By Rebecca Hartman | Program Manager of School-2-School
School-2-School rounded off our final partnership of the 2015-16 school year with Mr. Eric Northard’s successful volunteer trip to The Sidi Moumen Cultural Center (SMCC) in Casablanca, Morocco in June. Eric and his students at Grand Rapids High School in Grand Rapids, Minnesota spent the 2015-2016 school year engaging in cross-cultural learning with the students at SMCC in Casablanca, Morocco through the exchange of videos and e-mails.
In June, Eric visited SMCC for two weeks where he delivered interactive trainings on programs on Critical Thinking and Civic Education, and conducted a curriculum planning workshop for teachers and parents. Eric was able to foster personal connections during these group trainings and his one-on-one interactions with the SMCC students and staff. He worked directly with the teachers and students he and his students conducted the virtual exchange with over the course of the year, as well as many other SMCC students and staff members.
Prior to his departure, Eric expressed how fortunate he is to have the opportunity to visit SMCC and expand on their partnership. Reflecting on his experience, Eric says, “All of the personal connections I made during my visit have been so meaningful, and it has never been so hard for me to leave and say goodbye to a group of people.” Although Eric had to say goodbye to SMCC this past June, discussions have already begun for Mohammed Elkhattaby, SMCC’s English Program Coordinator to visit Minnesota this September. Eric is also pleased to see that the students at SMCC continue to follow and interact with his students on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
School-2-School is thrilled that Grand Rapids and SMCC continue to expand on their partnership and we look forward to seeing this exchange continue to grow into a long-lasting partnership. With the start of the 2016/2017 school year, we plan to continue to grow and deepen our partnerships with schools in Indonesia and Palestine. Your support made all the successes of 2015/2016 possible. Thank you again -
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