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Iraqi and Chinese students share their cultures

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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, 120 participants will converge at TCU July 16–31 to share their cultures and learn about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia, along with China who will participate for the first time, will be in Fort Worth for this 2 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 30th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2011 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. Students will explain the concepts they have been discussing and will share their solutions, as well as their cultures. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 7th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 11-15. 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; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. For the first time, JILA students will interact with 15 students from Iraq. The Iraqi students are part of an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. “This will be a unique experience for our Fort Worth students to learn more about a culture that is very different from ours and to show them what Americans are really like,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

2011-07-05 11:27

Iraqi and Chinese students share their cultures

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, 120 participants will converge at TCU July 16–31 to share their cultures and learn about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia, along with China who will participate for the first time, will be in Fort Worth for this 2 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 30th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2011 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. Students will explain the concepts they have been discussing and will share their solutions, as well as their cultures. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 7th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 11-15. 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; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. For the first time, JILA students will interact with 15 students from Iraq. The Iraqi students are part of an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. “This will be a unique experience for our Fort Worth students to learn more about a culture that is very different from ours and to show them what Americans are really like,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

Sister Cities Chair Going Over the Edge Tomorrow

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Board Chair Brad Mahon to rappel 26 story building

It’s official.  Sister Cities Chairman of the Board, Brad Mahon, will rappel the XTO building at 714 Main Street in downtown Fort Worth, Friday, June 24th at 3:36 p.m. Mahon challenged the members of Sister Cities to raise $7,500 for the organization and he in turn promised to join the Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. event, Over the Edge, and rappel down the side of a 26 story building.  The challenge was met and Mahon is living up to his part of the bargain. When asked why he wanted to do this, Mahon said, “Besides being a little bit insane, I want to highlight Fort Worth Sister Cities International. It’s a great organization that I’ve been involved with for many years, with award-winning youth programs for the last 25 years and an annual economic impact to the City of over $2.2 million.” Members of Sister Cities and friends of Mahon from all over the country have donated funds to support Sister Cities and to see Mahon keep his promise.  “What a wonderful gesture Brad is making by supporting Sister Cities in this way.  We all love this organization but no where in the job description for Chairman of the Board did I see this mentioned,” said incoming Chair Ann Rice. Over the Edge is being staged by Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. to improve Fort Worth’s wonderful Downtown. Support from the event will help support projects like the JFK Tribute, the downtown marketing programs, Burnett Park and Heritage Park.  There are six spots left for tomorrow so anyone interested in rappelling can visit www.dfwi.org.

2011-06-23 02:15

Sister Cities Chair Going Over the Edge Tomorrow

Sister Cities Board Chair Brad Mahon to rappel 26 story building

It’s official.  Sister Cities Chairman of the Board, Brad Mahon, will rappel the XTO building at 714 Main Street in downtown Fort Worth, Friday, June 24th at 3:36 p.m. Mahon challenged the members of Sister Cities to raise $7,500 for the organization and he in turn promised to join the Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. event, Over the Edge, and rappel down the side of a 26 story building.  The challenge was met and Mahon is living up to his part of the bargain. When asked why he wanted to do this, Mahon said, “Besides being a little bit insane, I want to highlight Fort Worth Sister Cities International. It’s a great organization that I’ve been involved with for many years, with award-winning youth programs for the last 25 years and an annual economic impact to the City of over $2.2 million.” Members of Sister Cities and friends of Mahon from all over the country have donated funds to support Sister Cities and to see Mahon keep his promise.  “What a wonderful gesture Brad is making by supporting Sister Cities in this way.  We all love this organization but no where in the job description for Chairman of the Board did I see this mentioned,” said incoming Chair Ann Rice. Over the Edge is being staged by Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. to improve Fort Worth’s wonderful Downtown. Support from the event will help support projects like the JFK Tribute, the downtown marketing programs, Burnett Park and Heritage Park.  There are six spots left for tomorrow so anyone interested in rappelling can visit www.dfwi.org.

