Swiss Identity

Mideast teachers meet in Geneva

This content was published on Aug 17, 2002 The meeting aims to underline the importance of education in a future peace agreement between the two sides. Supported by the Swiss authorities, the project is taking place under the auspices of the Middle East Children Association (MECA), a non-governmental organisation jointly led by the Israeli, Adina Shapiro and the Palestinian, Ghassan Abdullah. Shapiro explained…

Demographics

Battle over Bern Olympic bid heats up

This content was published on Aug 17, 2002 But ahead of a vote on the issue, opponents say the Swiss capital cannot compete with the likes of Vancouver, which is also in the running. Since its launch, the Bern bid to host the 2010 games has been viewed with scepticism, with many critics arguing that the canton has neither the facilities nor the…

Culture

Making a Spectacle

This content was published on Aug 17, 2002 Among the highlights are Chinese mythology, Alpine folk-dancing and American rock and roll pensioners. Now in its 23rd year, the Spectacle has grown into one of Zurich’s top cultural attractions but the emphasis on street theatre and community productions remains largely unchanged. “The idea is to present contemporary artistic developments,” insists artistic director Maria Magdalena…

Stars shine in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 16, 2002 The Weltklasse’s global reputation was further enhanced on Friday by the setting of a new world record in the men’s 3,000 metres steeplechase. In addition to Boulami’s heroics, five other athletes recorded best times for the season. Even before the start of the evening’s main programme there was something for the Zurich crowd to cheer…

School structure blamed for poor literacy

This content was published on Aug 16, 2002 That was one proposal made at two-day conference of teachers, experts and education bureaucrats in the city of Aargau. Rather than divide students into academic and non-academic streams at an early age, Switzerland’s education system should allow more flexibility. Student literacy has become a hot political topic in Switzerland after the publication of a study…

History

Lucerne pioneers teaching of Islam

This content was published on Aug 16, 2002 When the new term starts in Lucerne next week, pupils in two communes – Kriens and Ebikon – will be given the option of studying the religion. If the pilot project proves successful, Islam could soon be on the curriculum of schools across the country. “We hope the project will become the accepted thing [in…

Demographics

European sprint kings face rivals in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 16, 2002 They will measure themselves against a field that includes world record holder Maurice Greene. Following a series of regional competitions – the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and continental championships in Africa, Asia and Europe – many athletes, Americans in particular, return to the European circuit for the first time after a three-week hiatus. Five athletes…

Education

Schools grapple with teacher shortage

This content was published on Aug 15, 2002 The basic problem remains: teaching has become less attractive as a profession. For some years now, schools in many Swiss cantons have been facing a serious problem: a shortage of teachers. And, even though temporary solutions have been found for the current year, the problem has not gone away. Teachers from abroad The situation is…

Demographics

Court convicts Swiss Falun Gong followers

This content was published on Aug 15, 2002 It is the first time that members of the spiritual movement have been prosecuted in Hong Kong. Broken HK laws “The defendants had paid absolutely no regard to the public during the demonstration …The defendants were in open defiance of the laws of Hong Kong,” said Judge Symon Wong when passing judgement. Each of the…

Culture

Galway gears up for Lucerne festival

This content was published on Aug 15, 2002 Galway lives on the shores of Lake Lucerne and has made Switzerland his home for more than 25 years. A regular performer in his adopted country, he will be playing pieces by Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert at the festival on August 26. His lakeside villa is a world away from the streets of Belfast…

Swiss Identity

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Swiss Identity

More

Mideast teachers meet in Geneva

More

Battle over Bern Olympic bid heats up

More

Making a Spectacle

More

Stars shine in Zurich

More

School structure blamed for poor literacy

More

Lucerne pioneers teaching of Islam

More

European sprint kings face rivals in Zurich

More

Schools grapple with teacher shortage

More

Court convicts Swiss Falun Gong followers

More

Galway gears up for Lucerne festival

Popular Stories

Most Discussed