As part of Pilton Bluecoat Academy’s exciting work with the British Council Connecting Classrooms Partnership an enthusiastic team of teachers from Pilton Bluecoat school recently travelled to Uganda to visit Green Valley school, a Primary School 13 miles north east of the capital city, Kampala.

Over 300 children and 14 teachers warmly greeted the three Barnstaple teachers who had the opportunity to teach a series of lessons based on Pilton and Exmoor National Park.  Along with this they took a whole school assembly and were able to share letters written by Pilton Bluecoat’s Year 6 pupils and also give the thrilled children the educational resources which were purchased through funds raised by the Year 6 bakers at a cake sale.

A partnership agreement was formed which reflects how both Pilton Bluecoat and Green Valley school intend to create a sustainable working relationship which benefits the children, staff and communities in both countries for many years to come

Whilst in Uganda Mr Thomas, Mrs Nicholas and Miss Edwards were able to travel to the north of Uganda to visit Isaac the young man Pilton Bluecoat, as a school, sponsor through Amigos Worldwide. Mr Thomas, Head of Pilton Bluecoat Academy said “This was a real privilege and it was great to see the excitement on Isaac’s face as we shared some gifts and letters sent by our children”

Along with their visit to Isaac they also visited other sponsored children living in extreme poverty in rural communities around a town called Masindi. Mr Thomas added “Travelling into these areas provided us with a great opportunity to give out all the football shirts and gifts which our children donated. All were very gratefully received. It was very challenging seeing the conditions some children were living in but at the same time it was inspiring learning how Amigos are transforming the lives of some families through their child sponsorship programme”.

Now back at school the three inspired teachers will be sharing their stimulating experiences with the whole school through assemblies and visits to each class. Year 6 children, along with their peers at Green Valley, are eager to continue with their British Council project work furthering their knowledge of their partner country. 

Comment from Head of Pilton Bluecoat Academy Mr Ian Thomas

'It was a real privilege being able to visit this amazing country in order to develop our British Council partnership and to see the how Amigos Worldwide are transforming lives across Uganda through child sponsorship and the Kira Farm Development Centre. Establishing our partnership with Green Valley Primary School now means that our children will continue to develop lifelong friendships and learn more about the world in which they live.'

Comment from Teacher Miss Sally Edwards

My time in Uganda was one that I will never forget.  It was an absolute privilege to spend time with the people that Amigos have supported and the impact that the charity has had on their lives is very evident.  You can't help but be moved by the stories of the incredible people that we met and you can't help but smile at their lust for life.