Fort Worth Youth & Adult Ambassadors Travel to Mbabane, Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities sends delegation to Swaziland as goodwill ambassadors

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer several delegations will be visiting Fort Worth’s sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 21 students and adults departing on June 14th for Mbabane, Swaziland. The delegation will be led by Nancy Marchant and Jay Kurima along with Cydney Marshall and Dr. Staussa Ervin. While in Mbabane the delegation will visit the U.S. Embassy, participate in school and university discussions, as well as make book and shoe donations. The group will also visit a health center under construction that is being built with a grant received by Fort Worth Sister Cities from Sister Cities International and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The center is being built to provide a place for community health education, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, and food distribution. “Fort Worth is blessed to have this amazing relationship with Swaziland. They are a gracious people with a rich, cultural history that we can all appreciate,” said City Council representative and Mbabane, Swaziland liaison Kathleen Hicks. Local artist Jo Dufo will also accompany the group to work with the people of Mbabane to paint a peace mural. Dufo has plans to paint murals on public buildings in all eight of Fort Worth’s sister cities. Murals have already been painted in Fort Worth and Nagaoka, Japan. Youth Ambassadors to Swaziland include Gabrielle Carpenito, Marley Grissom, Calandra Jones, Morgan Killian, Chandan Prasai, Adam Tapper, Bailey Upp, and Hunter Werth. Adult Ambassadors — Tamara Albury, Jo Dufault, JoAnn King, Cortney Palmer, Michael Rodriguez, Yolanda Thomas, Cathey Upp, Priscella Williams, and Mac Zimmerman. TCU Business School professor and his wife, Dr. Bob & Jeannie Boatler, will also join the delegation to discuss future business school exchanges with the University of Swaziland.

2011-06-13 12:55

Fort Worth Youth & Adult Ambassadors Travel to Mbabane, Swaziland

Sister Cities sends delegation to Swaziland as goodwill ambassadors

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer several delegations will be visiting Fort Worth’s sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 21 students and adults departing on June 14th for Mbabane, Swaziland. The delegation will be led by Nancy Marchant and Jay Kurima along with Cydney Marshall and Dr. Staussa Ervin. While in Mbabane the delegation will visit the U.S. Embassy, participate in school and university discussions, as well as make book and shoe donations. The group will also visit a health center under construction that is being built with a grant received by Fort Worth Sister Cities from Sister Cities International and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The center is being built to provide a place for community health education, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, and food distribution. “Fort Worth is blessed to have this amazing relationship with Swaziland. They are a gracious people with a rich, cultural history that we can all appreciate,” said City Council representative and Mbabane, Swaziland liaison Kathleen Hicks. Local artist Jo Dufo will also accompany the group to work with the people of Mbabane to paint a peace mural. Dufo has plans to paint murals on public buildings in all eight of Fort Worth’s sister cities. Murals have already been painted in Fort Worth and Nagaoka, Japan. Youth Ambassadors to Swaziland include Gabrielle Carpenito, Marley Grissom, Calandra Jones, Morgan Killian, Chandan Prasai, Adam Tapper, Bailey Upp, and Hunter Werth. Adult Ambassadors — Tamara Albury, Jo Dufault, JoAnn King, Cortney Palmer, Michael Rodriguez, Yolanda Thomas, Cathey Upp, Priscella Williams, and Mac Zimmerman. TCU Business School professor and his wife, Dr. Bob & Jeannie Boatler, will also join the delegation to discuss future business school exchanges with the University of Swaziland.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Travel to Nagaoka, Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities sends students to Japan as goodwill ambassadors

Exchange programs are key elements in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer several delegations will be visiting Fort Worth’s sister cities including a group of 12 students and delegation leaders Glen Mears and Gabby Jimenez who leave June 9th for Nagaoka, Japan. While there the group will participate in volunteer service projects with victims of the earthquake and present officials there with a video documenting the city-wide fundraising efforts on their behalf. Nearly $20,000 will be sent to Nagaoka’s earthquake relief fund. “This is such a unique experience for these students. To live with a Japanese family and experience this rich culture will change their lives,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO. “Many of our students return after international exchanges with a passion for expanding their education better preparing them for our global society. They’ll be better citizens for Fort Worth and the world,” said Ferguson. All student applicants participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. Youth Ambassadors are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Youth Ambassadors to Japan include Spencer Bartlett, Mathew Dang, Elizabeth Estes, Natalie Fetter, Taline Fritzenwallner,, Teresa Macias, Jacqueline Romero, Sarika Sabnis, Julia Smith, Jennifer Sotelo and Ana Tafoya.

