N.J. students hold videoconference with peers in Ukraine (07/02/06)

N.J. students hold videoconference with peers in Ukraine

SOMERDALE, N.J.- On Wednesday, June 7, students here at Sterling High School, a group of high school students in Kyiv and Rep. Rob Andrews (D-N.J) in Washington, gathered to take part in a videoconference. Prepared with questions, students began discussing matters pertaining to international relations, domestic affairs and cultural similarities.

Some of the issues covered were national languages and the potential advantages of Ukraine joining international organizations, specifically NATO. American students said they found it surprisingly easy to compare the two nations, which from a distance seem to have little in common.

Kevin McAleer of Sterling High School told the local newspaper, the Courier-Post, "There are so many parallels between what's happening there and here."

Ukraine's political environment continues to interest Sterling students, as it has helped them value the benefit of international communication. Sterling students became introduced to Ukrainian culture in 1990 when the school was granted funding to participate in a three-week exchange program. When funds for the program were no longer available in 1999, it was brought to a halt. This did not, however, end the students' interaction with Ukrainian citizens, who continued to be in contact via videoconference.

Sterling High's vice-principal, Reno Domenico, even traveled to Ukraine as an observer for the presidential elections in November-December 2004 and again in August 2005. He then wrote an article for the Courier-Post about conflicts taking place during and after the Orange Revolution, sharing his experiences not only with students, but with readers of the paper.

The benefits of the videoconferences include awareness of news abroad and familiarity with current events.

Student Christopher Corcoran even found a new interest in U.S. domestic policy because of his school's interaction with Ukrainians. "It inspires us to look at our own country," he commented.

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