We go behind the scenes of a dynamic student exchange programme between the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) and the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) from South Africa.
KYP is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing educational support and life-enhancing opportunities to youth in Kliptown, one of Johannesburg’s most under resourced communities. Through cultural exchanges, education and empowerment programmes, it aims to create a brighter future for the next generation.
In October, a delegation of four KYP staff members and four high school students, led by co-founder Thulani Madondo – recognised as a “top 10 CNN Hero of 2012” – was hosted by the CDNIS community in an exchange that helped to foster global understanding through the arts and ignite a curiosity and appreciation for South African culture among the school’s students.
We chatted with ANNE DROUET, Visual & Performing Arts Director at CDNIS, about the successful week.
How did the KYP student exchange programme come about?
I worked with KYP a number of times while working at an international school in Shanghai and I saw the amazing impact they brought to the community. When CDNIS received a sizable donation from a parent donor to “nurture compassion”, I knew that KYP would be a perfect fit. The biggest takeaway from their experience is always about the concept of ubuntu and our shared humanity, which reminds us to think globally but act locally to make a difference.
What were some highlights of the week?
There were so many! Our students and staff are still talking about how the week ignited their gratitude for our own lives and how the KYP teachers and students brought so much joy and positive energy, despite the challenges they face at home.
How were CDNIS students involved?
Our students in Grades 2 and 4 started a pen pal programme with KYP peers weeks before the visit, and they’ll continue to exchange letters throughout the year and beyond. While they were here in Hong Kong, the KYP delegates taught our students the “gumboot dance”, led peer discussions on leadership and responsibility with our Lower School Student Council, taught African fusion dance and forum theatre to our Dance and Drama students, and also led an assembly about Making A Difference with our Grade 10s.
We also found other ways to build connections through shared experiences on the football pitch with a student-organised “friendly” that was accompanied by the exciting soundtrack of an African drumming workshop on the side of the field!
What do you think the students will take away from the experience?
Many students have shared how they were reminded that there is already so much to be grateful for. One Grade 4 child said, “I used to think that having more and more stuff would make me happy. Now I know that I already have so much to be grateful for!” Another Grade 10 student said, “KYP showed us that you only need an idea and passion to get started, and to start on something small to begin making a difference.”
Will the KYP/CDNIS exchange continue in some way from afar?
We established a cultural exchange programme that aims to continue each year. Although KYP have returned home, right now, our Grade 2 and Grade 4 students are busy decorating their gumboots with “art from the heart” and writing messages of hope and strength for the KYP friend who will receive their boots. The boots we’re sending over will allow over 300 young people to participate in the KYP performing arts programme!
As I mentioned before, our pen pals will continue building their connections and mutual understanding through letters. Soon our Grade 10 students will also start, at the request of the Grade 10 students themselves!
A word from a KYP representative about their time in Hong Kong
“This was our favourite school experience in the 12 years we have been touring! We most valued feeling so appreciated in every corner of the CDNIS community. Down the corridors and on the stairs, students were calling us by our names. Some students who hadn’t even worked with us had taken the time to read about our work to ask us questions. There was just so much happiness and connection throughout the whole week.”
– Thulani Madondo
The Canadian International School of Hong Kong is at 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen.
2525 7088 | cdnis.edu.hk
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