Sister Cities International thanks Jasper community, families, and students

This past year and a half has been difficult for everyone, all across the globe. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic and the restrictions caused by it, students and host families dedicated to citizen diplomacy have opened their homes and hearts to continue Sister Cities International’s mission: promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.

Over the past semester and year, students Simon Grathwol, Elias Schmelzer, Lennart Seebacher, and Mattis Günter have been living and studying in Jasper, Indiana with the Aders Family, the Haaff Family, the Hulse Family, and the Rocker Family. It is encouraging and inspiring to see the perseverance of the students and their host families. Their generosity, compassion, and diligence should serve as a reminder to all of us of what is possible even in the most difficult of times.

These students and families were the only active exchange program in the Sister Cities International network, which demonstrates the strength of the Jasper Sister Cities program and the central role the program plays in the wider Jasper community.

Jasper, Indiana is a consistent Sister Cities International Annual Award recipient, and despite obstacles and challenges, this year’s exchange program was conducted at the same high level as their award-winning programs. Just last year, Sister Cities of Jasper won the “Innovation in Arts and Culture” Award, and in 2019, won the award for “International Business and Trade.” In 2018, they also won the award for “Best Overall Program.” Sister Cities of Jasper has a passion and drive to promote peace through people, and international mindedness in everything that it
does.

The volunteers, host families, and students involved in this program should be proud of their accomplishments over the last year.

Thank you again to the students Simon, Elias, Lennart, and Mattis as well as to the families, Aders, Haaff, Hulse, and Rocker, for their continued dedication and commitment to Sister Cities International.

With Appreciation,
Leroy Allala
President & CEO