Category: Sister City Visitors

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Indonesia and Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Goodwill Ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities In June, 27 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan.

This will be the first youth exchange to Bandung, Indonesia since 2000. Jay Kurima, FWISD ed

ucator, will lead the delegation to Bandung including seven high school students, one university student, and two additional adult leaders. They will also be visiting Yogyakarta.

The fifteen students and leaders to Nagaoka will be led by Glen Mears and Cindy Vasquez.

“In today’s ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment and exposure is crucial for students and adults alike. We believe in a student-centered program that encourages the development of leadership skills and motivates students to pursue their own goals,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

2015-05-15 11:43

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Indonesia and Japan

Fort Worth, Texas – Goodwill Ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities In June, 27 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan.

This will be the first youth exchange to Bandung, Indonesia since 2000. Jay Kurima, FWISD ed

ucator, will lead the delegation to Bandung including seven high school students, one university student, and two additional adult leaders. They will also be visiting Yogyakarta.

The fifteen students and leaders to Nagaoka will be led by Glen Mears and Cindy Vasquez.

“In today’s ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment and exposure is crucial for students and adults alike. We believe in a student-centered program that encourages the development of leadership skills and motivates students to pursue their own goals,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

Sister Cities Partnering With FWISD For Spanish Immersion Camp 2015

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish enrichment training Facilitators from Spanish Immersion Camp in 2014

Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 12-28, 2015 for the second Spanish Immersion Camp for elementary students and in partnership with the FWISD. The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp.

“The FWISD is thrilled to partner with Sister Cities in this way providing our students an opportunity to study Spanish from native speakers.  Last year’s camp proved to be very successful with over 125 elementary students participating,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of World Languages for the FWISD.

The facilitators for Spanish Immersion Camp 2015 prepare for another successful camp session.

All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to Spanish from native speakers, as well.

While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Visits are scheduled to the Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language, and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Dept. training program.

2015-05-15 10:45

Sister Cities Partnering With FWISD For Spanish Immersion Camp 2015

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish enrichment training Facilitators from Spanish Immersion Camp in 2014

Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 12-28, 2015 for the second Spanish Immersion Camp for elementary students and in partnership with the FWISD. The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp.

“The FWISD is thrilled to partner with Sister Cities in this way providing our students an opportunity to study Spanish from native speakers.  Last year’s camp proved to be very successful with over 125 elementary students participating,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of World Languages for the FWISD.

The facilitators for Spanish Immersion Camp 2015 prepare for another successful camp session.

All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to Spanish from native speakers, as well.

While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Visits are scheduled to the Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language, and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Dept. training program.

Trinity Valley School Partners As Sister Cities Ambassador School

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Students from Toluca Mexico Being Hosted

Six high school students and a teacher from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth, hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 25 – Dec. 13.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities.

Trinity Valley School’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  “Hosting this exchange helps our students learn the value of diversity and 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 people around the world.

The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum.  The students will also spend time in class with Trinity Valley School students, teach some of the younger students about their culture, and take part in the school’s Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) program.

The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding. 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 Trinity Valley School families.

The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits, and these students chose to visit Fort Worth.  Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program.

2014-11-25 09:11

Trinity Valley School Partners As Sister Cities Ambassador School

Students from Toluca Mexico Being Hosted

Six high school students and a teacher from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth, hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 25 – Dec. 13.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities.

Trinity Valley School’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  “Hosting this exchange helps our students learn the value of diversity and 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 people around the world.

The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum.  The students will also spend time in class with Trinity Valley School students, teach some of the younger students about their culture, and take part in the school’s Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) program.

The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding. 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 Trinity Valley School families.

The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits, and these students chose to visit Fort Worth.  Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program.

Japanese Students Visit Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Partners With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Country Day and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 18 – 26 for this annual international exchange. 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 give students 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 Michael Sorum, Deputy Superintendent and Sister Cities Advisory Board member. The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the three participating schools. In partnership with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the students will perform a traditional Japanese dance at the annual Japanese Festival in the Botanic Gardens on Sat.,  Oct. 25.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

2014-09-24 09:19

Japanese Students Visit Fort Worth

Sister Cities Partners With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Country Day and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 18 – 26 for this annual international exchange. 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 give students 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 Michael Sorum, Deputy Superintendent and Sister Cities Advisory Board member. The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the three participating schools. In partnership with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the students will perform a traditional Japanese dance at the annual Japanese Festival in the Botanic Gardens on Sat.,  Oct. 25.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

