Burford – Kalangala, Uganda Link (1994 – 2010)
“Tuyugire wamu” “Learning Together”
The link between Burford School and Bishop Dunstan Secondary School, on the Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria has existed since 1994, making it the longest running school link both in Oxfordshire and Uganda. It was founded by a former Geography teacher, Annie Paget, who led the first group of students to Uganda in July 1995. Since then there has been an annual exchange with a team of students from Burford visiting partner students in Uganda and then hosting them the following year in Burford and in our community. Since its formation, our school link has thrived and the benefits to both communities have been enormous. Our link motto is "Learning Together" with the aim of creating a unique opportunity for young people (between 16 and 18) to become friends and to learn about each other's culture at first hand. Features of the exchanges so far have included learning together in the secondary schools, teaching lessons in the primary schools, going away together on a residential trip and working towards a performance in a final concert for the whole community. In addition, there are homestays where partners stay together and learn directly about each other’s way of life.
What makes our Link so special?
- Our exciting annual educational/cultural exchange programme has lasted 16 years without a break – a record for both Uganda and Oxfordshire.
- It inspires many young people, and we return the hospitality we receive by funding the return visit to the UK of all the Ugandan partners.
- Our reciprocal programme has been awarded 16 consecutive Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council Grants, a trophy in Uganda and helped Burford School gain the International School Award.
- We involve local Secondary, Primary and Nursery Schools, as well as several Churches in both countries and have developed an active Link between Brize Norton Primary and the main feeder school in Uganda.
- As well as creating a unique 3-way link involving students and staff from only recently settled Northern Uganda joining us three times now on Ssese, we have involved UK and Kalangala students in a Geography case study of the controversial Palm Oil Project on the islands in addition to workshops on the Millennium Development Goals.
- Whilst our Link is primarily an educational exchange we have also done a great deal of fundraising.
What does our fundraising achieve?
- We have already built a girls’ dormitory and a library, which is used for studying, exams, lesson preparation, concerts and assemblies.
- The Library contains the Head’s Office and a Computer Room (opened by the King of Buganda!) with 18 working computers, 7 of which were funded by David Woolley’s sponsored bike ride.
- We are paying for fuel for the generator to support ICT lessons in the computer room.
- We donated 2 cows and mosquito nets for all boarders as well as text books, stationery and money for ICT teaching support.
Here are some quotes from previous Uganda Team members.
“The behaviour of the UK group was really enjoyable, especially my partner. I got on really well with her because she was social, caring and lovely. I enjoyed the visit of the Kitgum students, especially their traditional dances. Thanksgiving to the coordinators!” (Damalie NABIRIMU 2009-10)
“I really enjoyed being with my partner because he showed me very good behaviour and was funny like me. He was very good at playing. Homestay was good.” (Deogratius SSEMANDA – 2009-10)
“I suppose at first I saw the trip as more of an adventure than anything else; seeing another culture. I now realise it’s more about making friends and meeting people. Homestay was the highlight. I really enjoyed meeting and interacting with Absolom and his family.. Long-term the Link has taught me to look past the language barrier and just embrace different cultures and their people.” (Mark Reynolds – 2009-10)
“The Link has lived up to my expectations and exceeded them, as I have been able to learn from another culture and make great friends in the process….It was great fun, unforgettable and you make so many friends it’s unbelievable! So I loved it.” (Harry Simpson – 2009 -10)
“You learn a lot about yourself, such as how well you communicate with others and how good you are at organising etc. but you also learn a lot about other people’s lives and their views on certain issues…I was surprised by how much we had in common – I made such good friendships with so many of them…I am more open to discussion on different viewpoints.” (Hannah NIXON, 2006)