One School, One Country launched

By WorldSkills Calgary 2009

Calgary elementary and middle school students, along with their parents and teachers, gathered at the Westin Hotel in Calgary, March 4, 2009 to meet the Technical Delegates during the WorldSkills International Technical Committee Meeting. The 62 students, who ranged from 8-14 years of age, were excited to be given the opportunity to represent their school at the One School, One Country official launch. “It made me feel special to go to this event and I had a spectacular time!” said grade 2 student, Anna.

Owen, grade 5 said that “it was fun to see all the Delegates from so many different countries and the atmosphere at the hotel was exciting."

”The students, lead by Tug, one of WorldSkills Calgary 2009’s mascots, paraded into the Technical Committee meeting room and introduced themselves to the Technical Delegates. Students and Technical Delegates then had the opportunity to take photos, exchange gifts and ask questions. With smiles all around the room everyone was excited and engaged in this unique event. “What wonderful opportunities this program is offering to the schools in our city” one of the Calgary teacher’s commented afterwards. With less than six months to go, all the schools involved with One School, One Country are counting down the days to when they get to ‘welcome the world’ to WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

“As I entered the Westin Hotel, I slowly started to realize the sheer magnitude and importance of this meeting. My stomach filled with butterflies as I was excited to meet the Technical Delegate…I believe this was one of the most unique and amazing experiences I’ve ever been through, and I can’t wait until the Competition next fall when the competitors come to my school” – Victoria, grade 8

“I enjoyed my experience at this program because it gathered people from all around the world to teach kids from here in Calgary about their countries. Then the kids can teach other kids about their countries…I think that WorldSkills is a very good way for people to show off their skills while advertising their trade. I really enjoyed spending time with the delegates.” – James, grade 6.

The Technical Delegates also enjoyed the meeting a great deal: "The entire experience was very organised and it was a pleasure to meet both the student, her teacher and the principal and answer questions about my country and the Australian team. I had brought a big kangaroo that she can take back to her class and we look very much forward to visit the school September 1. "Said Technical Delegate of Australia, John Shiel. 

For more information about One School, One Country, please contact Debra Stark: debra.stark@worldskills2009.com