New school partnership planned between Bocholt and Rossendale

Euregio-Gymnasium Bocholt and Alder Grange School from the English twin town of Rossendale are planning a new school partnership. A representative of the English school, Stephen Corbishley, recently visited the town of Bocholt to discuss the framework conditions for a future school exchange with local teachers. The project is financially supported by the "Europe Cheques" programme of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

During the visit, intensive discussions took place with the school management and the English department. Initial concepts for joint projects and regular exchange programmes were developed. The aim of this initiative is to give pupils from both cities a direct insight into the culture, everyday life and school system of the partner country. The personal encounters are intended to create long-term contacts between the young people that will last beyond their time at school.

This new connection ties in directly with the existing town twinning and is intended to consolidate international cooperation at school level in the long term. The city of Bocholt is actively involved in the project and supports the schools' efforts to keep the European idea alive in practice.

"It is impressive to see how committed both sides are to opening up new horizons and international perspectives for young people", explains Petra Taubach, European Affairs Officer for the City of Bocholt.

The preparatory project entitled "Planning a new school partnership between Euregio-Gymnasium Bocholt and Alder Grange School Rossendale" is funded by the Europe Cheque funding instrument of the Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media and Head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia. Among other things, this support has already made the current working visit possible and thus forms the basis for the future realisation of the exchange trips.