New education links are being forged between primary schools in Port Talbot and Bangladesh.
Three headteachers from Eastern, Coed Hirwaun and Central primary schools, travelled to visit schools in Rangpur in Bangladesh last week to raise awareness of the country and its culture.
Thanks to a grant by Ukaid from the Department for International Development and the British Council, Helen Woodford, Sharon Davies and Rob Purchase hope to create a better understanding within their schools of different societies, cultures and religions.
Classroom based projects will be set up to share learning between the two countries on topics such as climate change and global citizenship.
“The schools already have strong links with the Bangladeshi community in Port Talbot,” says Sharon Pruski, an education development officer at Neath Port Talbot Council.
“Broadening links will help enrich the curriculum of the schools and develop an appreciation for global values around social justice, democratic processes, equality and sustainable development locally and globally amongst young people and their teachers.”
The Bangladeshi teachers will make a return visit to Neath Port Talbot in the Spring when they will meet teachers from their partner schools.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, added: “Links with schools in other countries have proved to be mutually beneficial to pupils and teachers over the years. They can learn about each other’s history, traditions and cultures.
“They aim to broaden pupils’ and teachers’ international horizons and prepare young people for life and work in a global society.”
The programme is managed by a consortium of the British Council, Cambridge Education Foundation, UK One World Linking Association and Voluntary Service Overseas.
