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A new initiative between UK and European schools is launched
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The UK will mark the 50th anniversary of the European Union by launching a major new initiative to develop learning partnerships between UK schools and their European counterparts.
Through Learning Together, information will be made available to schools across the UK about the range of opportunities to develop learning partnerships and do joint projects with European schools.
It builds upon successful school partnership programmes like Comenius and e-Twinning. Teachers with experience of being involved in joint learning projects with other countries will become 'Learning Together Ambassadors', and will share their experience with other schools interested in joining.
Speaking at Chatham House ahead of the launch, Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon said: "The 50th anniversary provides us all with an opportunity to celebrate the European Union's achievements and to look ahead to the challenges the EU faces in the next fifty years.
"In judging the EU's first fifty years, both our generation and our predecessors can be proud of what they sought to achieve: prosperity and security in Europe.
"The EU's role in the next 50 years will be about safeguarding the world our children will inherit - tackling major issues such as the environment, security and international development. One of the key challenges which we currently face in the UK is raising awareness about how relevant Europe is to our everyday lives and how we can learn from each other across a range of issues.
"This is why I am proud to be launching the Learning Together initiative today, which will open up new opportunities for teachers and young people. I hope that it will help more schools to offer their pupils access to an international experience and encourage more joint learning opportunities between UK schools and their European counterparts.
"The young people of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and they deserve every opportunity to learn and develop to their full potential."
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