WINNIPEG, Oct. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian students will embark on a journey of experiential learning to the Netherlands in May 2015 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe and the liberation of the Netherlands. The educational program is organized by EF Educational Tours, the world leader in international education and student experiential travel, with today's announcement being supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Canada through the presence of Honorary Consul Bob Krul.
"We're very excited to join Dutch citizens at the 70th anniversary ceremonies in May of 2015," said Dave Robinson, retired high school Head of History and World Studies and National History Tour Advisor for the Victory in Europe 70th anniversary National Student Tour. "At the 65th anniversary in 2010, we witnessed life-changing moments for the more than 2,000 students and teachers who experienced that journey. In World War II, 7,600 Canadian soldiers fought to liberate the Netherlands. The ceremonies the students will experience are a wonderful gesture of remembrance in their honour."
Among students and teachers present at the launch of the program in Winnipeg, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands Bob Krul, representing ambassador Cees Kole, emphasized the importance of keeping history alive. "I'm thrilled that you and your students will be going once again to the Netherlands in May 2015 to remember the Second World War and to celebrate the liberation of our country. You will walk in the footsteps of the Canadian men and women in uniform soldiers who played such an essential role and fought so bravely for our freedom. As you all know: the torch of freedom can never be extinguished. It has to be passed on from one generation to the other. That is why it is so relevant that Canadian and Dutch students will be keeping that memory alive."
Member of Parliament, Lawrence Toet concurred, adding, "My parents came to Canada from the Netherlands following the Second World War, and in 2012 I was fortunate enough to visit the Netherlands. I was able to see where my parents came from and the deep commitment the citizens of the Netherlands have for Canadians to this day. My parents always made sure to reinforce the importance of being Canadian, yet remain proud of our Dutch Heritage. This is an excellent learning opportunity for Canadian students and teachers regarding the Liberation of Holland celebrations and to remember the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers so we can live in peace."
Well over 2,000 Canadian students and teachers are expected to join this National Student Tour in 2015 on one of five in-depth Canadian history tours, Schools across Canada can get involved by calling 1-800-387-1460 or visiting www.eftours.ca/historytours.
About EF Educational Tours:
EF Educational Tours is part of EF Education First, the world leader in international education. For nearly half a century, EF has worked toward its mission of developing the next generation of global citizens by breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography.
EF Educational Tours partners with educators to help them enrich what they teach in the classroom through programs that lead students around the globe, offering the opportunity to "learn it by living it." EF works with many organizations in experiential learning programs including C21: Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation, The Vimy Foundation, Canada's History Society and Me to We in support of Free the Children. Each year, EF celebrates the achievements of educators through the Teachers Matter campaign and awards 10 Global Citizen Scholarships to extraordinary Canadian students.
For more information about EF, visit eftours.ca.
Image with caption: "EF Educational Tours' Victory in Europe 70th Tour Launch: EF VP Greg Owen, MP Lawrence Toet, MSSTA President Marie Zorniack, Teachers John Thompson and Kara Wickstrom-Street, Kingdom of the Netherlands Honorary Consul Bob Krul, student speakers Chelsea Guindon and Lindsay McKay, EF President David Conklin (Photo By: Carey Tarr/EF Educational Tours) (CNW Group/EF Educational Tours)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131029_C8199_PHOTO_EN_32697.jpg
Image with caption: "EF Educational Tours' Victory in Europe 70th Tour Launch: Student representatives Lindsay McKay and Chelsea Guindon speak with World War II veteran Stan Butterworth, of the Fort Garry Horse in Winnipeg (Photo By: Carey Tarr/EF Educational Tours) (CNW Group/EF Educational Tours)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131029_C8199_PHOTO_EN_32698.jpg
Image with caption: "EF Educational Tours is part of EF Education First, the world leader in international education. (CNW Group/EF Educational Tours)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131029_C8199_PHOTO_EN_32696.jpg
SOURCE: EF Educational Tours
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