2011-04-18 10:47

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.