We started off with a visit to the German School in Tonder. - Nordschleswig
The Director of the school explained the history of the Danish-German border including the vote in 1920, German occupation in 1940, and Danish control of all German property in 1945. The Germans in Denmark had to start over in 1945 to re-establish their school system. There are 15,000 people making up the German minority in Denmark, and 45,000 Danes living in Germany on the other side of the border. 30 years ago the division between Danes and Germans was very well defined and separate. Now there is complete integration. Many groups from other nations visit this area and school in particular because it is a very successful example of positive cooperation and integration.
This German school is a private school, with 75% of the costs paid by Danish gov't, almost 24% paid by Germany and perhaps 1% paid by the parents of the students. The school educates about 130 students in kndg thru 10th grades with 18 teachers, and an average of 15 students per class. Their school year runs 200 days(40 weeks) from August till June.
The 8th grade class gave us an excellent ppt presentation IN ENGLISH that they had researched and developed explaining the school, the history of relations with Germans, and their educational program. The school operates under the authority of the Danish Education Ministry and follows their regulations. The students broke us up into groups and took us on a tour of their school speaking English the whole time. We returned to the conference room and enjoyed coffee and bruschetta that the students had prepared for us.
Then it was on the Legumcluster and the adult school. Schools like this in Denmark were developed following the principles of the philosopher Grundtvig. The school provides an "informal/unformal" education - UD/DANNEISE. The program is geared to helping you explore who you are and where you are going in life. The school currently houses 51 students 18 yrs and older, taught in a variety of disciplines by 10 staff members. Typically when Danes finish Gymnasium after the 9th grade many take a break for a year before entering their next phase of education or work. The 10th grade year is optional. The school is funded about 25% with State funds and the rest is paid by the student. It is an expensive program in which to participate. Subjects being presented include Theology, Religion, Chinese, Music, Art, Voice, Journalism, Media, Psychology, Team Building and International Politics. Degrees are not earned and grades are not given on student work. There are students from all over the world there, many who have l;ittle or no resources.
We were treated to a fine lunch at the school and several students showed us around their campus.
We then took off for the city of RIBE to learn a bit about Danish History and see the Viking museum there.
A guided tour of the museum was provided complete with a "ride" on a Viking ship. The Vikings did not wear helmets with horns on them as depicted in most of our literature and the Minnesota Football Team!! Many artifacts unearthed over years give us a view of life in Viking times. The museum guide led us on a tour of the city of Ribe where we saw very beautiful structures dating back thousands of years.
Back to Tonder!
After a short time to relax, our Team and host parents assembled at Hagges Pub for a farewell dinner and Folk Festival. Members of District 1460 GSE Committee were present as well several Rotary Club members. Each August Tonder offers a Folk Festival which draws 20,000 people to the town. Many famous artists come to play their music - i.e. Arlo Guthrie. Pictures on the walls of the Pub depict musicians who have come to perform in the past. They are very proud of their festival, and rightly so! We received CDs of last year's performances.
Warren
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