A MEMORANDUM of understanding has been signed between the Foshay Learning Centre in Los Angeles, the Oude Molen Academy of Science and Technology in Cape Town, and their partners to establish a Global Sister School relationship.

The partners include the Khanya Project, SMART Technologies Inc and Global NetGeneration of Youth.

Using cutting-edge technology, the signing took place on Monday in both Cape Town and Los Angeles, with parties able to speak to and see each other.

US congresswoman Diane Watson said innovative programmes that would cultivate youth leaders in the global age were needed. “We have a critical need for leaders who can address global challenges and create global solutions. The youth around the world represent our hope for such leadership,” she said.

The new partners aim to design and implement collaborative programmes, educator and student exchanges, and joint educational activities. Their curriculum focus will be on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including robotics.

The Western Cape Education Department’s Khanya project facilitated the formation of the partnership.

Khanya, now in its ninth year, plans to implement technology at every school in the Western Cape by the end of 2011. So far, 1102 schools have been helped to use technology effectively, 24417 educators have been taught to use technology to deliver their curricula, and 805818 students have been taught computer literacy and technology.

The new partnership will see participants share their school history and cultures, curriculum, policy and events, as well as exchange instructional techniques.

Through the programme they hope to deepen their understanding of and respect for each other’s history, cultures and socio-economic realities. It will also promote cultural visits and exchange programmes.