Monthly Archives: July 2015

Rwanda

GLOBAL LEARNING IN SCHOOLS

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The schools in Angus, Scotland, have opened an amazing space for me to share the topic on Global Learning. I have disseminated my involvement in the GLP programme in different schools through workshops and assemblies. However, it seems that school assemblies are golden opportunities to encourage all members to reflect on global issues and promote a positive attitude and contribution to a globalised world.

Certainly it has promoted a fantastic collaboration among staff, pupils and parents towards my journey to Rwanda. From primary to secondary schools everybody is talking about Rwanda.

 

Rwanda

NEWS HEADLINE

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GTCS magazine Teaching Scotland will be hosting some news about our summer in Rwanda ‘SCOTS TEACHERS TAKE LEARNING GLOBAL IN RWANDA.’

And in our magazine VIEW, Monday, 22 June 2015: Issue 22

‘SUZEL O’DONNELL GLOBAL LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS’

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‘Suzel O’Donnell, EAL teacher in Angus is voluntarily heading to Rwanda in July with the Global Learning Partnerships programme (The Wood Foundation). Suzel will spend four weeks in  Rwanda during the school summer holidays. Suzel hopes to gain a unique insight into another culture which will provide context and knowledge to further support global citizenship teaching in Angus.

In line with the core principles of Curriculum for Excellence and the educational priorities of host countries in Sub Saharan Africa, Global Learning is designed to enhance the delivery of global citizenship with Scottish schools whilst building the capacity of teachers in host communities.

Upon her  returning to Scotland Suzel will be sharing her fully immersive experience in Rwanda and the exciting opportunities for global learning with colleagues, pupils, local schools and communities.’

Rwanda

ASSEMBLIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

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A school assembly offers a positive opportunity to develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills . Pupils and teachers make a contribution through their active participation including  quiet reflection and an open space for questioning. This was a lovely time to introduce Rwanda to 9 schools in Angus.

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The primary 2 pupils show their appreciation of our time together and the topics they liked.

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They also wrote post cards to the children in Rwanda. They are looking forward to hearing from them.

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A primary 6 was studying rainforests and they prepared a lovely jig-saw for me to take over to them.

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The after school dance club performed ‘Africa-Shakira.’

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Furthermore, the whole school dressed up with Rwanda flag colours, African animals and with colourful clothes.

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Parents were involved and I got this beautiful map from one of them with interesting tags about Rwanda.

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I also had the opportunity to participate in the school summer fair.

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Teachers’ feedback is registered in the notes.

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Rwanda

BEFORE I GO

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I would say that I have tested my interpersonal skills contacting head teachers and class teachers to talk about the Global Learning Partnerships programme (The Wood Foundation) that I am taking part in. This is the way I have been spreading the news why ‘I am flying to Rwanda’ in July 2015.image

Aims

To gain a unique insight into another culture which will provide context and knowledge to further support global citizenship teaching in Angus, Scotland.

To involve everyone in order to instigate curiosity, interest, knowledge and participation.

Assembly

1- Introduce the trip to Rwanda through a quiz as a way of having fun, challenging the participants and building up knowledge .

2- Promote a discussion on possible needs.

3- Consider that the group will come up with a plan to support the programme.

Result

The first opportunity happened in the ASN (Additional Support Needs) department of a secondary school when I delivered my first power point presentation.

As a result the small group of pupils was challenged to develop a plan to support my fundraising of £1,000. A coffee morning was beautifully prepared and the entrance was charged £1 which included a strawberry tart and coffee or tea. The event was animated by a raffle and the participation of all staff. In addition a fair  that was organised by the group sold strawberry jam, bedding plants and birds’ food. Amazingly everybody was engaged and enjoyed the event helping and using their skills  to strengthen the commitment and bringing the whole school together.

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Follow-up activities

The impact of the assemblies in the school life will be discussed  later.  However my personal view is that this first stage, my pre-trip, definitely promoted engagement of pupils and staff working together. Moreover it was a personal development on individual skills as well as researching on their own interest about Rwanda.