiatives in which local youth and teachers are invited to participate. Congratulations to the 2013/14 Class:
All Saints Episcopal School Angela Kornman
Applied Learning Academy Kimberley Hanna
Arlington Heights High School Sefakor Amaa
Boswell High School Heath Dollar
Carter-Riverside, Amon High School Robert Landreaux 
Como Montessori Middle School Julie Mullender
Chisholm Trail High School Janet C. Reynolds
Daggett Montessori Middle School Lori Zarate
Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Liliana Hinojosa
Dunbar High School Shatiqueka Carson
Elder, J.P. Matti Kruse
Fort Worth Academy Chandra Hough
Fort Worth Country Day School (MS) Tara Forrest 
Fort Worth Country Day School Dr. James Aldridge
Hill School of Fort Worth Roxann Breyer
International Newcomer Academy (HS/MS) Kelly McDaniel LaFarge
Kirkpatrick Middle School Barbara Stewart
Leonard Middle School Maria Cruz
McLean 6th Grade School Tracy Rogers
McLean, W.P. Middle School Tracy Smith
Meacham, W.A.  Charis Hustead
Meadowbrook Middle School Bradley Barrett
Middle Level Learning Center Cecilia Zamora
Monnig, William Middle School John Foster
Nolan Catholic High School Bridget Guccione
North Side High School Francisco Manzanarez
North Side High School Kelly Richey
Paschal, R.L. High School Monica Marchi
Paschal, R.L. High School Matthew Stroup
Polytecnical High School Josue Cardenas
Riverside Middle School Brad Demeurisse – 6th grade
Riverside Middle School Jillian West – 7th grade
Riverside Middle School Christina Herubin – 8th grade
Rosemont Middle School  Detra Newton
Saginaw High School Heath Dollar, Kari Summers
South Hills High School Christy Lea
Southwest High School Kevin Watterson
Stripling, W. C. Middle School  Nathan Henderson
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Jay Kurima
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Erin Blythe
Trinity Valley School Dr. Michael Roemer
Wedgwood 6th     Kay Blackston
Wedgwood Middle School  Melissa Conyers
Western Hills High School Gladys Scott
World Languages Institute Guadalupe Barreto
Young Men’s Leadership Academy Gina Powell
Young Women’s Leadership Academy  Bethanie Skipper

2013-09-19 04:46

Educators Selected as International Academic Ambassador Chairs

Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs recently at a reception held in the Botanic Gardens. These educators are selected by the principals in their schools to serve in this capacity for one academic year. Since 1999, Sister Cities International has established a successful network of school partnerships with public and private middle and high schools with the specific goal of creating and promoting awareness of international educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators. These Ambassador Chairs continue to be an invaluable component of Sister Cities’ international programs to provide youth with relevant cultural experiences preparing them to be successful in today’s global society and workplace.  And, for the teachers, these programs serve as a resource for global educational enrichment.   As we begin the new school year, Fort Worth Sister Cities has planned numerous international initiatives in which local youth and teachers are invited to participate. Congratulations to the 2013/14 Class:

All Saints Episcopal School Angela Kornman
Applied Learning Academy Kimberley Hanna
Arlington Heights High School Sefakor Amaa
Boswell High School Heath Dollar
Carter-Riverside, Amon High School Robert Landreaux 
Como Montessori Middle School Julie Mullender
Chisholm Trail High School Janet C. Reynolds
Daggett Montessori Middle School Lori Zarate
Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Liliana Hinojosa
Dunbar High School Shatiqueka Carson
Elder, J.P. Matti Kruse
Fort Worth Academy Chandra Hough
Fort Worth Country Day School (MS) Tara Forrest 
Fort Worth Country Day School Dr. James Aldridge
Hill School of Fort Worth Roxann Breyer
International Newcomer Academy (HS/MS) Kelly McDaniel LaFarge
Kirkpatrick Middle School Barbara Stewart
Leonard Middle School Maria Cruz
McLean 6th Grade School Tracy Rogers
McLean, W.P. Middle School Tracy Smith
Meacham, W.A.  Charis Hustead
Meadowbrook Middle School Bradley Barrett
Middle Level Learning Center Cecilia Zamora
Monnig, William Middle School John Foster
Nolan Catholic High School Bridget Guccione
North Side High School Francisco Manzanarez
North Side High School Kelly Richey
Paschal, R.L. High School Monica Marchi
Paschal, R.L. High School Matthew Stroup
Polytecnical High School Josue Cardenas
Riverside Middle School Brad Demeurisse – 6th grade
Riverside Middle School Jillian West – 7th grade
Riverside Middle School Christina Herubin – 8th grade
Rosemont Middle School  Detra Newton
Saginaw High School Heath Dollar, Kari Summers
South Hills High School Christy Lea
Southwest High School Kevin Watterson
Stripling, W. C. Middle School  Nathan Henderson
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Jay Kurima
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Erin Blythe
Trinity Valley School Dr. Michael Roemer
Wedgwood 6th     Kay Blackston
Wedgwood Middle School  Melissa Conyers
Western Hills High School Gladys Scott
World Languages Institute Guadalupe Barreto
Young Men’s Leadership Academy Gina Powell
Young Women’s Leadership Academy  Bethanie Skipper

