DNTA Schools Twinning Project

Twinning is about bringing people together. We are establishing links between schools so that the pupils can share their experiences and keep alive the ideals of twinning because friendship beats conflict.

We will raise money for the equipment our Nablus school partners need for video and web links. And to enable at least two teachers from each city to visit their partner schools in the other city.

Timetable

The project commences in November 2013 and is expected to be complete by December 2015.

Contributing

We would welcome donations to make this project happen. We estimate a project budget of £5,000 so all contributions will be gratefully received.

Please make cheques payable to DNTA and send to:
DNTA Treasurer
ADDRESS

Objectives

Link schools in Dundee and Nablus to enable the pupils at each school to interact directly so that they can understand more about each other.

Context

Dundee and Nablus have been twinned for over 30 years. Dundee-Nablus Twinning Association (DNTA) has substantial links with its partner organization based in Nablus - the Nablus-Dundee Twinning Association (NDTA). Twinning visits have established a desire to twin schools.

Educational context

Dundee and Nablus share many cultural, community, business and educational aspirations but also have many differences which this project will enable the pupils in each city to explore with their peers.

Dundee pupils: Develop knowledge and understanding of global citizenship rooted in their own city's established links with Nablus and its contrasting lifestyles

Nablus pupils: Direct contact with pupils in a different country with an opportunity to practice and develop their skills in spoken and written English

Methodology

• Recruit two schools in each city to participate over a two year period
• Facilitate visits by teachers from each city to their twinned City and twinned Schools
• Encourage direct links between pupils by all appropriate means - email, post, audio and video conferencing
• Encourage teachers in each participating school to use their own initiative to link this to other areas of their curriculum
• Provide volunteer assistance to schools with Arabic/English translation to support the project

Key Responsibilities

This is a co-operative project but responsibilities are listed to reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

Twinning Associations: Overall project planning and evaluation, fundraising, support

Directors of Education: School selection, Teacher exchange management

School Head Teachers: Curriculum integration, operational management

Teachers: Classroom interactions, exchange planning and involvement

Funding

A provisional budget is shown below. The Dundee-Nablus Twinning Association has agreed to lead the fund-raising for this and expects to work with a Scottish registered charity - FONSA (Friends of Nablus and Surrounding Areas). Funding from government programmes, trusts, commercial, individual and other sources will be explored.

Timing

The project will be launched in November 2013 during the Twinning Anniversary week
Fundraising should start as soon as possible
The project should be completed by December 2015