Weymouth and Portland schools forge links with Africa

The Chesil Education Partnership (CEP) has secured cash for five schools in the borough to visit link schools in Kenya.

The teachers and teaching assistants will visit the Chogoria region – on the slopes of Mount Kenya – during the Easter Holidays.

CEP global links co-ordinator John Horrell said: “Securing an area grant was particularly encouraging.

“There is no reason now why more schools in Weymouth and Portland couldn’t make links and visit this area.

“There are still many schools in Kenya who would love to find a partner school.”

Anthony Hutchinson from Conifers Primary School will visit Katharaka Primary School while Holy Trinity Primary School’s Amelia Prosser will visit Gitare Primary School.

Emma Maggs, from Beechcroft St Pauls Primary School, will link up with Mwimbi Primary School and Royal Manor Arts College headteacher Paul Green is off to Kianjagi Secondary School. And Jocelyn Mannerings and Sally Horrell, both from Westfield Technology College, will visit Kairuni Primary School and its special unit.

The CEP grant covers most of the expenses but the group have given up their Easter break and paid their own medical costs to make the trip possible.

Meanwhile two existing CEP schools will be furthering their established partnerships with their African link schools.

St John’s Primary School is sending two staff members to Wiru Primary School, to work on their joint project Food4Thought.

And Budmouth Technology College – set to host a Wiru Secondary School teacher later this year – is sending Jimmy Dailey out to work on a PE- related scheme.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight said: “Our schools pay a vital role in helping our children to appreciate their role in our world society.

“Global understanding also leads to a better appreciation of their own culture and community locally.

“It is fantastic that 14 schools in the CEP have links with a school in another country and I hope those involved find it rewarding.”