International Inspiration Case Study - Palau

PALAU MEETS THE ISLE OF ISLAY

Two students and two teachers from Palau visited Islay High School in Scotland this March.  Palau, an island in Micronesia with a population of just under 21,000 was matched with the Isle of Islay, just off the coast of Scotland with only 3,400 inhabitants.  This was a cultural exchange linking two island communities from very different parts of the world.
 
The visitors were able to spend a day sightseeing in London, exploring the famous landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, before departing for Scotland. Coming from the year round sunshine, the British weather was most extreme with a storm in Islay. 

Getting active

The students and teachers joined in the physical education (PE) classes in Islay, playing badminton, volleyball and taking part in the after-school sport activities including football.  The Scottish students were eager to learn about Palau and show off their beautiful beaches to the Palau visitors. 

Exchanging learning

Without a doubt an immense amount was gained from both sides.  Islay High School offered assistance on how to support and implement the development of sport leaders and the PE curriculum.  The Scottish students and teachers observed the strong sense of community ethos and dedication from the visiting Palauans.

Networking

The Palau-Islay link is part of a network of young global citizens with enhanced awareness of other cultures and is exactly this kind of activity driving the International Inspiration programme.

Feedback

Ngeyaol, 16:

"My visit to Islay was really amazing. Their dancers do a lot of jumping in their dances. The sports they do are exactly the same as the ones we do back home. The only difference is they do a lot of football and rugby.  If I could, I would want to come back and visit Islay again. It was pretty awesome!"

Shari, 15:

"First of all, this trip is one of the best I’ve had – and the greatest. Sports are the same, but still there are some which are different. Similarities are basketball, volleyball, badminton, football – which we call soccer. In Palau, everyone knows how to play softball / baseball. We also don’t play Rugby, which is popular here.  I really like the school because everything is very organised and tidy. The students are well behaved and well disciplined. The lessons are awesome."

Related Links

• International Inspiration - Palau