2011-06-08 02:22

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Travel to Nagaoka, Japan

Sister Cities sends students to Japan as goodwill ambassadors

Exchange programs are key elements in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer several delegations will be visiting Fort Worth’s sister cities including a group of 12 students and delegation leaders Glen Mears and Gabby Jimenez who leave June 9th for Nagaoka, Japan. While there the group will participate in volunteer service projects with victims of the earthquake and present officials there with a video documenting the city-wide fundraising efforts on their behalf. Nearly $20,000 will be sent to Nagaoka’s earthquake relief fund. “This is such a unique experience for these students. To live with a Japanese family and experience this rich culture will change their lives,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO. “Many of our students return after international exchanges with a passion for expanding their education better preparing them for our global society. They’ll be better citizens for Fort Worth and the world,” said Ferguson. All student applicants participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. Youth Ambassadors are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Youth Ambassadors to Japan include Spencer Bartlett, Mathew Dang, Elizabeth Estes, Natalie Fetter, Taline Fritzenwallner,, Teresa Macias, Jacqueline Romero, Sarika Sabnis, Julia Smith, Jennifer Sotelo and Ana Tafoya.

Arlington Heights High School to present check to Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

AHHS partnering with Sister Cities for Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund

This Thursday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. a student representing the entire student body of Arlington Heights High School will present a check for $500 to Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Nagaoka, Japan youth chair Dianna Alexander, for the Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund. In response to the disaster in Japan, Arlington Heights High School, in collaboration with Fort Worth Sister Cities, collected donations for Fort Worth’s sister city Nagaoka through a campaign called “Jars for Japan”. Each day, Cody Cox, Arlington Heights German teacher, collected change and donations for the relief fund. The funds will be sent to Nagaoka, Japan, Fort Worth’s sister city since 1987, to be used for evacuation centers in Nagaoka, as well as given to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Mr. Cox has a special connection to Nagaoka. He hosted Japanese exchange students and chaperoned an exchange group that traveled to Japan last year. He has been actively involved with Sister Cities for more than eight years and serves as the official international teacher liaison for the high school. “The outpouring of concern for our sister city continues. We are overwhelmed by the response and generosity of students, teachers and citizens of Fort Worth,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities. Fort Worth Sister Cities has raised nearly $20,000 for the earthquake relief fund which will be sent to Nagaoka later this month. The damage caused by the earthquake has become increasingly clear and the total number of victims is still unknown. Uncertainty about the final damage still lingers as does the concern over the nuclear danger.

2011-05-11 10:50

Arlington Heights High School to present check to Sister Cities

AHHS partnering with Sister Cities for Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund

This Thursday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. a student representing the entire student body of Arlington Heights High School will present a check for $500 to Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Nagaoka, Japan youth chair Dianna Alexander, for the Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund. In response to the disaster in Japan, Arlington Heights High School, in collaboration with Fort Worth Sister Cities, collected donations for Fort Worth’s sister city Nagaoka through a campaign called “Jars for Japan”. Each day, Cody Cox, Arlington Heights German teacher, collected change and donations for the relief fund. The funds will be sent to Nagaoka, Japan, Fort Worth’s sister city since 1987, to be used for evacuation centers in Nagaoka, as well as given to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Mr. Cox has a special connection to Nagaoka. He hosted Japanese exchange students and chaperoned an exchange group that traveled to Japan last year. He has been actively involved with Sister Cities for more than eight years and serves as the official international teacher liaison for the high school. “The outpouring of concern for our sister city continues. We are overwhelmed by the response and generosity of students, teachers and citizens of Fort Worth,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities. Fort Worth Sister Cities has raised nearly $20,000 for the earthquake relief fund which will be sent to Nagaoka later this month. The damage caused by the earthquake has become increasingly clear and the total number of victims is still unknown. Uncertainty about the final damage still lingers as does the concern over the nuclear danger.

