An initiative to promote on-line school twinning in Europe has been given the support of 15 European Union governments.

The programme, which has been named "eSchola", follows the example of town twinning, but in an educational context. This initiative is carried out over the Internet.

It is designed to encourage all schools in Europe to use computers and the Internet to participate in cross-cultural communication and to raise quality and provide new learning opportunities. Brian Crowley MEP, a member of the Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, says that the "eSchola" scheme provides an ideal opportunity for students to communicate with other students from EU member states in an effort to learn more about their cultures.

"It is very important that within the European Union we promote the use of new technologies, that we promote a better practice within our educational systems and that we also promote cultural diversities," Crowley said.

A special "eSchola" week will take place from May 7th to 11th, to coincide with Europe Day on May 9th. Schools in Ireland that have joined up to the programme will participate in an number of events over the Internet with other schools in Europe.