Battswood Primary SA and Crossdale Primary ZIM meet in Manchester at Crossacres Primary

Kim and Mildrade meet some colourful characters in Liverpool on a cultural introduction to the North West of England   John Higham from Crossacres Primary, always the most amazing host

Happy summer holidays for Southern African teachers and learners !

Following a very full year of teacher exchanges in four different directions, our schools' academic year comes to a close shortly - firstly exam marking, reports and a month long well deserved summer break

In 2016, we look forward to a number of student group visits in the UK February half term break, one of which will entail the building of an Elephant playground at Sokhanyo Primary  by students from Whitby High (I D Mkhise High's Capetown twin school) in conjunction with Capetown's Jungle Mania company.  Joining in will be learners and teachers from their Zimbabwean twinned schools too who will make the pilgrimage by bus . A real thank you to the staff and learners from Whitby High in advance for all the fundraising efforts to improving the lives of Sokhanyo's young learners, who will soon have exercise and fun in their school's play times.

We also look forward to a student group visit from Headlands High, North East England to spend time at Sibelius High, Retreat, Capetown, when they will be welcomed by the Headmaster Armien Samodien.

Devonport Girls High ( UK ) and Nsezi High (ZIM ) twin Principals to finally visit their Capetown twin, Wynberg Girls High school.

With the closing off of the Connecting Classrooms current grant, comes their next one in 2016, which we will update you on in the new year.

We have been forging close ties with an organisation involved in wildlife education which inspires learners to value the natural creatures in our countries, and the importance of preserving and protecting them. We are alarmed at the escalating numbers of rhinos and elephants being poached in our game parks and on our borders. If only the truth be known that crushed ivory has no medicinal effect as is widely thought in China and Vietnam creating the demand and opportunities for poaching. We would like to encourage partners to involve their schools more in appreciating the risks of unsustainable practices which ultimately will lead to the disappearance of wildlife ,with a devastating impact on tourism and jobs.  To this end we will pick up this conversation with yourselves in the new calendar year and already have begun to share with a number of Capetown twinned schools . Please see their website www.greenwallofafrica.com

We also wish our UK colleagues a happy winter Festive Season!  

Bergvliet High's UK twin Neston High, Cheshire, in Capetown with student group

Super staff team welcomes their long standing Cheshire twin group despite a hectic time of year This includes learners trying to crack the code of letters written by their friends from far away! Great literacy and maths sharing inspiring learners and teachers.

Another happy exchange to Alexander Sinton High from University of Chester Northwich Academy

This time an English teacher experienced the warmth of Adela's team   A very reluctant goodbye back to Cheshire...

Plymouth teachers welcomed to their Capetown twins - Zimasa, Morgenson, St Clements, Westpoort primaries

Richmore Dzanza from Zim in Capetown at Heathfield High

Wonderful reception recently at Heathfield High for Richmore Dzanza, a Maths teacher with Masters from Zimbabwe, visiting for the week   First time on a plane, first time to see the sea...

Plymouth teachers off to Robben Island.  It's calm isn't it today?  Helen and Seilo are hoping so

Plymouth teachers on "top" of the world on Table Mountain yesterday

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy! And a very Happy Birthday to Seilo Wong
Hitting the road tomorrow at Zimasa School (Langa)  Morgenson Primary (Hanover Park) & St Clements (Grassy Park) Welcome to you all in the beautiful Mother City...

Ned Doman High Principal and Trafalgar High teacher explore their growing partnership with Bulawayo schools

Gwynne Philander and Linda Plaatjies are welcomed at the Regional Education Directorate offices in Bulawayo recently  Very impressed with the educational standards, enthusiastic and disciplined learners... Resources are not everything.

Sizane High's Alice Gumede from ZIMBABWE is warmly welcomed at Trafalgar High, Capetown city centre

Despite a very blustery icy windy day, Alice Gumede immediately felt "at home" with Mr Nadeem Hendricks welcoming her into his busy school on the first day of the new term.

Despite so many challenges, this school exudes tremendous leadership, being the regular Rugby Champions in the city amongst numerous other awards and tributes.

Afritwin teacher, Linda Plaatjies, is delighted to be able to follow on from this visit and be soon in the classes of Alice's school to compare and contrast their learning and teaching skills.

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