With Globalisation, promotion of international cultural co-operation has gained importance. And with this mission, The Goethe-Institut, as the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, has initiated PASCH, (Schools: Partners for the Future) and have instituted about 1500 Partner Schools all over the world with 45 schools in India.
The Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, located on Rutland Gate 5th street, Nungambakkam, has drawn about 22 city schools to introduce the German as a language in their curriculum.
To show an open Germany, the PASCH Scholarships have been given to deserving students and this year 14 such students from the city are going to St.Peter Ording, in the northern part of Germany this month for a three weeks’ course in German language. Eleven other students will be going to Augsburg during the same time on a airport-to-airport Students Exchange Programme with the school Maria Ward Gymnasium in Augsburg.
A pre-departure meet for the students and parents was held at the Max Mueller Bhavan on April 29, 2011. Students from batch been to St. Peter Ording and Augsburg last year came in and narrated their experiences with PowerPoint presentations as visual aids.
They also answered the questions posed by the parents and students and removed all apprehensions and doubts about the journey.
Mr. Karl Pechatscheck, Director, Goethe Institut handed over the Scholarship Certificates, visa and details about their trip to the students at the event.
The students of the last year batch talked about the project they had taken up last time – The Contrasting Fashions of the two countries. They described how the two are similar as both traditional dresses are three-piece dresses and women from both countries where them only on special occasions such as Diwali in India, and the October Fest in the Financial Metropolis.
Mr. Prabhakar, Head of Language Department moderated the meet. He said that this year one more school from Chennai – Kumara Rani Meena Muthiah Matriculation School would be participating and sending their students in the month of September to Germany.
For more details on the programme, contact Max Mueller Bhavan at phone nos. 28331393, 28332343, 28331314
Website: www.goethe.de/chennai
More Pictures: (Click on the thumbnails to view bigger picture)
Saniya joined the Team YOCee as Student Reporter for the year 2007 – 08. She continues to report for YOCee since then.
Saniya is a student of Padma Seshadri Bal Bhavan, Nungambakkam branch. She has a concern for the world around her. Protection of environment and making young people aware of the benefits of green and pollution-free environment is her mission. She writes on her blog – http://aspireblog.wordpress.com/