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Newcastle Upon Tyne delegation visits Little Rock, highlights education and literacy exchanges
Summary
A delegation from Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K., and Little Rock97s Sister Cities Commission discussed ongoing cultural, education and literacy exchanges, including a joint children's book project with the Clinton Presidential Library.
A delegation from Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, visited Little Rock and addressed the Board of Directors on March 18, 2025, outlining education, cultural and economic exchange work under the Sister Cities program.
Edward Haddock, chair of Little Rock's Sister Cities Commission, described the relationship with Newcastle that began as a youth-exchange program in 1997 and was formalized as a sister-city connection in 2016. Haddock said recent activities include meetings with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to strengthen international exchanges in medicine and pharmacy, collaboration with the Central Arkansas Library System to boost children's literacy, and community regeneration partnerships to support underserved residents.
John Stoker Walker and Anthony Woods Waters of Newcastle said student exchanges and institutional partnerships had been paused by the COVID-19 pandemic but are being revived. Wendy Elliott, chief executive of the National Centre for Children's Books, and Richard O'Neil of 7 Stories discussed joint literacy work; O'Neil said the institutions are developing a joint children's book with the Clinton Presidential Library and 7 Stories.
The board and delegation noted the Vice Mayor's support for Sister Cities programming and pledged continued cooperation on literacy, education and cultural programming. No formal board action was required.