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Students from the Instituto de Motti at Fort Worth Culinary School Eight culinary students and teachers from the Instituto de Motti, a culinary school in Fort Worth’s sister city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, arrived yesterday for a two-week exchange. The students will be hosted by the Fort Worth Culinary Institute while visiting. This is the fourth inbound exchange with the Motti Institute. First day in Texas for the students from Reggio Emilia and they have already learned to make chicken fried steak at Trimble tech high school. ~Culinary School of Fort Worth The Italian students will have hands on experience and learn about Texas cuisine at internships that have been arranged for them by Heather Kurima, Director of the Fort Worth Culinary School. They will intern at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, The Ashton Hotel and Reata Restaurant. “This is a unique experience for students from both schools to learn from each other while sharing their culture.  Plus we all get to enjoy some wonderful Italian cuisine,” said Kurima. In partnership with FWISD’s Gold Seal Program, the students will also visit area high schools.  Visits are planned to Trimble Technical High School where they will be introduced to some Texas cuisine including Chicken Fried Steak and South Hills High School for some Southwestern Chili.  In turn the Italian students will  demonstrate  how to make homemade pasta from scratch. The students are also preparing a special meal for invited guests to sample some of Italy’s delicacies.  The menu will include the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar followed by a traditional Italian meal of anti pasta, primi and secundi dish and dolce all prepared by the students.  This event has been sold out for weeks. Reggio Emilia was Fort Worth’s first sister city partner signing an official agreement in 1985.  Since that time exchanges have occurred in sports, education, economic relations and culture.

Upcoming Youth Exchanges

2013-09-03 10:30

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Students from the Instituto de Motti at Fort Worth Culinary School Eight culinary students and teachers from the Instituto de Motti, a culinary school in Fort Worth’s sister city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, arrived yesterday for a two-week exchange. The students will be hosted by the Fort Worth Culinary Institute while visiting. This is the fourth inbound exchange with the Motti Institute. First day in Texas for the students from Reggio Emilia and they have already learned to make chicken fried steak at Trimble tech high school. ~Culinary School of Fort Worth The Italian students will have hands on experience and learn about Texas cuisine at internships that have been arranged for them by Heather Kurima, Director of the Fort Worth Culinary School. They will intern at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, The Ashton Hotel and Reata Restaurant. “This is a unique experience for students from both schools to learn from each other while sharing their culture.  Plus we all get to enjoy some wonderful Italian cuisine,” said Kurima. In partnership with FWISD’s Gold Seal Program, the students will also visit area high schools.  Visits are planned to Trimble Technical High School where they will be introduced to some Texas cuisine including Chicken Fried Steak and South Hills High School for some Southwestern Chili.  In turn the Italian students will  demonstrate  how to make homemade pasta from scratch. The students are also preparing a special meal for invited guests to sample some of Italy’s delicacies.  The menu will include the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar followed by a traditional Italian meal of anti pasta, primi and secundi dish and dolce all prepared by the students.  This event has been sold out for weeks. Reggio Emilia was Fort Worth’s first sister city partner signing an official agreement in 1985.  Since that time exchanges have occurred in sports, education, economic relations and culture.

