2019 Exchange

The 28th annual TABU Exchange with the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood with 6 students of Highland Park High School, 2 Rotarians and 1 teacher from the school took place over the 10 days 20-29 March 2019. The group (as shown from left) were: Highland Park/Highwood Rotarian Phil Lazarus, Gabriela Cordova, Highland Park High School teacher Erica Tuke, Aaron Bach, Nathan Kornberg, Club Hon. Member and Highland Park/Highwood Club Past President Martha Gray, Rotary Club of Belfast President Mark Davidson, Caitlin Hong, Marianna Marquardt and Audrey Jennings.

President Mark Davidson, Past President David Boyd and the rest of the TABU team, together with all the members of the Rotary Club of Belfast appreciate the time they spent with us.

The programme followed its similar pattern but as usual the students gave each element a different slant. This report is based on their comments in their daily blog which begins with their aspirations from the programme: Marianna - “I expect this to make me appreciate the things I take for granted in our school system, and also think of ways to improve my school experiences” ; Audrey - “I’m hoping to get better at connecting with new people from different backgrounds and places”; Caitlin - I expect to take away a better understanding of the complications that Brexit would have on the area along the border and to Northern Ireland as a whole"; Nathan - "I want to take our newly learned skills about conflict resolution and apply them to things we observe during our daily lives and the ability to form strong personal connections with people who live far away"; whilst Aaron and Gabrielle “can’t wait for what is to come on the amazing experience”.

Having arrived at Belfast City Airport after their long journey and met by Club members they headed straight from the airport to TABU Organiser David Boyd’s house for a typical Irish afternoon tea and heard an interesting account from Club Past President Bryan Johnston of Northern Ireland people who have contributed to U.S. history and the world.

Their 1st visit was to Belfast Royal Academy where, according to Nathan's Blog, they were particularly struck how the school systems differ - particularly with the wearing of uniforms: “The girls wear long, ankle length skirts and the boys wear slacks. Both wear ties and blazers adorned with pins that signify their house, their sport, and/or academic achievements – the Grade system is different students attending the academy age from 11 to 18 and enrolling in classes that focus on their personal strengths and there is a lot of testing, selection, and competition to get into the "A-levels… We spent a considerable amount of time discussing the uniforms. Our group thought that having everyone dressed on the same basis helped hide socio-economic issues that are prevalent in every society... Having learnt from the Principal about the history of the school (“in fact, that the school is only 7 years younger than the United States--we were astonished”) some of the prefects gave us a tour of the school where we saw some of the classrooms and classes in session, the Canteen (cafeteria), student lounge, assembly hall, swimming pools, and also sat in different classes. We enjoyed our time and were able and discuss with the other students who were fascinated with our travels and the differences between schools.”

As always the visit to the Titanic Museum and neighbouring SS Nomadic was greatly enjoyed by the group “learning in the Titanic Museum about the ship that was so amazing and was a big part of Belfast’s identity as well as about the SS Nomadic, the ship that transferred individuals from the port to the Titanic that was out at sea.” (Nathan)

Perhaps one of the biggest differences they discovered was in the youth court and prison systems. According to Caitlin's Blog they found in the discussions with Judge George Connor and former District Judge and Vice President of the Rotary Club of Belfast Ken Nixon that the Youth Court System was very different to the USA being set up in a conference style and focusing on restorative justice rather than prosecution of the accused. Also that children who turn 18 during their case would still be dealt with using youth legislation rather than have the harsher consequences that would be put in place for an adult. “Seeing how the judicial system attempted to cater to the needs of the youth really showed a more forgiving approach to the ongoing conflict of crime, particularly in adolescents.”

At the Youth Justice Agency and Northern Ireland Alternatives they learnt about the process of this restorative justice program focusing on the meetings between the youth and the victims of the crime which helps the individual take steps to understand the consequences of their actions and to prevent it from happening again. "I believe this is very important because we should focus on treating developing minds with respect rather than shunning them out of society for mistakes made during adolescence." As usual the visit to the Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison highlighted big differences in the 2 systems “in the US the prison system is harsh and punitive but in Hydebank people are treated more humanely; the USA system aims to lock people up and keep them away from society but in NI people are rehabilitated back into society making them better people”. (Caitlin)

Visits to the Giant's Causeway and Londonderry brought a less formal and intense aspect to the programme. A chilly and blustery morning left them, according to Aaron's Blog,  “mesmerized by the features of the coast and the beauty it offered… We ended up climbing up one of the cliffs all the way to the top. This was awe-inspiring as we got to see all of the Causeways and its surroundings. None of us students had ever seen anything like it before. On the way back to the Visitors Center we were all silent taking in the amazing experience.”

