On Saturday, 15 March, we landed in Copenhagen, greeted by chilly weather but an incredibly warm welcome from the Danish students, their parents, and the teachers involved in the exchange. Each student departed with their host families for a weekend of sightseeing around the city. A highlight of the weekend was a football match on Sunday, where Brøndby and Silkeborg faced off. Meanwhile, the Danish teachers took Mr JP and Ms Nhadia on a sightseeing tour of Copenhagen on Saturday, and on Sunday, they explored the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, where they viewed an exhibition about the ocean.
On Monday, we reunited as a group for a guided tour of Copenhagen's new urban developments. Our guide spoke about sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—and the students assessed each site for its sustainability. The tour was both insightful and physically engaging, with everyone clocking around 8,000 steps in just two hours! Afterward, we visited the aquarium, which was a definite crowd-pleaser. The students ended the evening on a high note, ice skating together.
Tuesday brought us to Greve Gymnasium, where our students attended classes with their Danish peers. They delivered presentations about their experiences in Namibia and their conservation project with EHRA, including a brief talk during the morning assembly. Later, we joined Mr Thomas, the Geography teacher, for a session on water balance in Namibia and Denmark, linking climate change to water resources. We then took a short walk to a nearby creek, where the students measured water velocity. That evening, the Danish teachers and students launched an exhibition at the local library showcasing the Namibia project. The event had a fantastic turnout, and our students impressed everyone with their speeches, despite the long and eventful day.
On Wednesday morning, we visited the Danish Parliament, where we met MP Mr Erling Bonnesen, a member of the Food and Environment Committee and the European Committee. He provided valuable insight into sustainability and how countries can proactively plan for the future. Later, we met with a representative from a company working on an ambitious land reclamation project, projected for completion in 30 years. The students then took part in a Picture Safari, exploring the city in small groups.
Thursday's adventure took us to Roskilde, where we met History teacher Mr Felix. Roskilde is famous for its Viking ships, museum, and natural springs. At the Viking Ship Museum, we were treated to a deep dive into Viking history before visiting the UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral. Mr. Felix made the experience interactive by assigning the students a treasure hunt inside the cathedral. Rushing back to school, we concluded the day with a lecture on Coastal Protection in Denmark, delivered by a municipal expert.
On Friday, we returned to Greve Gymnasium for another school day. Students attended various classes, presenting their Namibia projects and answering questions from their Danish counterparts. In the afternoon, we visited the coast for a presentation on the re-establishment of stone reefs. This inspiring community-led initiative seeks to return stones that were removed over a century ago, essential for fish spawning and marine restoration.
Saturday was a day for bonding. Students spent time with their host families before gathering at school in the afternoon for volleyball games. We then walked to a grocery store, where they selected ingredients to cook traditional Danish and Namibian meals. The evening culminated in a collaborative cooking session in the school's Biotech Lab, resulting in a delicious and heartwarming dinner—a perfect way to conclude our trip.
On Sunday, with tears in many eyes, we began our journey home. Our time in Denmark was nothing short of incredible. The warmth, generosity, and hospitality of our Danish hosts will stay with us forever.
Comments