Upcoming Youth Exchanges

MAYOR’S INTERNATIONAL DINNER – NOV. 21ST

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Celebrity Dance Couples Announced

Fort Worth Sister Cities will be staging its annual Mayor’s International Dinner on Nov. 21st at the Renaissance Worthington  Hotel featuring the final year of Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!  The event is hosted by Mayor Betsy Price and chaired by David Parker, AT&T Vice President. Guests will be entertained by popular emcee Gary Cumbie and local celebrity couples vying for the coveted mirrored ball trophy to be presented to the Dance Champions performing either a disco, swing, salsa, tango or waltz routine. Celebrity couples include: Jim & Gloria Austin, Jared Butler & Renee Glass, Bill & Julie Fairley, Tre Garrett & Renita Smith, Randle & Teresa Harwood, Alec Jhangiani & Sasha Comacho, Courtland Kilpatrick &  Morgan Albert, Dan & Sharon Millians, Brandon & Carley Moore, Frank & Martha Newman, Todd & Sandy Olsen, Richard Shea & Stacy Robinson, Gordon & Julie Rhodes, Joe Rians & Christene   Glennon, Ramon Romero & Anette Soto, Frank Shiels & Connie Blake, Jeff & Shelly Whitfield and Joshua Willis & Tracy Williams.

Vote NOW for your Favorite Celebrity Dance Couples

Special entertainment will be provided by the “African Hip Hopsters” dance group accompanied by Fort Worth’s own Mondo Drummers.  The Hip Hopsters are a group of  local community leaders, including Mayor Price herself, dancing a hip hop routine to authentic live African drum music. Guests at the Mayor’s Dinner will be entertained by the dancing celebrity couples and Hopsters throughout the evening and will dine on cuisine from Fort Worth’s sister cities. All this is being done in an effort to raise funds to support the educational, cultural and economic opportunities provided by Sister Cities to the citizens of Fort Worth. For more information or to sponsor go to the Sister Cities’ website www.fwsistercities.org or call  Mae Ferguson at 817/632-7104.

2013-08-21 10:38

MAYOR’S INTERNATIONAL DINNER – NOV. 21ST

Celebrity Dance Couples Announced

Fort Worth Sister Cities will be staging its annual Mayor’s International Dinner on Nov. 21st at the Renaissance Worthington  Hotel featuring the final year of Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!  The event is hosted by Mayor Betsy Price and chaired by David Parker, AT&T Vice President. Guests will be entertained by popular emcee Gary Cumbie and local celebrity couples vying for the coveted mirrored ball trophy to be presented to the Dance Champions performing either a disco, swing, salsa, tango or waltz routine. Celebrity couples include: Jim & Gloria Austin, Jared Butler & Renee Glass, Bill & Julie Fairley, Tre Garrett & Renita Smith, Randle & Teresa Harwood, Alec Jhangiani & Sasha Comacho, Courtland Kilpatrick &  Morgan Albert, Dan & Sharon Millians, Brandon & Carley Moore, Frank & Martha Newman, Todd & Sandy Olsen, Richard Shea & Stacy Robinson, Gordon & Julie Rhodes, Joe Rians & Christene   Glennon, Ramon Romero & Anette Soto, Frank Shiels & Connie Blake, Jeff & Shelly Whitfield and Joshua Willis & Tracy Williams.

Vote NOW for your Favorite Celebrity Dance Couples

Special entertainment will be provided by the “African Hip Hopsters” dance group accompanied by Fort Worth’s own Mondo Drummers.  The Hip Hopsters are a group of  local community leaders, including Mayor Price herself, dancing a hip hop routine to authentic live African drum music. Guests at the Mayor’s Dinner will be entertained by the dancing celebrity couples and Hopsters throughout the evening and will dine on cuisine from Fort Worth’s sister cities. All this is being done in an effort to raise funds to support the educational, cultural and economic opportunities provided by Sister Cities to the citizens of Fort Worth. For more information or to sponsor go to the Sister Cities’ website www.fwsistercities.org or call  Mae Ferguson at 817/632-7104.

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA PLANNED FOR FALL

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.

2013-08-21 10:21

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA PLANNED FOR FALL

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.