GOSPEL CHOIRS TO MARK FORT WORTH ANNIVERSARY

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Celebrates 10 years with Swaziland at gospel choir concert

Fort Worth is celebrating its ten-year anniversary as sister cities with Mbabane, Swaziland on Sept. 21 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a celebration of gospel choirs.  The concert will be held at the Rising Star Baptist Church and is free and open to the public. Choirs from Christ Chapel Bible Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rising Star Baptist Church and Trinity Lutheran Church will perform.   Ms. Jewel Kelly will also speak on the roots of gospel music and the connection to the African continent. Honored guests at the celebration will include a delegation from Swaziland led by Mbabane Mayor Benito Jones and City Manager Gideon Mhlongo.  Commissioner Roy C. Brooks will emcee the event and past Mbabane Committee Chairs Avis Davis and Carlo Capua will speak on the past and future of this special relationship. “We are hopeful that the Fort Worth community will attend to hear some beautiful voices and marimbas.   What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to feed the soul with beautiful music and warm friendships,” said Rae Hyatt, current Sister Cities Mbabane Chair. Mbabane became Fort Worth’s 7th sister city in 2004 and has provided many beneficial exchanges and local programs.  Annual exchanges include both inbound and outbound youth exchanges, adult service projects, and many humanitarian focused projects including the construction of a health and social center in Mbabane funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

2014-09-11 08:52

GOSPEL CHOIRS TO MARK FORT WORTH ANNIVERSARY

Sister Cities Celebrates 10 years with Swaziland at gospel choir concert

Fort Worth is celebrating its ten-year anniversary as sister cities with Mbabane, Swaziland on Sept. 21 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a celebration of gospel choirs.  The concert will be held at the Rising Star Baptist Church and is free and open to the public. Choirs from Christ Chapel Bible Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rising Star Baptist Church and Trinity Lutheran Church will perform.   Ms. Jewel Kelly will also speak on the roots of gospel music and the connection to the African continent. Honored guests at the celebration will include a delegation from Swaziland led by Mbabane Mayor Benito Jones and City Manager Gideon Mhlongo.  Commissioner Roy C. Brooks will emcee the event and past Mbabane Committee Chairs Avis Davis and Carlo Capua will speak on the past and future of this special relationship. “We are hopeful that the Fort Worth community will attend to hear some beautiful voices and marimbas.   What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to feed the soul with beautiful music and warm friendships,” said Rae Hyatt, current Sister Cities Mbabane Chair. Mbabane became Fort Worth’s 7th sister city in 2004 and has provided many beneficial exchanges and local programs.  Annual exchanges include both inbound and outbound youth exchanges, adult service projects, and many humanitarian focused projects including the construction of a health and social center in Mbabane funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

TOURISM OFFICIALS FROM INDONESIA VISITING FORT WORTH

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas — Bandung officials in Fort Worth to Promote Sister City

As part of a reciprocal exchange between Fort Worth and its sister city, Bandung,  Indonesia, 16 Indonesian tourism and promotion officials and performers will visit Fort Worth August 24—27. Bob Jameson, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and CVB board chair Gary Brinkley, will meet with the group to discuss mutually beneficial programs to promote tourism in both cities.  8.2 million international visitors come to Texas each year generating $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenues according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism. The delegation will not only discuss ways to increase visitors between the two cities but will visit local sites and attractions in Fort Worth including the cultural district and Stockyards. A special performance by traditional Indonesian dancers accompanying the delegation will take place on the stage at Sundance Square Plaza on Tuesday, August 26 at noon.  This performance will be free and open to the public. Did you receive an invitation to the Welcome Reception at Joe T. Garcia – Villa Room?  Buy your tickets here. This exchange is the result of a reciprocal program which began last year when a Fort Worth   delegation visited Bandung to promote Fort Worth.  Board Chairwoman Ann Rice and Bandung City Chair Mary Alyce Zimmerman (now chaired by Nancy Lopez) led the delegation meeting with city officials sharing the Texas culture and to invite visitors to Fort Worth. Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia.   Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990.  Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and    professional training programs in Municipal waster water, security and waste  management and several business  connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin. More Pictures from Visit

