SCI: Programs and Services - Sister Schools Toolkit

Sister Schools Toolkit

What is Sister Schools?

Sister Schools links youth in collaborative projects through a classroom, school, or after-school activity. Students can engage in letter, video, or webcast exchange; leadership-building projects; fundraising campaigns; or tailored projects fitting interests.

The Sister Schools mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding, one student, one school at a time.

How Do Sister Schools Work?

Sister Cities International provides members with the sister schools toolkit plus supplemental materials on how to start and maintain a Sister Schools program in their community. The local sister city program facilitates the pairing of schools within their sister city partnerships. Sister Schools interact by doing collaborative projects together; ranging from pen-pals to exchange visits. Sister Schools can take on different structures. The partnerships may be between individual classes, schools, extra-curricular clubs, or entire school districts.

What Type of Projects Do Sister Schools Do Together?

Sister Cities International helps teachers get started by providing them with a Project Ideas packet. Project ideas are divided into grade level and time needed to complete them. Of course, teachers are encouraged to design their own project and curriculum for their Sister Schools.

How Much Work is Involved in a Sister Schools Partnership?

Teachers from both Sister Schools decide how much class time they will dedicate to their partnership, and choose projects that work with that schedule. Projects can range from very simple pen-pal exchanges to highly involved humanitarian projects between Sister Schools. Most projects can be modified to accommodate different ages and time constraints. Sister Schools can either be a small focus or a large focus for your school or class. It is up to you.

What Are The Benefits of Sister Schools?

Sister Schools brings another part of the world into the classroom. Students gain international awareness by learning from their international peers, and view the world from a new perspective. Project-based learning requires team work, teaches project management, and promotes cognitive and active participation in students. Students learn how to plan, conduct, and complete a project; all while creating bonds that surpass boundaries with their Sister School peers. In this age of globalization and technology, nations are becoming more interdependent and connected everyday. International studies are an imperative focus for today's youth and their future success.

Role of Sister Cities International

The role of Sister Cities International is to provide resources, toolkits, and project ideas to the schools and Sister City organizations to start and sustain their Sister Schools Programs. The Youth and Education Department is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Toolkit

Sister Schools Toolkit for sister city program (members only)

Sister Schools Toolkit for teachers/schools (members only)

Supplemental Materials

Sister Schools Resources Packet

Sister Schools Dialogue Worksheet (members only)

Sister Schools Project Ideas Packet (members only)

Tips for a Successful & Sustainable Sister Schools Program (members only)

Sister Schools Best Practices (coming soon!)

Sister School Resources

For specific programs and resources for teachers and schools that could help expand the Sister Schools relationship, visit this webpage to find other organizations that support the Sister Schools mission and provide exciting and innovative projects that classes can get involved in.