Farmers Branch Sister City
In 1980, Farmers Branch and the District of Bassetlaw, England joined together as Sister Cities. Thus they became part of the people-to-people program started in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower now known as Sister Cities International.
Farmers Branch went on to affiliate with Garbsen, Germany in 1990. Garbsen and the District of Bassetlaw were already Sister Cities, thus the new connection made it a Sister City triangular relationship. The City of Farmers Branch also has a friendship city relationship with Schonebeck, Germany. Farmers Branch is one of more than 950 American cities which have affiliations with over 1,500 cities in 100 countries around the world.
Purpose of the Farmers Branch Sister Cities Program
The Farmers Branch Sister Cities programs explores three areas: Cultural, Educational and Economic Development. Through city-to-city connections overseas, community leaders are able to learn and evaluate how foreign communities succeed. Students who study about foreign countries are given the opportunity to actually visit and experience the educational process in other countries. Businesses in Farmers Branch are given the chance to explore import/export possibilities with the assistance of our foreign friends.
Farmers Branch Sister Cities Accomplishments
- 10 years of student exchange with high schools in Germany.
- Foreign trade opportunities for small and large Farmers Branch business through representation at CEBIT, the world's largest trade show.
- Student nursing exchange program between Garbsen, Germany and Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch.
- Established personal international contacts and connections for local residents and businesses traveling to Europe.
- Pen pal opportunities for school children between Farmers Branch, the District of Bassetlaw and Garbsen.
- A new outlook on the importance of global communication and its effect on the lives of our citizens.
- Cultural exchange with a professional dance group from the District of Bassetlaw.
- Established a Sister City Committee and a solid host family network for adult and student exchanges.
To Become Involved
Contact Janie Scarbrough, Farmers Branch Sister City Chair, at 972.241.1898 or call the City of Farmers Branch at 972.247.3131.