IR24 PSLL - RESPECT Positive affirmations and Pillars of Friendship

The Welcome and Friendship Day was a heartwarming and enriching event aimed at fostering cultural understanding and building meaningful connections among students and teachers. The day began with a warm welcome facilitated by visiting teachers and M. Nethercott, setting a positive tone for the activities ahead. Students from Slovakia, France, and the host group participated in a series of interactive and creative sessions that emphasized the value of friendship and connection.​

A key highlight of the day was a presentation by the CCBS TY students on the elements of what it means to be and have a friend, structured around the acronym FRIEND: FUN, RESPECTFUL, INSPIRING, EMPATHETIC, NURTURING, and DEPENDABLE. This presentation provided a thoughtful exploration of these themes, encouraging participants to reflect on the qualities that make friendships meaningful and lasting. Following this, all 31 students took part in the "Interview a Friend" activity, where they were paired up to get to know someone new in the group. Using guided prompts, participants exchanged stories and learned about each other's interests and backgrounds, fostering a sense of openness and understanding.​

The creative aspect of the day was highlighted through a bookmark-making session, where students designed personalized bookmarks featuring positive affirmations for their new friends. These bookmarks served as heartfelt mementos for participants to take home, symbolizing the connections they had formed during the event. Alongside this, a cultural exchange allowed Slovakian, French, and host students to share traditions and experiences, deepening mutual respect and appreciation for each other's cultures.​

The event concluded with a reflective session where participants shared their insights on the meaning of friendship and their favorite moments of the day. A lighthearted Friendship Awards segment added to the celebration, recognizing students for their enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork. The day ended with refreshments and a group photo, leaving everyone with cherished memories. Overall, the Welcome and Friendship Day created a warm and inclusive environment where students and teachers bonded through fun, respect, and understanding, exploring what it truly means to be a friend​.

The activitiy successfully achieved its objectives, as evidenced by the enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from both French, Slovakian, and students, teachers and hosts.​

The group responded positively to the presentation and were fully engaged in both activities  fostering a genuine understanding of friendship among the visitors and host students.​

Impacts: Participants developed communication, interpersonal skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a sense of global citizenship. The positive memories and friendships forged during the project are likely to endure, contributing to a more interconnected and harmonious global community.