In Londonderry they were met by members of the Rotary Club of Londonderry Past Presidents John McCrossan and Werner Scheel. PP John gave an extremely interesting and informative tour of the city and its walls. In the Museum of Free Derry they were able to learn more about the events of Bloody Sunday and the history of the troubles in and around Londonderry. “We were all very moved by the different accounts and stories we heard from survivors and relatives of those who passed during the events of Bloody Sunday.”  Walking along the walls of the city they were able to learn more about the surroundings and makeup of the city itself; climbed some of the old cannons; visited the Guild Hall and Council Chamber and “walked across the peace bridge that was built to signify the reconciliation between all involved during the troubles.” (Aaron)

Having spent a ‘family day’ on the Sunday with their host families Monday morning brought an early start at the Equality Commission with Chief Commissioner Michael Wardlow who spoke about the divides in Northern Ireland’s communities and workplaces from discrimination due to socio-economic status, religion, and gender. According to Marianna's Blog “We learned about Northern Ireland’s journey to eliminate discrimination and create equality between their people to combat these divides… emphasising changing societal views with the laws they create instead of just changing the legal system.” 

This was followed by a visit to YouthAction NI’s Radio NYP (Youth Network for Peace) “They explained that the radio is a way for youth from different backgrounds and areas to become connected. Everyone seemed to be interested in the recording set up they had and were eager to sit down and try out the headphones and microphones. We were able to come back later in the day and actually record a quick segment about our trip so far! It was a lot of fun and it inspired a lot of us to consider bringing podcasts back to Highland Park.” Marianna

The Club lunch meeting was also attended by last year's TABU student Theo Burton (far left) and the Rev. Dr. Harold Good (4th from left). Each student spoke effortlessly and confidently about themselves, an aspect of the programme so far and their stay with host families. Their insight and enthusiasm was inspiring, showing they were learning about not only new places and things but also each other and their hosts.

To close the afternoon they visited the City Hall – “the building was very intricate and had gorgeous rugs and marble accents in many of the rooms” In the Lord Mayor’s Parlour they met with the High Sheriff Tommy Sandford and “heard about the responsibilities that come along with his and the Lord Mayor’s position. We all enjoyed hearing what his job encompasses directly from him!” Marianna

Tuesday brought an absorbing morning special session at Our Lady and St Patrick's School where in class they learnt in classes, according to Gabriela's Blog, "some Irish, history and government and the current political state of Ireland... It was very interesting and I found it easy to follow as the students' presentation skills were impeccable.”  They ended up at one of the outdoor pitches where they were able to try out Gaelic Football and Hurling.

After lunch they visited the NI Assembly in Stormont “the building was beautiful and we were told it was built to resemble Capitol Hill… we learnt about how bills are passed and the different parts of their government". They met Sinn Fèin, DUP, and UUP MLAs “all of us students got to ask many questions and quickly learned more of the different parties to better our understanding of the current political climate in Northern Ireland”. (Gabriela)

Wednesday brought a trip to Dublin and a tour of Leinster House including hearing snatches of the debates in the Dail and Senate Chambers and hearing about the architecture, history, and functions of the building itself. Lunch and some very popular shopping time before they visited Trinity College hearing from a most informative tour guide all about the Book of Kells and the Long Room Library.

First stop on Thursday morning was the Museum of Orange Heritage to hear about the history, culture and traditions of the Orange Institution. At Strandtown Police Station they heard how the police system works together with police/community relations at a visit to the interface community centre Belfast Conflict Resolution Consortium and also had an opportunity to sit in the police vans.

After lunch in a social enterprise café in East Belfast they headed to the US Consulate to meet US Consul General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau.

Evening activities included Crazy Golf, Ice Skating, eating in restaurants, meeting up in host houses and, of course, shopping!

The final events held in CIYMS were a presentation on Brexit by Club member Professor Michael Smyth and the always well received presentation and discussion with the Rev. Dr. Harold Good who this year extended his talk to include “Moving from the past to the future”. This presentation was also attended by participants at the Rotary Youth Leadership Seminar being held 28-31 March in Belfast and organised by the Club.

All good things come to an end and TABU Coordinator Past President David Boyd presented a certificate and memento to each participant. Rtn. Phil Lazarus congratulated the students on their visit and highlighted the wealth of experience, hospitality received and his admiration for the programme.

PP David thanked all the students also noting that wherever they went they displayed searching and knowledgeable questions of all they encountered and impressed all those who met them. He also expressed thanks to all the hosts families and Club members who had helped during the visit.

They were excellent ambassadors for the school and the Rotary Club and we trust that they have taken away new experiences, together with a soft spot for this small corner of the world. They leave long lasting friends behind and we wish them all well in all their future endeavours.

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