(7 December, 2016) The University Centre for International Cooperation of the University of Parma (Cuci) has promoted the twinning of schools in Parma and Senegal along with Association Hands (Parma) and in collaboration with the Senegalese NGO Feeda (Femme, Éducation, Eau et Développement en Afrique). The Liceo Marconi and the European School were respectively twinned with Lycée de Pire (Dép. Tivaouane) and the elementary school in Diol Kadd (Dép. De Thiès) in Senegal. Both twinning projects occur on two levels. The first is “A healthy mind in a healthy body” (Mens sana in corpore sano”: as the Senegalese school network is very widespread and reaches the most remote villages, in many cases education is compromised by insufficient food. The support for basic education therefore must go through access to food. Twinning provides a daily meal to the students of Lycée Pire high school and a meal to all the pupils of the elementary school in Diol Kadd during afternoon classes. The second is “Intercultural Education”: the commitment of the teachers of the schools involved is to promote a true intercultural education through joint work on certain issues and different teaching methods. Not is it an opportunity for interpersonal learning, but also a real cultural and experiential exchange. (Red)
