Pupils will arrive to share the past and shape the future

Shetland will host the 19th Global Classroom conference next month, bringing together youngsters from around the globe.

The Global Classroom is a partnership of eight schools which emphasises the importance of shared learning, and encourages the idea that pupils can “learn locally” but “think globally”. It is one of the largest and longest-established projects of its kind in the world.

Over the past two decades hundreds of young Shetlanders have spent time in partner schools thanks to the Global Classroom, travelling and making friends around the world.

For this year’s conference around 60 pupils and staff will be heading to Shetland from six countries. The theme this year is “Sharing Pasts, Shaping Futures”, to mark the history of the partnership and to discuss what the future will bring locally and internationally.

The event will run from Saturday 20th to Monday 29th June, with a programme of workshops, presentations and trips around the isles. The visitors will come from Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic, South Africa, USA and Australia.

There are also links with Shirley Boys’ High School in Christchurch, New Zealand. However, they are unable to attend due to their school being rebuilt after the tragic earthquakes in 2011.

Global citizenship officer Lewie Peterson said: “This is the fourth time the conference has been held here in Shetland, and we’re all really looking forward to welcoming our visitors.

“It is great fun for young people, but also an eye-opening experience, giving them the chance to share their views and experience on current affairs and culture.

“A group of Anderson High School pupils have put together ideas for how it will run, and we hope it will promote Shetland round the world as a welcoming and tolerant place, as well as challenging the perspectives of young people who take part.

“The Anderson students are putting in a lot of work to make sure it runs smoothly and we can’t wait to get everyone here.

“I’d like to take this chance to remind parents of AHS pupils in S4, S5 and S6 that we’re still looking for a few families to act as hosts for our visitors.

“If anyone is keen to get involved, please get in touch as we want to make this an event for the whole community.”

SIC convener Malcolm Bell added: “The Global Classroom has done tremendous work down the years to help young people share their experiences and culture, and develop understanding between communities across the world.

“My own children have benefited previously from the Global Classroom and the insight it provides to communities across the globe. I look forward to meeting this year’s delegates and hope their time in Shetland is rewarding.”