BRITAIN & FRANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1940, Page 5

BRITAIN & FRANCE

PROMOTION OF WIDER UNDERSTANDING PRESENT & PROPOSED WORK IN SCHOOLS. BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMORANDUM. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 29. The Board of Education in a memorandum issued to schools elaborates on the first steps to be taken for the encouragement of a wider understanding between the school children 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 be growing up after the war, an 'understanding of each other’s outlook and way of life, a bond of sympathy will be created that will lead 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 fight. It is the 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 culture. Some account is given of measures being taken in both countries to achieve Illis 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 the schools and publications dealing with different aspects of British life and literature are to be issued. Special programmes dealing with this country will also be broadcast by French stations.

In this country special talks are row being broadcast to the schools and Ihe 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.