2014-08-01 08:00

TOURISM OFFICIALS FROM INDONESIA VISITING FORT WORTH

Fort Worth, Texas — Bandung officials in Fort Worth to Promote Sister City

As part of a reciprocal exchange between Fort Worth and its sister city, Bandung,  Indonesia, 16 Indonesian tourism and promotion officials and performers will visit Fort Worth August 24—27. Bob Jameson, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and CVB board chair Gary Brinkley, will meet with the group to discuss mutually beneficial programs to promote tourism in both cities.  8.2 million international visitors come to Texas each year generating $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenues according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism. The delegation will not only discuss ways to increase visitors between the two cities but will visit local sites and attractions in Fort Worth including the cultural district and Stockyards. A special performance by traditional Indonesian dancers accompanying the delegation will take place on the stage at Sundance Square Plaza on Tuesday, August 26 at noon.  This performance will be free and open to the public. Did you receive an invitation to the Welcome Reception at Joe T. Garcia – Villa Room?  Buy your tickets here. This exchange is the result of a reciprocal program which began last year when a Fort Worth   delegation visited Bandung to promote Fort Worth.  Board Chairwoman Ann Rice and Bandung City Chair Mary Alyce Zimmerman (now chaired by Nancy Lopez) led the delegation meeting with city officials sharing the Texas culture and to invite visitors to Fort Worth. Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia.   Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990.  Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and    professional training programs in Municipal waster water, security and waste  management and several business  connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin. More Pictures from Visit

JOINT POLICE TRAINING BETWEEN FORT WORTH AND TOLUCA, MEXICO

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas — Toluca, Mexico sends officers to Fort Worth for specialized training

Mayor Gonzalez of Toluca, Mexico during the last police officers exchange

As part of a five year partnership with the Toluca, Mexico Police Dept., the Fort Worth    Police Dept. will host ten officers from Toluca July 3—13 for specialized police training.

Sister Cities Toluca vice chair and former FWPD detective Manny Reyes along with FWPD Public Information Officer Daniel Segura are leading the training effort.

The Toluca officers will be in Fort Worth for a week long training at the Fort Worth Police Academy learning new skills on how to handle auto theft, kidnapping and robbery cases. They will tour the FW Police Department’s communications office, crime lab and property room.  They will also study how to become neighborhood police officers.  While in Fort Worth all officers will be home hosted by Fort Worth Police officers. As a reciprocal program for over five years, the FWPD has benefitted from training and information received from Toluca, as well including the addition and updating of a Spanish language training program at the Police Academy; collaboration with the Toluca PD on cold cases involving Mexican nationals in the US who now live in Mexico; direct contact with Mexican cities to locate and apprehend prisoners; and information and tactics for dealing with kidnappings involving Mexican nationals in Fort Worth. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; butterfly tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

2014-06-26 03:47

JOINT POLICE TRAINING BETWEEN FORT WORTH AND TOLUCA, MEXICO

Fort Worth, Texas — Toluca, Mexico sends officers to Fort Worth for specialized training

Mayor Gonzalez of Toluca, Mexico during the last police officers exchange

As part of a five year partnership with the Toluca, Mexico Police Dept., the Fort Worth    Police Dept. will host ten officers from Toluca July 3—13 for specialized police training.

Sister Cities Toluca vice chair and former FWPD detective Manny Reyes along with FWPD Public Information Officer Daniel Segura are leading the training effort.

The Toluca officers will be in Fort Worth for a week long training at the Fort Worth Police Academy learning new skills on how to handle auto theft, kidnapping and robbery cases. They will tour the FW Police Department’s communications office, crime lab and property room.  They will also study how to become neighborhood police officers.  While in Fort Worth all officers will be home hosted by Fort Worth Police officers. As a reciprocal program for over five years, the FWPD has benefitted from training and information received from Toluca, as well including the addition and updating of a Spanish language training program at the Police Academy; collaboration with the Toluca PD on cold cases involving Mexican nationals in the US who now live in Mexico; direct contact with Mexican cities to locate and apprehend prisoners; and information and tactics for dealing with kidnappings involving Mexican nationals in Fort Worth. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; butterfly tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

Students learn about entrepreneurship at local academies

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX: Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, 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 19 – Aug. 3 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership and its role in social entrepreneurship. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, China, 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. 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 visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth and a community service project. This year marks the 10th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 14—18. 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 Toluca, Mexico and Hanoi, Vietnam,  to gain an international perspective.
“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.
The closing ceremonies take place on Aug. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public  

2014-06-26 03:13

Students learn about entrepreneurship at local academies

Fort Worth, TX: Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, 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 19 – Aug. 3 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership and its role in social entrepreneurship. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, China, 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. 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 visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth and a community service project. This year marks the 10th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 14—18. 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 Toluca, Mexico and Hanoi, Vietnam,  to gain an international perspective.

“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.
The closing ceremonies take place on Aug. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public  

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

2014-06-24 09:26

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to 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. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

2014-03-27 07:45

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to 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. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!