A delegation of primary school students from Nanning arrived in Bundaberg today, marking the 26th anniversary of the Nanning-Bundaberg Sister City relationship.
The group of 17 students enjoyed a varied program of cultural activities including a visit to St Luke’s Anglican School where they were buddied up with a local student.
Twelve-year-old Nanning student Eleanor He said she had enjoyed the program so far.
“It’s been an amazing experience,” Eleanor said.
“It’s a very interesting school and the students have been so warm and friendly.”
Year 5 St Luke’s student Peita Artup said she had most enjoyed participating in the group activities together, especially the egg and spoon race.
“I made some friends and had a great time,” Peita said.
“It’s been interesting meeting people from another country.”
Head of Primary at St Luke’s Tonia Lassman said the school was excited to be involved in the visit.
“By being able to acknowledge the Sister City relationship and being a school who has previously visited Nanning as well, it was lovely that we could actually welcome the students from Nanning to be here with us today,” Tonia said.
“It means that we’re setting up our students to understand that we have global connections.”
The Sister City movement is a worldwide organisation which aims to promote friendship, understanding, goodwill and respect through a variety of people-to-people exchange programs.
Bundaberg and Nanning were recognised in 2019 when they won a Sister Cities Award for Best Overall Sister City Program.
Lunar New Year
The Nanning delegation will also showcase their talents through song and dance performances at Bundaberg Regional Council’s Lunar New Year celebration at the Botanic Gardens tomorrow afternoon.
The free community event will mark the Year of the Dragon with a range of cultural performances as well as art and craft activities and food stalls.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Lunar New Year celebration is made possible with support from the State Government’s Celebrating Multicultural Queensland funding round.
Lunar New Year
When: Saturday 10 February, 2 – 5 pm
Where: Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, near the Chinese Gardens
Cost: Free, more information here.