Local Celebrities to Dance for Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Mayor’s International Dinner Set for November

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will stage its annual fundraising event, the Mayor’s International Dinner November 17th at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel hosted by Fort Worth’s new mayor.  Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars is going to be another spectacular show of local celebrity couples strutting their stuff as they vie for the audience’s votes for Best Dancers. The party starts at 6:30 pm with a reception hosted by Fort Worth’s new Mayor followed by international fare from Italy, Japan and China.  Local DJ Bob Bonilla and Eso Es Sounds will entertain the crowd and provide some lively music for the contestants.  “Dancing with the Stars has nothing on Fort Worth.  Some of last year’s contestants would have given them a run for their money,” said Dinner Chair and CEO of Worthington National Bank, Greg Morse. Celebrity couples are now being handpicked and will be announced soon.  Best Dancers are selected by votes which can be purchased for $1.00 each prior to and at the event.  The winning couple will receive a large mirrored ball trophy along with airfare for two aboard American Airlines to any of its U.S., Canadian or Mexican destinations. This event was a sell out last year.  “We had no idea what to expect from our dancers and they exceeded all expectations,” said Yvonne Rubenstein, producer of the show.  “To see county commissioners, city council representatives, the police chief along with local business and community leaders doing a tango or jitterbug in full costume was just incredible” said Rubenstein. All this is being done to support the youth programs and exchanges of Fort Worth Sister Cities. Youth exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to learn from other cultures and be prepared for a global marketplace. Sponsorships are available now from $25,000 to $500 or individual tickets to the party are $150 each. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

2011-05-10 08:02

Local Celebrities to Dance for Sister Cities

Mayor’s International Dinner Set for November

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will stage its annual fundraising event, the Mayor’s International Dinner November 17th at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel hosted by Fort Worth’s new mayor.  Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars is going to be another spectacular show of local celebrity couples strutting their stuff as they vie for the audience’s votes for Best Dancers. The party starts at 6:30 pm with a reception hosted by Fort Worth’s new Mayor followed by international fare from Italy, Japan and China.  Local DJ Bob Bonilla and Eso Es Sounds will entertain the crowd and provide some lively music for the contestants.  “Dancing with the Stars has nothing on Fort Worth.  Some of last year’s contestants would have given them a run for their money,” said Dinner Chair and CEO of Worthington National Bank, Greg Morse. Celebrity couples are now being handpicked and will be announced soon.  Best Dancers are selected by votes which can be purchased for $1.00 each prior to and at the event.  The winning couple will receive a large mirrored ball trophy along with airfare for two aboard American Airlines to any of its U.S., Canadian or Mexican destinations. This event was a sell out last year.  “We had no idea what to expect from our dancers and they exceeded all expectations,” said Yvonne Rubenstein, producer of the show.  “To see county commissioners, city council representatives, the police chief along with local business and community leaders doing a tango or jitterbug in full costume was just incredible” said Rubenstein. All this is being done to support the youth programs and exchanges of Fort Worth Sister Cities. Youth exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to learn from other cultures and be prepared for a global marketplace. Sponsorships are available now from $25,000 to $500 or individual tickets to the party are $150 each. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Local 5th Grader Presents Check to Sister Cities to Help Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Birdville school partnering with Sister Cities for Earthquake Relief Fund

At a full assembly of students at The Academy at West Birdville last week,  5th grader Jacob Cameron and his team consisting of other students,  Juan Bravo, John Burgess, Juan Chariez, Oscar Ibarra and Alan Nunez, presented a check for $381.81 to Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.  Jacob spearheaded an effort to involve his school in raising money to help Japan after seeing reports of the devastation from the devastating earthquake in March. Six hundred sixty (660) elementary students at The Academy were asked to bring coins to school to add to the relief fund established by Sister Cities for a month long campaign.  The funds will be sent to Nagaoka, Japan, Fort Worth’s sister city since 1987, to be used for evacuation centers in Nagaoka, as well as given to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Jacob and his team collected coins every Thursday.  Some students gave up their afternoon snack to donate and some gave up their field trip to Lego Land.  Jacob also single-handedly created a video to motivate his fellow students to help out that can be seen on You Tube and the school’s website. “Sister Cities is proud to have students like Jacob who are reaching out to other parts of the world with acts of kindness. That’s what Sister Cities is all about – we are citizen diplomats, even 5th graders ,” said Winston Fuller, Chair of the Nagaoka committee of Sister Cities. “Fort Worth has had a long relationship with Nagaoka and we are looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary next year when we travel there for the Hanabi festival,” said Fuller. Fort Worth Sister Cities has now raised nearly $20,000 for the earthquake relief fund which will be sent to Nagaoka later this month. The damage caused by the earthquake has become increasingly clear and the total number of victims is still unknown. Uncertainty about the final damage still lingers as does the concern over the nuclear danger.

