Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider opens exchange week in Zurich
Published: Monday, Nov 13th 2023, 14:50
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Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP) opened the first national exchange week at the National Museum in Zurich on Monday. During this week, 2500 pupils from 132 school classes will travel across language borders.
During this week, for example, pupils from Vaud will meet classes from Zug and pupils from Fribourg will visit the canton of Zurich. The aim is to specifically promote language exchange in schools.
"Dear students, getting to grips with another language is always exhausting," said Baume-Schneider in her speech. "Thank you for leaving your comfort zone."
Unfortunately, there were no language exchanges when she was at school, Baume-Schneider said. However, her son had been to Basel. There, he was allowed to eat "all kinds of potato chips" for the first time, which were not available in her household. "It's not just about language, it's also about behavior."
Zurich and Vaud sign agreement
On Tuesday, Zurich and Vaud will sign a declaration of cooperation stipulating that all pupils in both cantons should spend at least one week in another language region during their primary school years.
A second opening ceremony for the exchange week took place on Monday in Prangins VD, the other location of the National Museum. Martin Candinas (center), President of the National Council, was in attendance.
The exchange between the different parts of the country is also a theme on SRG stations this week: on Tuesday and Thursday, presenters from the German-language SRF, the western Swiss RTS and the Romansh RTR will swap places for one evening. The exchange week is taking place as part of the 175th anniversary of the Federal Constitution.
©Keystone/SDA
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