Teachers from across Pakistan and Bangladesh are visiting schools in Herefordshire this week to forge closer links with the UK and to build greater cultural understanding with young people and their teachers.
The teachers come from a range of schools in their own countries, representing state, private and Madrassah schools. They will meet their UK partners face-to-face for the first time at a contact seminar on the 17th June, before going on to visit primary and secondary schools around the county. They will tour the area and see the pupils who will work on projects with them for the next three years.
These projects will explore shared learning on topics like climate change, broaden their international horizons, stimulate innovation and motivation in learning and teaching and challenge their perceptions of each others societies and cultures. Many of the schools' pupils from the UK come from a range of diverse backgrounds, and the project is seen as an opportunity to build positive feelings in regards to their heritage and identity.
Sharon Menghini, director of children's services at Herefordshire Council, said: "Greater cultural knowledge and understanding is an important and growing aspect of the education of children in Herefordshire and nationally and we are very pleased to encourage links to enhance this.
"Herefordshire is a very forward looking authority in looking outwards to the wider world exemplified this month with the celebration of the 20 year old link with Tanzania. This new link with a cluster of schools in Pakistan will go a long way to develop not only a better knowledge of life in another country but will enhance the understanding of the commonalities of children and young people across the world. "
Schools will also be able to apply for a shared grant of up to £36 000 whilst involved in the project to support their activities. It is hoped the creation of these school links and the associated activities will bring to life international issues in the classroom, as well as encourage social action projects which reach out to the wider community, contributing to community cohesion. There will also be the opportunity for professional development of teachers and head teachers, and awards in internationalism for all involved.
Olga Stanojlovic, Director of Schools in Education at the British Council, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young people and teachers in both countries to learn from each other, ranging from different cultural traditions, different ways of life, and the different ways in which we have access to the earth's resources. They act as an amazing way to open young people's eyes to what life is really like in other countries and show that young people share many of the same characteristics. "