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Visit for Zero-net from the University of Roskilde in Denmark |
In December 2006, Sofie, Anders, Frieda, Mads, and Kenneth -who are students of political science at Roskilde University Center in Denmark- visited the Zero-netters in Cairo. Sofie had written us an email in November asking for help, and we staying in touch to prepare together until we finally met in December.
The Zero-netters helped prepare the schedule of the visit, and stayed in touch to help throughout the week. There were 3 dialogue events during the 5-day visit: a morning at Azhar Park, an evening at a sports club, and a full day in a school visit. |
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The two teams exchanged insights about life and young people’s lives and dreams in Denmark & Egypt. They also exchanged symbolic gifts: Danish salty licorice and a CD prepared by the Zero-netters with more reading and background information. The enjoyable discussions proved that citizen-to-citizen contact is a lot more effective and enriching for everyone than formal meetings. |
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Next morning, everyone met for breakfast and hot fresh coffee, and then took the bus of New Generation School to meet the 7th grade children who had already cooperated with Zero-net on Talk2Me/ Secret Friends. We were invited to spend the day and have lunch with Dr. Salma El Bakry, Chairperson of NGS, and Ms Laila Amiry, Principle. |
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In the playground, Ms Laila Amiri explained a brilliant idea: she calls a small tree there “the reconciliation tree” where she asks kids to go when they’re angry at each other to talk it out, then go back to play together like good friends should. We thought this is the best place to take a group picture with our Danish friends. |
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Later, we met the school staff and all the kids in a general assembly for dialogue, the children made a wonderful PowerPoint explaining their view on freedom of expression and love for Prophet Muhammad, some even surprised us by asked questions in Danish! We also heard a lot of interesting stories from our guests about Copenhagen, Roskilde, and young Danes.
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At the end of our memorable visit, Ms Amiry presented NGS Shield to Sahar saying: “to the woman who wants to shelter the world from misunderstandings”. All of these special moments were captured on film by producer Maha Shabah, who will add it to her documentary on the Danish Cartoons. |
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On the way back, we discussed suggestions for future cooperation, when our Danish friends go to tour other universities at home for sharing the experience and generating more cooperation with Zero-net.
Parents sent us amazing feedback on how their kids benefited form this unique encounter. We were happy to hear back from our friends as soon as they went home, here is their email.
We look forward to hearing back from our friends, and their friends, and while we wait:
Don’t Hate, Educate!
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