Education
Nidwalden and Valais intensify joint language exchange
The cantons of Nidwalden and Valais are expanding cooperation in the exchange of schoolchildren. There should be new projects at all school levels.
Since 2012, the cantons of Nidwalden and Valais have been working together successfully to promote exchanges. According to a statement from the education department, over the years cooperation has developed at secondary level II in addition to programs at primary school level.
Valais State Councilor Christophe Darbellay (left) and Nidwalden Education Director Res Schmid sign the agreement.
The two cantons are now entering into an institutional partnership. A corresponding agreement was signed in Stans by the Nidwalden educational director Res Schmid and the Valais State Councilor Christophe Darbellay. «I am pleased that we can further anchor the fruitful cooperation with the canton of Valais. This simplifies the language exchange, from which I am convinced that the students can benefit greatly,” Res Schmid is quoted as saying. Christophe Darbellay adds: “This partnership offers learners from Valais and Nidwalden not only the opportunity to improve their knowledge of the other language, but also the opportunity to discover another region of our country.”
The aim of the agreement is to promote the French-German exchange at all school levels – from primary school through orientation school to high school and vocational school. The two cantons are thus signaling that they are increasingly committed to language exchange in Switzerland and will continue to support it financially. Nidwalden and Valais have recently taken top positions in the national exchange statistics.
Language exchange in elementary school remains voluntary
Exchange activities make an important contribution to improving knowledge of other languages and reducing inhibitions in using the language, the communication continues. Thanks to them, students and teachers can experience other cultures and make contact with people who speak other languages. All learners should be able to benefit from the offer. However, the language exchange with a host family remains voluntary at the Nidwalden elementary school.
The partnership gives the existing exchange programs additional impetus, for example the individual exchange for schoolchildren under the title “Vas-y!-Komm!” or the teacher exchange «Schools in exchange Nidwalden-Valais». The good cooperation so far can be strengthened by the realization of new projects at all levels. Strengthening basic skills in the national language French is an explicit part of the four-year program 2021 to 2024 of the Nidwalden Education Directorate. (pd)
Looking for host families in Nidwalden
Last but not least, the foundation for a successful language exchange is formed by host families who temporarily take in students from French-speaking Switzerland. In the canton of Nidwalden, there is currently a need for places with host families, especially for young people from the Valais business school who are doing an exchange at the Kollegi Stans. According to a statement from the Department of Education, host parents also benefit from exchange activities by gaining valuable experience and making enriching contacts. Those interested can get it at www.nw.ch/sprachaustausch or contact the cantonal exchange officer Sandra Blunier, sandra.blunier@nw.ch, Tel. 041 618 74 05, further information.
