The Informer - the International School of Stavanger

The Informer August 26, 2005
IFG – SWEC – YEPA
International Friendship Group
At ISS there are three active student groups which are concerned with
local and global issues relating to human and animal life and the environment.
The idea for the International Friendship Group (IFG) came in 1992 from a
10 th grade student (Kirsty Kemp) who wanted to encourage school support
for deserving causes both overseas and locally. The main aim of this group is
to raise awareness of different needs and problems and then to do
something constructive about them. IFG is open to students in 9 th – 12 th
grades.
The primary school group Show We Care (SWEC), open to students in 3 rd
– 5 th grades, was formed in the spring of 2001 when ISS started the
process of becoming a Miljøfyrtårn (green) school. These children wanted
to do something to help children, families, animals and the environment.
The middle school group Youth for the Environment, People and Animals
(YEPA) was formed in September 2003. In May 2005 a group of four
students representing YEPA took part in the Young Agenda Conference in
Åsenhallen, Sola. Over 500 children aged 11 – 13 from 30 countries
worldwide came together to share their ideas and visions for a better
future. It was a very exciting and uplifting experience.
IFG, SWEC and YEPA meet weekly throughout the school year. This is
when ideas are put forward for discussion and when plans are made for
forthcoming events. The students are encouraged to think of different
kinds of events and projects which fulfill the groups’ aims. Some charities
are supported regularly; students may recommend others. An effort is
made to ensure that events and projects are based on recycling, individual
and group effort, compassion for the sick and needy, giving pleasure, helping
the community and student initiative.
These groups are happy to share with you that over Kr.104, 000 was raised
during the 2005 – 2006 school year. Be sure to read our pages in the
Informer and keep up to date with our events during the next school year.
Many exciting things are being planned!
Christine Kemp
IFG / SWEC / YEPA advisor
ckemp@isstavanger.no
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