Twelve years of exchange programmes with Oskarshamn, Sweden, laid the foundation for a sustained relationship with Sweden across many initiatives. (between 1994 and 2005) Approximately 120 delegates have visited Oskarshamn, bringing our communities closer together. These exchanges have covered various fields and professions, including community leaders and ordinary community members. This has strengthened local relationships and fostered ongoing mutual support within our communities.
Some key programmes and initiatives that have developed over time include:
- School Programmes: Collaborative educational exchanges and partnerships.
- Pen Pal Programme: Connecting learners, classrooms, and professionals across borders.
- Early Childhood Education Support: Focused on enhancing foundational learning.
- Democracy Youth Exchange Programme: Encouraging youth engagement and intercultural understanding.
- Teacher Union Collaboration: Supporting teacher development and assisting vulnerable children, particularly through Child Welfare South Africa (CWSA) and CWSA Port Shepstone.
- Tourism, Health, Sport, Youth, and Welfare Initiatives: Broad-based community development programmes.
- Swedish Computer Business Initiative: Launched in Port Shepstone to promote job creation and digital skills development.
- Support for Rural School Administration: Strengthening Educational Leadership and Governance.
- Swedish Student Social Work Training: Providing practical experience opportunities for Swedish students in local settings.
- Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) Youth Empowerment Programme: Focused on youth leadership and development.
- Swedish Volunteer Placements: Enabling volunteers to participate in and support local NGOs such as Ziphakamise’s project: Emseni Child and Youth Care Centre
This partnership has continued to evolve in a spirit of mutual respect, learning, and shared commitment to development. A significant milestone was reached in 1999 with the establishment of a formal partnership between Oskarshamn Municipality and Hibiscus Coast Municipality, which was later renamed Ray Nkonyeni Municipality in 2016. However, this cooperation remained independent of our Association, but the support and cooperation continued. Project was co-ordinated by Bo Hellstrom ( Sweden ) and led by the late Pauline Duncan from our Association.
A significant programme was the Global School Journey, a flagship initiative the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) implemented from 2004 to 2011. This programme had a profound impact on our community, especially in rural areas. Each year, around 30 Swedish educators and officials participate in an immersive experience within rural communities, staying for two weeks with host families identified by our Association. These homes in Nyandezulu, Magog, Izingolweni, Mfazazana, and Ekubusisweni would host delegates and create unique opportunities for cultural exchange and knowledge sharing. Participants represented 37 municipalities across Sweden.
The Global School Journey programme also led to further engagement from participant Thomas Norgren, who played a key role in establishing a partnership between Ugu District Municipality and Söderhamn Municipality, which was formalised by an agreement signed in 2008. Among the beneficiaries were Gamalakhe TVET College (formerly eSayidi FET) and the Ugu District Department of Education. Additionally, Gamalakhe TVET College partnered with Lars Kaggskolan, a school in Kalmar, Sweden.
Building on the success of the Global School Journey, the Global Profile Programme was launched over seven years to focus on learners and educators in both Sweden and South Africa. This initiative connected schools in urban and rural areas across both countries, fostering collaboration and working together on various themes. Bo Hellström played a key role in leading the Global School Journey and Global Profile Programmes from Kalmar, Sweden. His unwavering dedication and support have been instrumental in the success of these initiatives.
Current Programme
In 2019 another initiative took shape when Christina Larsson from Slottskolan in Borgholm, Sweden, initiated an exchange programme with Port Shepstone, inspired by Ebbe Westergren. Since 2022, three exchanges have occurred with Ingwemabala Comprehensive High School, collaborating with Marburg Primary School and Viktoriaskolan. These exchanges focus on different themes each year, including Natural Science, English, Mathematics, Heritage and Culture (Arts), Social Science, Home Economics, Leadership, and Education for Sustainable Development. The Time Travel Programme forms an integral part of this initiative.
Our international exchange and partnership twinning programme has been empowering, significantly contributing to the development of our community while fostering a culture of acceptance and equality. Our mission is grounded in the belief that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of status or position. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
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