BRITISH AND FRENCH UNDERSTANDING

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 184, 1 May 1940, Page 10

BRITISH AND FRENCH UNDERSTANDING

Education Of Children FIRST STEPS TO MUTUAL APPRECIATION (British Official Wireless.) (Received April 30, 7.5 p.m.) RUGBY. April 29. Tiie Board of Education in it memorandum issued to schools elaborates on tiie first steps to be taken for (lie encouragement of it wider understanding between tiie schoolchildren of Britain and France. It is pointed out in a memorandum that by extending among the people of both countries, and specially the generation that will lie growing up after the war. an understanding of eacli other's outlook and way of life, a bond of sympathy will be created Unit will lend to a mutual appreciation of the many different qualities possessed by both peoples, as well as of their culture and achievements and of the spiritual values in defence of which they will light. It is tiie board's aim to discover what are the best ways of preparing the ground and of sowing the seeds from which will spring in later life a knowledge and understanding of France and her cultures. Some account is given of measures being taken in both countries to achieve this end. In France an exhibition van will tour the provinces with a display of objects illustrating Britain and her Empire. Special lessons are to be given in tiie schools and publications dealing with different aspects of British life and literature are to be issued. Special programmes dealing witli tiiis country will also lie broadcast by French stations.

In this country special talks are now being broadcast to the schools and tiie board has undertaken to issue a series of leaflets advising on how best to make use of films or books on France or French newspapers, and how to develop correspondence between the children of the two countries.