Through generous donations and sponsors, the Smyrna Sister City Program raised more than $8,000 at its Chili Supper/Silent Auction Event, hosted by the Smyrna Senior Activity Center on February 23rd.
The monies collected directly benefit the Sister City program and future exchange trips. Students are required to raise one-third of the program expenses.
The program is accepting applications from students who are interested in becoming a part of the Sister City Exchange Program. To be eligible for the program, students must either live in the Town of Smyrna city limits or attend a Smyrna middle or high school.
The Sister City Concept
Smyrna Sister City Program is part of a national not-for-profit volunteer movement initiated more than 40 years ago by President Dwight D. Eisenhowerâs people-to-people concept. The goal of people-to-people was to further international understanding and goodwill between the people of the U.S. and the rest of the world. Sister cities programs enable citizens from throughout the world to learn more about each other through educational, social, cultural and business exchanges.
The Sister City Agreement and Program
In 1991, the Town of Smyrna entered into a Sister City agreement with Zama City, Japan. At that time, Zama was home to a Nissan auto manufacturing facility. The first visit to Zama included adult municipal and community leaders, but soon thereafter, the Town Council determined that a student exchange program would serve the youth of Smyrna well and provide an excellent opportunity for a cultural exchange between students of both communities.
Learn more about the Sister City Program.
