The Sea Between Us

When I first joined the Swiss North African Network or SINAN, a project of the PHZH Department of International Projects in Education (IPE), I was not aware at that time that I embarked on a journey that will impact on me on both a professional and a personal level. The project in question offers teacher trainers from Switzerland, Tunisia and Egypt the opportunity to discuss, share, and reflect upon their teaching experiences, practices, and philosophies via seminars, workshops and works in small groups. Teaming up with Erik Altorfer, my work spouse in this wonderful adventure, was far from being a coincidence. Our shared love for writing was clear right from the beginning. The joint endeavour which we hereby share with you and which we hope can righteously capture our dedication for creative writing, is the fourth of its kind. As a matter of fact, the writing centre at PHZH has held writing competitions every year for more than 10 years. «The Sea Between Us» 2020 was the fourth poetry slam competition, organized by tutors and lecturers of the writing centre, the poetry slam poets Joël Perrin and Lukas Becker, the student team of the Kafi Schnauz Bar, and a team of ISEAHZ Tunisian lecturers. Although several amazing texts and performances were delivered, this booklet only includes the winning texts and links (QR codes) to the performances by the authors (three from ISEAHZ students, two from PHZH students and one from a PHZH lecturer). We, therefore, would like to thank all the candidates for their valuable participation and congratulate the winners. This booklet is our gift to you all. To conclude, remember that there is a sea between us, but our devotion for our profession as teachers and our faith in creativity can help us stand tall in the face of the worst storm of all.

Amel Miziane
Assistant professor and head of the English Language Department
ISEAHZ – University of Tunis