Michael S. Hyatt Receives Chairman’s Award

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Longtime Fort Worth Sister Cities member Michael S. Hyatt was presented the Sister Cities International Chairman’s Award at the national conference held in San Antonio  July 10—14.  This award is presented to an individual at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of the national organization.  When asked why Mr. Hyatt was honored, Board Chair Tom Lisk of Richmond, Virginia said this:

“It was my honor to present the Chairman’s Award to a past Chair of Sister Cities International, Mike Hyatt, in recognition for all that Mike has done to advance Sister Cities, locally, nationally and internationally since he completed his term as Chairman in 2010.  Mike easily could have stepped away after his successful two year term as Chairman leaving it to others to carry the torch.  Instead, he has continued to be very active with his local program in Fort Worth and has continued to be a leader at the national level, including serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to me as the current Chair.  Also, Mike’s early and very generous support of the SCI Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. was critical to the success of our largest fundraising event in many years.  So, it was with great appreciation and deep respect that I was honored to give to Mike Hyatt the Chairman’s Award in recognition of his devotion of time, talent and treasure to Sister Cities International.”

Hyatt has been a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities for thirteen years serving as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer,  Government Relations Chair and Nagaoka, Japan Chair, as well as many other leadership positions.  In addition to his work with Sister Cities, Mike also serves on the Fort Worth Zoo board of directors as Treasurer and on the Oklahoma State University Foundation board.

2013-07-29 12:17

Michael S. Hyatt Receives Chairman’s Award

Longtime Fort Worth Sister Cities member Michael S. Hyatt was presented the Sister Cities International Chairman’s Award at the national conference held in San Antonio  July 10—14.  This award is presented to an individual at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of the national organization.  When asked why Mr. Hyatt was honored, Board Chair Tom Lisk of Richmond, Virginia said this:

“It was my honor to present the Chairman’s Award to a past Chair of Sister Cities International, Mike Hyatt, in recognition for all that Mike has done to advance Sister Cities, locally, nationally and internationally since he completed his term as Chairman in 2010.  Mike easily could have stepped away after his successful two year term as Chairman leaving it to others to carry the torch.  Instead, he has continued to be very active with his local program in Fort Worth and has continued to be a leader at the national level, including serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to me as the current Chair.  Also, Mike’s early and very generous support of the SCI Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. was critical to the success of our largest fundraising event in many years.  So, it was with great appreciation and deep respect that I was honored to give to Mike Hyatt the Chairman’s Award in recognition of his devotion of time, talent and treasure to Sister Cities International.”

Hyatt has been a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities for thirteen years serving as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer,  Government Relations Chair and Nagaoka, Japan Chair, as well as many other leadership positions.  In addition to his work with Sister Cities, Mike also serves on the Fort Worth Zoo board of directors as Treasurer and on the Oklahoma State University Foundation board.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to 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, 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 Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.

2013-06-24 04:31

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to 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, 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 Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.

Students from Sister Cities to share their cultures at local youth academy 201

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – The World in HD 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 13-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, 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.

The closing ceremonies take place on July 27th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium.  The ILA Class of 2013 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance.  The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 9th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership   Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 8-12.  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 Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “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.

2013-06-24 02:46

Students from Sister Cities to share their cultures at local youth academy 201

Fort Worth, Texas – The World in HD 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 13-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, 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.

The closing ceremonies take place on July 27th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium.  The ILA Class of 2013 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance.  The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 9th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership   Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 8-12.  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 Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “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.

Sister Cities Ambassadors Visit Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchanges. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 28–August 6th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher     recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Harashin scholars include: Helen Brose, Meredith Johnston, Bailey Jones, Elise Lahoud, Nancy Martinez, Ricky Rodriguez, Sanish Shrestha, and Samuel Whiting,  accompanied by delegation leaders Lorraine Bretthauer and Jaime Morris.

2013-06-24 02:23

Sister Cities Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchanges. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 28–August 6th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher     recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Harashin scholars include: Helen Brose, Meredith Johnston, Bailey Jones, Elise Lahoud, Nancy Martinez, Ricky Rodriguez, Sanish Shrestha, and Samuel Whiting,  accompanied by delegation leaders Lorraine Bretthauer and Jaime Morris.