Gallery Video
GEORGE NEWS - A delegation from George’s sister city, Tacoma in the United States, arrived in George yesterday to celebrate the cities’ 20-year relationship, culminating in a women’s conference today with 3 acclaimed international speakers.
George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said the inter-city relationship had through the years contributed to the well-being of many local citizens. “We are looking forward to hosting the people of Tacoma once again, and believe our women and children in particular will benefit from the knowledge and experience they offer,” said Botha.
A sister city organisation is a volunteer group of ordinary citizens who, with the support of their local elected officials, form long-term relationships with people and organisations in a city abroad.
The George-Tacoma sister city relationship was established in 1997 when both cities were looking to international partners in each other’s countries and, through the years, were followed by visits by Tacoma citizens to George and vice versa.
George Tourism Manager Joan Shaw said the 20th anniversary visit was planned to coincide with Women’s Month to emphasise the ‘sister’ part of the relationship and to meet with and empower women, particularly in George.
The 5-day visit includes various planned activities including a visit to the Phambili shelter for battered women, which was one of the first George-Tacoma sister city projects. They will also visit schools, where they will hand over school uniforms to needy students, churches and other organisations. Smaller groups will break away to pursue special interests in education, real estate, health and fitness and other projects.
The Women on the Grow conference at the George Civic Centre today, hosts 3 international speakers from three American states and 2 local speakers surrounding the theme of Body, Mind and Spirit.
Watch a video below.
Melannie Cunningham (Tacoma George Sister city chairperson), Jewel Diamond Taylor (Keynote Speaker), Kianna Gandy (part of the delegation) and Kathleen Wessels from George.
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VIDEO: BRÜMILDA SWARTBOOI, EDITORIAL INTERN
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