Meridian-Crest Twinning Program: Building Bridges, Forging Friendships, Growing Together

The annual twinning program was launched last June 2014 when a group of Sec 2 (Grade 8) students from our partner school in Singapore, Crest Secondary, came to Meridian for a 3-day student exchange. The delegation together with their Grade 8 Meridian student buddies had an enriching learning exchange which included classroom immersion where the Crest students experienced being a Meridian student for a day; fun museum visit at the Gold of Ancestors to get a glimpse of the splendor of our ancient past; actual organic farming experience at LupangLahi; and hands-on crafts workshops focusing on Paete woodcarving and paper mache traditions. The exposure and interaction between students aim to foster a deeper cultural appreciation and understanding between partner schools.

Crest Basketball Team training with the        Meridian students!

Last October 6-13, 2014, selected Grade 8 students journeyed to Singapore for the second leg of the program, this time quipped as Crest-Meridian Twinning Program. The Meridian students were finally reconciled with their Singaporean buddies. The days were full and meaningful as the Meridian students visited various museums to learn about the history and cultures of Singapore as well as the city-state’s efficient urban planning and reservoir system. The final stop was a visit to an equestrian center showing how nature can teach us a lot about life. The students had a wonderful time learning not just about Singapore, but, more so, about themselves.

Such a unique sound the angklung makes!
Angklung is a musical instrument made of two to four bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame.

“This twinning program made me realize that we can help Singapore, and they can help us as well. Our cultures and heritage are somehow connected. Our respective strengths as neighboring countries could enrich each other. This has opened an opportunity for us to create new and deep friendships. We are indeed on a journey together to build our region with our Singaporean friends.” -Leora Besares, Grade 8

Meridian offered Crest a hand-carved dabakan percussive instrument from Palawan as a symbol of friendship and a token of gratitude.