Back on the 5th of June, representatives from Las Gaviotas School met at the Civic Centre with a group of representatives from the Teachers Association of Leskovac (Serbia). The idea of the meeting was to have an exchange of cultural views and to look at the similarities and differences in the two education systems.

The Head Teacher of Las Gaviotas, Elena Castrillo defined the meeting as “an interchange of educational experiences within two distinct centres in both Andalucía and Serbia.”

The head of the Serbian delegation and group translator did not have to travel very far… Boban Stancev, lecturer at the University of Serbia, and resident of La Herradura, recounted his experiences of integration in the school community, and mentioned Las Gaviatos School, the Parents Association and the Musical Association who had, “welcomed me, as a teacher and as a parent with open arms.”

Now here is one of those facts that seem almost impossible to believe, but did you know, that within the student population at Las Gaviotas, there are 26 distinct nationalities! I’m sure you are all now saying ‘we knew that.’

The meetings were deemed a success and future collaboration is promised, with the delegation praising the beauty of the village and the diversity and professionalism of Las Gaviotas. Which is encouraging from a country such as Serbia where education is extremely important, a fact borne out by the Serbian Teachers Association having 8,000 affiliates and 80 associations within it’s cities!