Port Shepstone schools strengthen international ties with Sweden
This global connection has helped to elevate Ugu District onto the international stage.
For more than 30 years, the Port Shepstone Twinning Association has built strong partnerships with Swedish institutions, schools and municipalities.
It is unreal that this exchange has been ongoing for three decades.
“It is our warm hospitality and positive and timeous approach that attracts this kind of collaboration,” said Gulshera Khan.
The twinning association is also a member of Bridging Ages International, a global network active in 24 countries through its innovative Time Travel Programme.
One of the most recent vibrant outcomes of this international focus has been the partnership forged with Slottskolan, a school situated on the island of Öland, 11km from Kalmar in Sweden.
Initiated in 2019, the collaboration has grown into a strong and active exchange programme.
On the South African side, Ingwemabala High, Marburg Primary, and, most recently, Olwandle High have been central participants, with the latter included for its focus on technical subjects.
A primary school in Sweden is a recent part of this programme, viz Viktoriaskolan.
Recently, a delegation of South African teachers departed for Slottskolan and Victoriaskolan, marking yet another milestone.
They were retired principal Dr Rueben Gounden, acting principal Glad Naidoo and Rosey Mudaly from Marburg Primary, and Nokuthula Shandu from Olwandle High.
From Sweden, Port Shepstone has received four delegations in recent times, including both teacher and learner exchanges.
The initiative has been guided by Christina Larsson in Sweden and Gulshera Khan of the Port Shepstone Twinning Association, supported by dedicated principals and teachers in both countries, plus the Department of Education, local community, Saps and other institutions.
The programme formally took root after initial meetings in Kalmar in 2019, but the onset of the pandemic delayed physical exchanges.
In 2022-2023 three successful delegations in both directions introduced learners to new teaching methods, heritage education events, and cultural immersion, including a Time Travel event at Betania Mission (1912 scenario).
In 2024 South African learners and teachers travelled to Sweden, participating in school activities, community engagements and a Time Travel event at Kalmar Castle, even earning mention in Bridging Ages International’s global newsletter.
Earlier this year a Swedish delegation visited the South Coast engaging with host schools, communities and heritage projects.
On September 27, representatives from Marburg Primary and Olwandle High departed for Sweden.
The Time Travel Programme has been central to every exchange, reinforcing the value of heritage in education.
Port Shepstone Twinning Association facilitates Time Travel during these exchanges and Kalmar lans museum does so in Sweden.
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