Toraja visit to Selwyn, 2023

Report on trip from sister city members from Toraja

Selwyn Sister City Relationship With Toraja, Sulawesi , Indonesia

Reviving in-person relationships after the years of covid is a rewarding experience. Selwyn’s in person relationship with Toraja, a Christian Community in the highlands of Sulawesi has begun with a three week visit of senior English teacher, Lordna Lambe, from Barana Christian Secondary School. Barana is a boarding school of 500 students who come from throughout Indonesia.

Lordna was a key person when three retired Selwyn Teachers visited Toraja in 2019. These teachers worked with 25 Junior English teachers for three weeks.

Selwyn was asked to repeat the Programme in Toraja and Selwyn requested Toraja teachers to visit Selwyn. This was delayed by  Covid.

Lordna comments on her three weeks professional development in Selwyn:

I came as an English teacher who thinks I am sufficient enough to teach English in my school. Yet, this experience has opened my understanding that as a teacher I have to learn, grow, and develop to be able to help my students to prepare for the global world. I am so grateful to experience many different classrooms from various schools in Selwyn District. To my surprise, every school has its own characteristics in teaching, in curriculum designing, in student development programmes which enriches my experience. Not only that I had the chance to experience the school environment, but also to experience the daily life, the culture, the food and the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. The friendliness and welcoming attitude of the people made me feel at home during my visit in Selwyn District. I wish that the Sister City relationship between Selwyn District and North Toraja Region keeps on growing , nourished and be fruitful for the development of both cities.

Rolleston College was the main host school for Lordna where she was able to observe interactive teaching methods. She also spent a day each at Darfield High School, Ellesmere College and Lincoln High School. At Lincoln she was delighted to see a published author teaching creative writing to Year 13 students. A half day at Middelton Grange was an opportunity to observe a Christian School.

Barana’s headmaster asked the Selwyn Sister City Committee to arrange visits to tertiary institutions with a view to opening opportunities for their students. Canterbury University, CCEL Language School, Lincoln University, ARA Polytechnic, and SIT Polytechnic welcomed Lordna and displayed the variety of courses available.