2011-05-03 02:46

Local 5th Grader Presents Check to Sister Cities to Help Japan

Birdville school partnering with Sister Cities for Earthquake Relief Fund

At a full assembly of students at The Academy at West Birdville last week,  5th grader Jacob Cameron and his team consisting of other students,  Juan Bravo, John Burgess, Juan Chariez, Oscar Ibarra and Alan Nunez, presented a check for $381.81 to Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.  Jacob spearheaded an effort to involve his school in raising money to help Japan after seeing reports of the devastation from the devastating earthquake in March. Six hundred sixty (660) elementary students at The Academy were asked to bring coins to school to add to the relief fund established by Sister Cities for a month long campaign.  The funds will be sent to Nagaoka, Japan, Fort Worth’s sister city since 1987, to be used for evacuation centers in Nagaoka, as well as given to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Jacob and his team collected coins every Thursday.  Some students gave up their afternoon snack to donate and some gave up their field trip to Lego Land.  Jacob also single-handedly created a video to motivate his fellow students to help out that can be seen on You Tube and the school’s website. “Sister Cities is proud to have students like Jacob who are reaching out to other parts of the world with acts of kindness. That’s what Sister Cities is all about – we are citizen diplomats, even 5th graders ,” said Winston Fuller, Chair of the Nagaoka committee of Sister Cities. “Fort Worth has had a long relationship with Nagaoka and we are looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary next year when we travel there for the Hanabi festival,” said Fuller. Fort Worth Sister Cities has now raised nearly $20,000 for the earthquake relief fund which will be sent to Nagaoka later this month. The damage caused by the earthquake has become increasingly clear and the total number of victims is still unknown. Uncertainty about the final damage still lingers as does the concern over the nuclear danger.

The Culinary School of Fort Worth: Our Italian Experience

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
The Culinary School of Fort Worth writes about their recent experience in Italy.   If you are a foodie or just love Italian food, this is a must read.  Please click the picture below to read the entire article.

2011-04-28 10:20

The Culinary School of Fort Worth: Our Italian Experience

Engineering Students from Toluca, Mexico part of Sister Cities’ Exchange Program

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Engineering firms hosting students as part of international exchange

As part of the ongoing programs of Fort Sister Cities, 17 engineering students and 2 professors from Toluca, Mexico’s TEC de Monterrey University are visiting engineering firms in Fort Worth to further their education this week. In its third year, this engineering mentorship program gives students an opportunity to learn about possible careers they could have in the field of engineering.  While in Fort Worth the students will visit Freese & Nichols, UTA’s Robotics Institute, TCU, XTO, BNSF Railway, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin. “I think that hosting students from another country is a great way to give back to our profession and to communities outside our country. It certainly shows how global our profession has become, “said Bob Pence, President and CEO of Freese and Nichols.   While in Fort Worth the students will be home hosted by Sister Cities members and also visit the cultural district, Stockyards and Sundance Square. The goal of the program is to provide the students information on engineering careers ranging from architecture, automotive and aerospace and provide them a practical application to what they have been studying in school.  It is also an opportunity for them to make contacts for networking as they develop their eventual careers in the field of engineering. “This exchange has become very popular with our university partners in Toluca and we are appreciative of the participation of our local engineering companies and universities who welcome these students and host them,” said Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Sister Cities Board.  “Sister Cities does this to create meaningful people-to-people exchanges and to create better understanding between our countries.” Sister Cities since 1998, Fort Worth and Toluca have experienced numerous  other exchanges including middle and high school partnerships; municipal and economic forums; tourism exchanges; language immersion;  health care exchanges; and municipal police training programs.

