Chalfont St Peter Church of England School in the UK has recently received International Status Award status from the British Council for its ongoing partnership with Precious Twins Academy in Mombasa, Kenya.

This status is awarded to schools that demonstrate commitment towards global education. It recognises good practice by teachers and learners in schools working to instil a global dimension into the learning experience.

According to the ISA website, over 1 000 schools have been awarded this status since the scheme began in 1999.

Chalfont St Peter School’s deputy head teacher, Christine Hogan, says a pupil’s parents ‘fell in love’ with Precious Twins Academy during the family’s holiday in Mombasa.

‘On their first visit they saw a school that was working so hard for their pupils that they felt moved to help in some way,’ says Hogan.  

‘They paid for the school to be decorated and our link started on their return, with their two sons describing the difference between their school and ours.  Our first contact was to write to the pupils and the head teacher.’

Hogan says the letters travelled slowly because of postal difficulties in Kenya but they persisted until they got an answer.

‘The children were delighted to receive replies with pictures and letters.  This letter-writing club has continued and is very much enjoyed by our pupils.

‘Additionally, we collected pencils and paper in school so that the family could provide the school with extra resources on their next visit to Mombasa.’

Chalfont St Peter held an Arts Week in October last year which showed the creative aspects of African and Kenyan culture. ‘This gave the children the opportunity to appreciate the great richness and diversity of the African continent.’

Hogan says her school helped the Kenyan school after rioting broke out in Kenya in December 2007.

‘The classrooms were destroyed along with paper, pencils and other teaching resources, as well as the mattresses used by some of the pupils who are orphans. This caused our children and staff a huge amount of concern as we regard these children as our friends.’

Water is a scarce resource in Kenya. Like most schools in that country, Precious Twins Academy also has a shortage of water. Hogan says that her school decided to raise funds for a borehole to be dug at the school.

‘Mr John Underwood, our head teacher, arranged a special assembly, inviting Lady Baker of School Aid, many local community dignitaries and Mr Steve Desborough [the parent who had made the initial contact].  

‘Our school sang a special Kenyan hymn, Siyahamba (we are going), to Miss Diane the Principal of Precious Twins Academy via a mobile phone, and we set about inspiring our children and local community to raise £2 000, in one week.  

‘The children brought in coins and put them into a well for Kenya, and this, along with some very generous donations from all sections of our community, raised over £6 000. We were all delighted.’

Hogan says it was the Kenyan link that encouraged Chalfont St Peter to enter for the International School Award status competition.

‘Learning about the lives of children from all around the world has brought our curriculum alive and given it real meaning.

‘In July 2008, when we submitted our application, the whole school waited with great anticipation to hear whether we had been successful and we are all thrilled that we can now add International School officially to our school name.’  

She adds, ‘We hope that our links with the Kenyan pupils are really going to help them have an education, get better jobs and improve their way of life.’

Hogan says the British Council should continue funding the International Status Award so as to support learning and cultural exchange.

‘Our head teacher, deputy head and minister are therefore delighted that the British Council has sponsored our next project, which is to visit Nandyal, India, in February 2009 to establish links with a primary school and church, so that we can support the teaching of English in this rural community.’

To learn more about the International Status Award and to find out if your school is eligible for this award, visit this page. To read related stories, click here. To read more about British Council events and programmes, please visit this page. Read our latest news here: News in Africa section.