Exchange programme builds strong friendships
St Benedict learners were happy to to be reunited with their friends from Germany during an exchange programme.
A FRIENDSHIP between people in two continents can be possible and this was proven during a visit from German students to St Benedict School (SBS).
Learners were over the moon to be reunited with their friends from Germany who they got to know and bond with a year ago.
A group of 16 learners (ranging from 16 – 18 years and two educators from Bardel School in Bad Bentheim, Germany were part of the exchange programme which started in 2008 between the two schools.
Judit Lohle from Germany said it was exciting to visit South Africa and see their friends again. “People here are so friendly towards tourists, they are kind and interesting. We had a good time singing and dancing and the weather here is great,” she said.
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St Benedict learner, Hope Manson, said she was looking forward to seeing them again. “When we visited Germany, we were well looked after and learnt about their culture.
“Even though it was freezing in that area we had lots of fun and it was a small town and everywhere we went, we travelled on bikes. It was great and we will surely continue keeping in touch through social media and hope to visit each other again at some point,” said Hope.
St Benedict educator, Di Downing, said St Benedict students visited Germany in 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2017.
“This is the third time SBS has hosted Bardel students here and the school hopes to continue this exciting programme where their students get to learn from people of another country and culture.
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“The German students spent two weeks in South Africa with their host families and got to experience a night away at Lake Eland where they went on a game drive and got to experience the longest zip line in Africa. They also visited the Victoria Street Market, Ushaka Marine World, went strawberry picking at Cappeny Estates and visited the Mindgame Escape Rooms in Umhlanga.
“Without a doubt, lasting friendships were made and will continue into the future,” she said.
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