The teachers

Idalith León Axelsson, Hammarlundens skola, Hammarö,

Sweden

Both, Colombian and Swedish cultures are essential in my present life. Our project, HEJ COLOMBIA, HOLA SVERIGE has offered me the possibility of weaving these two cultures and discover convergences and divergences in the ways of thinking, behaving and facing life from two points of view. Over the last eight years, the project has passed through different facets which have allowed me to share unique experiences with adults and young people, both Swedish and Colombian. I have come to the conclusion that there are more things that unite us as human beings than those which set us apart as individuals coming from countries with such different geopolitical circumstances.

This project, which once was a dream has come true and has touched the lives of many people. It has filled me with joy and energy in my role as a teacher. I have been able  to inspire many of my pupils to be cognizant of themselves and others, to live their lives fully and to help build a society and a world where common social wellness is more important than personal material comfort. I also believe many of these students now respect cultural diversity much more than they used to as a result of these exchange program.

Thank you very much, to all people who have made this project possible.

Juan Manuel Suzunaga, Rincón Santo, Cajicá, Colombia

When I arrived at Rincon Santo school, I learned about this educational and cultural project, and I wanted to be a part of it in any way possible. I did not know exactly how, but, with the help of Diana Melody and Idalith León, I am starting to understand all of the fantasies which are now appearing on the horizon.

Just imaging the faces of the girls and boys who are now becoming part of this family, imagining every time and every moment, while we are building this odyssey, inspires me to tell the experience (the trip to Sweden) as if we were living it right now.

Leaving our homes in Cajicá, and arriving in our international airport, in Bogota, will be one of those great experiences, as almost none of us have flown before. I am sure it will be a surprise, for all of us, to see the size of the airport and the crowds in "El Dorado". I have no doubt that it will be amazing to watch the people who arrive and go abroad and to look at the huge planes, all of which we have never seen before. To be onboard on one of these, taking us to the north of our planet will be emotional!!!

It is just incredible that we will have the opportunity to open and break the barriers of our world. What has been our reality until arriving at the airport, will, at least for a short time, allow us to be citizens of the world. Seeing people from other countries, culture and colors will expand our worldview.

With a little bit of imagination, and based on past experiences, the bonds that can be built on languages, international friendships and the youth shared, makes it is possible to realize what going to Sweden means for our kids. For me, it is an opportunity to become an inhabitant of the Earth, to imagine being a Christopher Columbus or Marco Polo, to discover the reality, that up until now we just infer about what is out there.

I love this project!

Diana Mélody León, Rincón Santo, Cajicá, Colombia

Being one of leaders of the project “HEJ COLOMBIA HOLA SVERIGE”, has been very rewarding. First, because it is the only project of that kind carried out in a public school, and second because thanks to it, we have been able to give our students the opportunity of being in touch with such an interesting and advanced culture. Our students and we, the teachers who are involved in all the activities, have learned a lot. All the experiences have been exciting and amazing for all of us. We have visited Sweden twice and they have visited us three times.

Before our next visit to Sweden, we have been preparing this privileged group of students. They are thinking and writing about what this project means in their lives and sharing it with the other students . Their parents are also very excited. It is really a great event for their families.

 Now, we all feel we are tied to Hammarlundens skola by strong bonds of friendship and soon, if everything goes well, we will be in Sweden next January with the two teachers (Alexander and Juan Manuel) who joined the project last year.

¡See you then!

Alexander Ramirez, Rincón Santo, Cajicá, Colombia

You can’t imagine the excitement we all feel to see how close is the moment when we meet together again in Sweden to share with Swedish people our culture. It has been fed by many foreign cultures such as Spanish, Arabian, African and others with less influence. Our original roots come from the Muisca people. We still have some influence from them, in our habits and costumes which define our daily life.

  Developing this project has been a great opportunity to show the good things of our country to a foreign culture. Some Swedish people have seen our reality and they have liked it a lot. They have changed their mind about what they knew about Colombia. Positive things are more than negative ones. Good people are much more than bad people. HEJ COLOMBIA HOLA SVERIGE is a project thought to touch the lives of our students, to give them the opportunity to see a different culture, to create expectations, to make them see beyond their small environment, to express their emotions and to share this experience with their families and peers.

I´m very happy and proud to participate in this project.

Katarina Kvarnevik, Mörmoskola, Skoghall, Sweden

If I Shall describe the project "Hello-Hola Colombia Svecia" in only three words, i should choose, faith hope and love.
Faith, because I think the meetings and communication with people from different backgrounds and cultures contributes to greaterunderstanding and tolerance of each other.
Hope, the project gives us the hope of greater understanding and respect for each other.
Love, a smile, a helping hand, trust.Our  friends in Colombia received us with open arms and now we look forward to welcome all of them in january. 

Welcome amigos!

Clemente Pasha Albán, Puerto Rico, Amazonas, Colombia

(Writing coming)