Home away from home

The delegation from the Borough’s Sister City of Anderson, South Carolina, will enjoy the Andrew Jackson Day celebrations on Tuesday.

The 13 final-year primary school student teachers, with their mentors Margaret Hicks, Teaching Fellows Director and Brena Gray, Assistant Teaching Fellows Director, Anderson University, will also sample Northern Ireland culture with a performance of Dan Gordon’s play ‘The Boatyard’ in the Jubilee Hall on Friday 18 March.

During their visit the Americans are teaming up with local schools for placements and staying with families. Participating are: Model Primary School, Sunnylands Primary School, Acorn Primary School, Whitehead Primary School, Silverstream Primary School, Victoria Primary School, Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus College and Carrickfergus Grammar School.

Carrickfergus is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI), a global organisation that promotes civic diplomacy, peace and cultural understanding. Since the two areas linked up in 2009, Anderson and Carrickfergus Baptist Churches have undertaken pulpit exchanges and teams from Anderson have participated in the ladies’ international football tournament in Carrick

Extending thanks to the host schools and families, a spokesperson for Carrick Council added: “It is hoped that the visit will deliver benefits for the communities both here and in Anderson by encouraging joint projects and initiatives, and by the formation of lasting friendships.”