2011-04-21 08:48

Engineering Students from Toluca, Mexico part of Sister Cities’ Exchange Program

Engineering firms hosting students as part of international exchange

As part of the ongoing programs of Fort Sister Cities, 17 engineering students and 2 professors from Toluca, Mexico’s TEC de Monterrey University are visiting engineering firms in Fort Worth to further their education this week. In its third year, this engineering mentorship program gives students an opportunity to learn about possible careers they could have in the field of engineering.  While in Fort Worth the students will visit Freese & Nichols, UTA’s Robotics Institute, TCU, XTO, BNSF Railway, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin. “I think that hosting students from another country is a great way to give back to our profession and to communities outside our country. It certainly shows how global our profession has become, “said Bob Pence, President and CEO of Freese and Nichols.   While in Fort Worth the students will be home hosted by Sister Cities members and also visit the cultural district, Stockyards and Sundance Square. The goal of the program is to provide the students information on engineering careers ranging from architecture, automotive and aerospace and provide them a practical application to what they have been studying in school.  It is also an opportunity for them to make contacts for networking as they develop their eventual careers in the field of engineering. “This exchange has become very popular with our university partners in Toluca and we are appreciative of the participation of our local engineering companies and universities who welcome these students and host them,” said Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Sister Cities Board.  “Sister Cities does this to create meaningful people-to-people exchanges and to create better understanding between our countries.” Sister Cities since 1998, Fort Worth and Toluca have experienced numerous  other exchanges including middle and high school partnerships; municipal and economic forums; tourism exchanges; language immersion;  health care exchanges; and municipal police training programs.

Student from Swaziland Graduates from TCU on Scholarship Through Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

International Education Important to Fort Worth and the African Continent

Sihle Dlamini from Mbabane, Swaziland, Fort Worth’s 7th sister city, will graduate in May from TCU.  Ms. Dlamini was a member of the inaugural eight person student group who attended Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy on a scholarship provided by the Black Ecumenical Leaders Alliance of Fort Worth in 2006. After an eye-opening experience during her month in Texas, Ms. Dlamini applied for, and successfully enrolled, as a student at TCU under a one-year Sister Cities Scholarship awarded by TCU.  She went on to apply for and receive additional scholarships and will finish her studies and graduate in May. “We are so proud that Sihle took full advantage of her opportunity, eventually being awarded a full scholarship to cover her remainder of studies at TCU,” said Sister Cities Mbabane, Swaziland Chair Carlo Capua.  “She has brought a rich culture to life teaching all of us more about Swaziland.” Ms. Dlamini will be honored on April 21st at a special reception where TCU directors John Singleton and Karen Scott will recognize her achievements.  City Council representative Kathleen Hicks will also speak about the value of this partnership on behalf of the City of Fort Worth.  Also to be recognized are Steve and Judy Robinson, who home-hosted Sihle for four years giving her the opportunity to attend TCU. Mbabane, Swaziland received overwhelming support from Fort Worth as the City’s first partner on the African continent.  Signed in 2004, this partnership began with a truly beneficial humanitarian assistance project through the Wheelchairs for Peace program and continues today with annual youth and adult exchanges and library programs, as well as assistance through the African Urban Poverty Alleviation Program (AUPAP) grant awarded by Sister Cities International. The AUPAP grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is being used to build a health and community center in Mbabane to be completed by the end of the year.

2011-04-18 10:47

Student from Swaziland Graduates from TCU on Scholarship Through Sister Cities

International Education Important to Fort Worth and the African Continent

Sihle Dlamini from Mbabane, Swaziland, Fort Worth’s 7th sister city, will graduate in May from TCU.  Ms. Dlamini was a member of the inaugural eight person student group who attended Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy on a scholarship provided by the Black Ecumenical Leaders Alliance of Fort Worth in 2006. After an eye-opening experience during her month in Texas, Ms. Dlamini applied for, and successfully enrolled, as a student at TCU under a one-year Sister Cities Scholarship awarded by TCU.  She went on to apply for and receive additional scholarships and will finish her studies and graduate in May. “We are so proud that Sihle took full advantage of her opportunity, eventually being awarded a full scholarship to cover her remainder of studies at TCU,” said Sister Cities Mbabane, Swaziland Chair Carlo Capua.  “She has brought a rich culture to life teaching all of us more about Swaziland.” Ms. Dlamini will be honored on April 21st at a special reception where TCU directors John Singleton and Karen Scott will recognize her achievements.  City Council representative Kathleen Hicks will also speak about the value of this partnership on behalf of the City of Fort Worth.  Also to be recognized are Steve and Judy Robinson, who home-hosted Sihle for four years giving her the opportunity to attend TCU. Mbabane, Swaziland received overwhelming support from Fort Worth as the City’s first partner on the African continent.  Signed in 2004, this partnership began with a truly beneficial humanitarian assistance project through the Wheelchairs for Peace program and continues today with annual youth and adult exchanges and library programs, as well as assistance through the African Urban Poverty Alleviation Program (AUPAP) grant awarded by Sister Cities International. The AUPAP grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is being used to build a health and community center in Mbabane to be completed by the end of the year.