6 TO 9- STOCKHOLM

6 May 2009 After an intensive morning programme at Soderhamn, we arrived Arlanda airport train station late afternoon to a warm welcome by Bosse and Linda. On our way to Stockholm, we were stuck in a traffic jam, a reminder of Durban peak hour.

We were taken to the Olof Palme Centre, where we were united with the entire delegation from SA (Andre, Andrew,Andy, Vanessa and Fanie), Nicaragua- .Marlon and Ugandans-John and Stephen Gunnar Alderstam was the other co-ordinator. We were introduced to the Olof Palme Centre's activities, being a major funder to the twinning project over 15 years.

On our way to the hotel, we visited the exact site where Olof Palme was assassinated and his burial site, an emotional experience to those that connected with the mammoth role he played in assisting SA with its liberation.

We enjoyed pizza for dinner and accommodation was the Scanic Hotel in Stockholm.

Thursday / Friday 7 and 8 May 2009
The group was divided - The Sheppie , Nicaragua and Uganda delegates were involved in the SIDA Conference. The other delegation from Western Cape and Potch (SA) had joined Gunnar and were exposed to Folkbilding and museums.

Thursday morning, -up early and taken to SIDA Centre, there we met with a huge delegation from Uganda. We went immediately into preparation with Bo and Linda for the Time Travel workshops that we jointly undertaken.

There were approx. 250 delegates to the conference, mostly educators. Marlon and Gulshera was joined by a representative from Uganda, made presentation on their educational experience and history from a developing country perspective. A nervous experience seated in presence of many and answering questions from the floor.

Jointly as a united team from Sweden, SA, Uganda and Nicaragua - we workshopped the Time Travel method on two days to approximately 30 participants per day. It was well received . Both, Bo and Linda made an excellent presentation, simplified and concise so everyone was able to understand the concept and theory.

The presentation by Minister Gunilla Carlsson - Swedish Foreign Ministry gave us an insight of Sweden's work at international level, including funding. However, it would appear that funding from SIDA will be reduced to SA and Nicaragua.The various presentations: Education in the world today, personal experiences, Global School Programme, the various small workshops were an enlightening experience.


Friday afternoon, we were jointed by the other delegation and visited the Vaasa Museum -On 10 August 1968. the Vaasa set sail on her maiden voyage and sank in the harbour. The wreck was salvaged in 1961 . The ship was restored to 95%. Today, the museum is an international tourist attraction.

Across to Old Stockholm by ferry. The walk through the entire old city, small shops and alleys, the castle and the building of Nobel Peace Prize is held was a highlight.

Saturday morning: Ready for departure to Oskarsham. Gulshera packed and at breakfast went to fetch her tea and within that minute , her bag- a few steps away was stolen. A shock to all, with the knowledge that Sweden is rather a safe country. A lady from Iceland was an eye witness and identified the suspect in the hotel camera that was handed to the police.