An Angus high school is reaping the benefits of a global partnership with a school in Kenya.
Two pupils and two teachers from Litein High School in the Rift Valley area of Kenya are visiting Webster’s High in Kirriemuir as part of a programme between the two schools established six years ago.
Literature teacher David Koech and agriculture and biology teacher Eva Ntinyari arrived at the school on Friday, along with two pupils from Litein Alex Saitoti, 17, and Adrian Bandika, 14 who have been taking part in a variety of activities during their stay in a bid to find out about Scottish education and culture before returning home on Monday June 24.
Later this year, pupils from Webster’s will replicate the journey after going through a rigorous selection process and will be joined by two members of staff.
Principal teacher of pupil care and support Audrey Murray said that the partnership gives both institutions an opportunity to share vital information with each other.
“Everything to do with the partnership is a shared project,” said Audrey.
“We did a creative writing project where there was work done in Kenya and then there was responding work to that here. We also did a social education initiative and provided some education on HIV and Aids.
“We also get to compare things like our carbon footprints and learn from the way they do things in Kenya.
“By looking at the way others see and do things, it allows us to see things differently and with a new perspective.”
While on the trip, Alex and Adrian have had the opportunity to sample days in the classroom at Webster’s and have taken part in several social and cultural events throughout the town.
Adrian said that it was of great benefit to learn about different cultures.
“I have really enjoyed meeting new people, socialising and making new friends. We are learning a lot,” he added.
Alex echoed those sentiments and said: “It has been good to learn about different cultures and find out about the problems or tasks facing the school or pupils, which are the same we have.”
The partnership was originally funded by the British Council but that support ceased last year.
Since then, both schools have worked hard to fundraise to maintain the link, with pupils at Webster’s taking a leading role in arranging events to raise cash.
Fellow principal teacher of pupil care and support Mary McGregor said: “It’s all part of our global vision as a school. We want to be outward looking and see the interlinking nature of the planet and we have learned so much from Litein.
“The two pupils and teachers that are over have become very much part of the community already and they are staying in Kirriemuir as well as going to a number of events organised by the school and local rotary.”
The school will be hosting a summer fair on Saturday to further boost the fundraising efforts of the project and staff thanked those who have lent their support to event.
Alan Taylor, physics teacher at the school, said: “Webster’s High School would like to pay special thanks to the Rotary Club of Kirriemuir, who have generously donated funds to the link and donated prizes to be given out at the fair.
“Thanks also go to Colin Smith for providing televisions for the Kenyan guests for the duration of their stay and to the Kirriemuir Co-op, who donated a welcome pack of provisions.
“Thanks to all local businesses for donating raffle prizes and to stallholders who are taking part on Saturday.”
The event will run from 10am to 2pm and entry will cost £2.
Picture by Photos on Location