MyPE

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A Friendly City Willkommen for German Pupils

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Ten teenage school pupils from Germany have spent a fortnight soaking up the best that the Bay has to offer, thanks to the hospitality of Theodor Herzl Primary and High Schools.

Theodor Herzl estalished an enriching pupil exchange relationship with Conventz Private School, in Roetgen, Germany, during 2008, and the programme has been enthusiastically received as an opportunity to broaden children’s understanding of daily life. The German teenagers are hosted in the family homes of Theodor Herzl School pupils.

“This is the fifth year in which groups of Conventz pupils have visited Theodor Herzl. A group of 12 of our pupils visited there during the July holidays last year and there are plans to return next year,” said Jutta Rohwer, Theodor Herzl German teacher.

“The exchange is a fantastic opportunity for both the South African and German children to not only see another part of the world but also to experience everyday school life in another culture and country. The German/Jewish connection adds another layer to our relationship, and is an opportunity to inspire tolerance and understanding in this young generation.”

Theodor Herzl is one of few schools in the Metro to offer German as a subject. Pupils may choose between German, French or Hebrew in grades 7 to 9, and may elect to take German as an eighth subject for matric. German is also offered as a home language to children of contract workers, such as those in the Metro’s motor industry, who attend the school.

During their two-week visit the Conventz pupils attended school classes for four days, and enjoyed an action-packed programme that included a close encounter with cheetahs at Kragga Kamma Game Reserve, an African Drumbeat workshop, a tour of the Volkswagen Auto Pavilion and trips to the Addo Elephant Park, Jeffreys Bay, the Tsitsikamma forest and shark cage diving in Mossel Bay.

Theodor Willkommen
Theodor Herzl Schools hosted pupils from Conventz Private School in Roetgen, Germany. Pictured, front from left, are Conventz teacher Christian Conventz and Theodor Herzl teacher Jutta Rohwer. In the middle from left, Cayla-Rose Jack, Joshua Poth, Rebekka Goffart, Wiebke Langner, Peter Jensen, Donna Shefer, Lauritz Bewer, Rasmus Bewer, Christopher Neilson, Simon Grap and Jodi Goldberg. Back from left, Jan Bewer, Jeremy Hammer, Hannes Alt, Donna Herr, Simon König, Thomas Ernst, Hendrik Bachmann, Richard Ebentreich, Kelly MacLean and Aaren Putziger.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.