EVALUATION AND WAY FORWARD - MAY 2009 TT DELEGATION

The overall programme was intense, with many impressions, new concepts and ideas. A programme that would have taken many meetings of planning and co-ordinating by the Co-ordinating Team in Sweden. Participants represented three countries,viz SA ( Port Shepstone, Western Cape and Potchestroom), Nicaragua and Uganda, A total of 12 delegates.

For the Port Shepstone delegation, the programme was comprehensive. In addition to the objective of this trip, this delegation had an insight on Twinning and was able to connect and address various other twinning initiatives, viz Soderhamn/ Ugu, Oskarshamn/ HCM etc

• We started our journey with a visit to Soderhamn, a PSTA linked project. It was well worth this visit, a greater understanding of the interest that is widespread. This co-operation shall be supported and strengthen in the interest of future development in various fields. Soderhamn is planning a delegation to Port Shepstone in August. View report at: http://www.swedensapartnership.blogspot.com/

• SIDA CONFERENCE: It was interesting to note that international/ foreign issues and concerns are very much part of the educational curriculum in Sweden. The conference , in my opinion was a huge success in that it clarified current foreign policies. Although there appears to be a decrease in funding to developing countries, the people of Sweden know how important this co-operation is and must lobby with Government to strengthen this co-operation. Global warming, poverty and hunger cannot be ignored and issues surrounding democracy, HIV/Aids, gender and the present downtrend in the economy affects all. It is a responsibility of mankind to PAY IT FORWARD to future generation. In addition, our joint facilitation on Time Travel together with Bo and Linda, with us from SA ( Port Shepstone)Nicaragua and Uganda was a demonstration on how well we worked together. Olof Palme's legacy shall always be remembered.

• Oskarshamn Visit: A week end visit to Oskarshamn demonstrated the strength of our twinning relationship. (Blogged,below). A mind blowing, emotional experience that will forever be remembered. To be respected, loved for who you are irrespective of gender, race or position and to be equally accepted is the foundation of this unique relationship.

• Reports received indicated that the Presentation at Oskarshamn Commune meeting by the Oskarshamn Ambassador in Port Shepstone ( Gulshera)was positively received. It is documented in Oskarshamn Commune newsletter which is available on the net. This long relationship with Hibiscus Coast Municipality must continue in the best interest of both towns. This is an indicator for co-operation in development of towns and meeting community needs jointly by NGOs ( civil) and Govt. Institutions.

• Time Travel: The experience in participating in 2 Time Travel activities further prepared us for our first Time Travel in Port Shepstone. It was clear that history is well documented in developed countries, history has to be researched in others and history documented from one perspective needs revisiting. Even within South Africa the process and progress differed vastly. In Port Shepstone, we will depend largely on our Museum Services, (Mark Sole) to undertake further research. In addition, the schools are involved in documenting oral history, the period 1900- 1930. Our first Time Travel will take place in October 2009. The TT committee has much work and will have to be focused in months preceding our first Time Travel activity. Delegateswill report at the next twinning AGM. Educators shall submit individual reports to their respective schools.

• Please visit the WAY FORWARD for Port Shepstone Time Travel by EBBE- at the end/ or beginning of this blog. Scrawl right down.

• Global Supplement: Our exposure to this programme, meeting and participating with the students in Time Travel clarified the programme content. It is always good to work with Bo. He and 6 students will participate in our Time Travel, live with families in Bhobhoyi and Marburg. Swedish students will attend school in school uniform (Nobamba and Marsec), and there might be a possible weekend stay in a deep rural community. The students will document their specific individual assignment for their final year school project.There is much preparation to be made in order for this project to materialise simultaneously with Time Travel and Global School Project. At the same time, Linda will take her students to Uganda.

• Folkbilding: A new concept to us in SA. Andy, chairman of SASCA will link up with other participants in SA. SASCA will co-ordinate this project . A concept to be investigated and promoted.

In total, our trip to Sweden was intense and most empowering. We were exposed to every aspect of Port Shepstone's Twinning relationship with Sweden. Our every needs was attended to. Like always, we were made to feel very special and important. Our appreciation to every person from Soderhamn to Oland, including the entire delegation is thanked for every effort in making this trip most memorable. Time management, cooperation and commitment is the " key" to ensuring prefect co-ordination.

Comments and additions are welcomed.

Gulshera Khan - Time Travel Co-ordinator

On a personal note, many are thanked, from Tormod, Bo, Laila, Gunnar, Sven Ake, Linda, Ebbe, Helen and many others that helped with my trauma of the lost (stolen) passport and other essentials. This is what twinning is about. A caring programme.

N.B. THIS IS THE OFFICIAL REPORT.