Different means with common goal

　　John WooDIFFERENT countries may have different educational systems and approaches, but they have a common goal in helping their young people grow into good, healthy citizens of the global village.This was the keynote of a seminar held yesterday between Shenzhen Youth Federation and the chaperones of the teenagers from Shenzhen’s eight foreign sister cities who are in Shenzhen for the Voyage Towards Friendship cultural exchange.The seminar aimed to provide a platform for educators from different countries to exchange their ideas and practice in youth education.The first speaker was Zhang Wen, who heads the local delegation. He said Shenzhen was building a world-class children’s center with a huge investment of about US$70 million. Shenzhen children were protected under various city laws. Australian chaperone Councillor Gail McPherson explained her country’s school systems. Her assistant Judy Liu then spoke about a young people’s exchange program between the city of Brisbane and the Japanese city of Kobe.Philippe Van Cranem of Belgium praised the exchange program. But he said a lack of motivation from teachers and lack of funds and support from schools in his country were an obstacle for expanding exchange activities.Pierre-Yves Boutin of France referred to education as an important means for students’ minds and value building. He said families and the community should more involved in educating young people.American Herbert Karpicke noted a growing relationship between Houston and Shenzhen since they became friendship cities. He wished the September 11 tragedy last year could help make liberty and freedom an important value in dialogue between different peoples. He also pointed out that young students should learn to keep political views from hindering building peace.Chaperones from South Korea, Italy and Japan also spoke at the seminar.