Teachers learn from Rwanda trip
Duo inspired by African opportunity
Two Stirling teachers who spent part of their summer holidays working in Rwanda say their time in the country was life-changing.
Matt Brown, from Stirling High, and Lesley Kettles, who teaches at St Modan’s, were in the African country for four weeks working with staff and pupils to enhance their knowledge and understanding of global education.
They were on an overseas placement with Global Learning Partnerships (GLP), a professional opportunity established by the Wood Foundation in 2012 for primary and secondary teachers.
The 18-programme sees participants undertake a four-week placement abroad that provides an opportunity to share expertise in classroom practice and give staff training.
Lesley, an acting principal teacher and teacher of business studies at St Modans, said: “The experience enabled me to get first-hand experience of life in another country and has restored my passion for education.
“We spent three weeks in rural communities and a week in Kigali.
“I’ve grown as a person both professionally and personally and would encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and take up an opportunity like this.”
Matt, who teaches biology and environmental science at Stirling High, said: “Rwanda was the opportunity of a lifetime and helped me to develop confidence in my skills, enhanced my understanding and has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life.
“Working with colleagues from both Rwanda and Scotland has enabled me to develop further in becoming a global citizen and instil these values in the young people I work with.”
To date, 56 Scottish teachers have participated in GLP and the Wood Foundation are looking to build on this work in 2017, with placements offered in Rwanda and Masindi in Western Uganda.
All Stirling Council schools will receive a direct email regarding teacher placements in Uganda in summer 2017.
Applications will be accepted up until Friday January 6.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the programme should contact Georgea Hughes at The Wood Foundation (Georgea.hughes@ thewoodfoundation.org. uk).