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Nurturing global solidarity under the lens of Catholic thrusts and values propels Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus to develop Christ-centered and globally competent persons. The School Administration through the Curriculum Development and External Relations Office in collaboration with Junior and Senior High departments, and in partnership with Hijas schools worldwide, forges strong global linkage through its Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) for the school year 2024-2025. This initiative aligns with Pope Francis’ Global Compact on Education, emphasizing global inclusivity and intercultural understanding.
The inspiration gestated from the Educational Tour of the faculty and staff at Daren Catholic School in Taipei, Taiwan, in 2023. Henceforth, initial discussions are conducted on the possibility of student interactions and international exposures for global competitiveness. After consultations between the school administration and key stakeholders, the school installs the Curriculum Development and External Relations Office with the intent to advance the school’s networks as evidence of its continuing commitment to excellence in Integral Christian Education. Hence, the Cultural Exchange Program was born in SY 2024-2025.
This cultural exchange serves as a valuable platform for students and faculty to deepen their understanding of different cultures while strengthening their connection with the bigger family of Mother Candida Maria de Jesus worldwide. It also supports the academic and spiritual mission of the school.
Through various interactive, online meetings with partner schools, students and teachers build global connections, gain cultural exposures. Students' intercultural understanding is expanded through the exchange of ideas among peers from other countries, and develops in them stronger foreign language familiarity in Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese.
The first phase of the CEP began in October2024, when the 9th graders interacted with high school students from Daren Catholic School in Taipei. The program expanded in November 2024 through a collaboration with the Jesuitinas Educational Foundation, involving Jesuitinas Salamanca, Jesuitinas Vigo, Jesuitinas Maria Virgen Madrid, and Jesuitinas Valladolid. These international virtual engagements generate very positive feedback, promoting cross-culturalcommunication among 10th, 11th, and 12th Hijas-Hearters and the mentioned groups of students.
Hijas-Hearter kindergarten pupils also participated in a short but meaningful cultural exchange on December 11, 2024,during their Christmas gathering with their counterparts of Maria Kodomoen in Suzaka, Japan.
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The CEP is an ongoing experiential journey, an immersive experience of learning and connections strengthening the sense of global solidarity and mutual respect among the participating students, faculty, and staff. It is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing holistic educational experiences and promoting intercultural understanding in line with the values of the Hijas de Jesús Congregation.
As the program progresses, SHS-HDJ remains dedicated to creating more opportunities for students to engage with the world, broadening their horizons while staying true to its mission of nurturing global citizens with strong Christian values.
This Cultural Exchange Program is a sustainable trajectory that the school pursues as it continues to inspire learners and teachers to stay faithful to the Hijas Mark: A Brother or Sister to Others, promoting unity that transcends borders.
