It’s difficult to know quite where to start isn’t it? As I write, it’s nearly the end of May and here in the UK, we’ve watched bare trees and hard earth turn to lush green trees and beautiful spring blooms. And all of this has happened during a time of such fear and sadness, as the world has been overwhelmed by the ravages of Covid-19...
I write as a way to sign off from the Better Together Erasmus + Project. Having secured an extension to my online reporting deadline from The British Council, it is given me a few moments in which to reflect upon our Erasmus+ journey...
As befits the end of any Project, it’s time to consider results and achievements and also our thanks. Our Project has achieved its goal of ‘bringing people together’ in terms of uniting Ballard school students with their Italian counterparts from ITC in San Miniato, Pisa; Our Project has also brought together old and young people in the U.K. and Italy through the medium of digital technology and in their sharing of views, experience and knowledge across and down the ages. And who could ever have known just how crucial this act would be in helping to build a better future for us all, as we stare the pandemic in the face and forge new ways of living; ways which will embrace all races and ages. I leave you with this thought: when I conceived of The Better Together Project over 18 months ago now, little did I appreciate the enormity of our Project title, but one thing is now certain beyond all doubt, that as a planet we will all be Better Together as we evolve into our future society.
I‘d like to thank Beatrice Benucci, Mila Nutini, Alex Vaughan, Belinda Hand and a variety of other staff and employees of Ballard School for their unstinting help and support throughout this Project. I’d also like to acknowledge the help and generosity of members of our local community such as: Alan Watson, chair of the New Milton Residents Association, Joanne Hayward and David Rice- Mundy of the New Milton Town Council, Jo Pattison and Sandy King of Sunrise Care Home Southbourne and Bob Lowe of The Silverline Charity. Without all of your time, interest and expertise, this Project would not have had such reach.
With my grateful and most sincere thanks. Nichole Hewison