Through solidarity, community, friendship and support, creating global communication networks between schools paves a mutually beneficial road for promoting international development. These multi-dimensional benefits foster the next generation of global citizens while providing immediate and substantial educational assistance to developing countries. The multi-directional, mutually beneficial nature of initiatives like the Connecting Classrooms scheme exemplifies a promising framework for future United Kingdom (U.K.) policy.

Connecting Classrooms

Intending to help young people worldwide develop the knowledge, skills and values they need for work in a global economy, the British Council launched Connecting Classrooms Three in 2016. This U.K.-based initiative with a worldwide perspective goes beyond just providing aid. It educates children about solutions to world hunger, introduces them to the Sustainable Development Goals and funds the creation of “digital hubs.” Through transnational conversations and an international focus, Connecting Classrooms centers on nurturing young people’s drive to advocate for global development.

Fostering Global Citizenship Through Education

The program has successfully built relationships and, most importantly, friendships between teachers and students in the U.K. and developing countries. By fostering global friendships, children have the opportunity to see themselves as part of a community that transcends nationality, which is essential for nurturing the next generation of global citizens.

By broadening the perspectives of U.K. students, the Connecting Classrooms program promotes international solidarity. A key focus of the program is building transferable skills such as advocacy and awareness-raising, which students are likely to carry into their adult lives. Developing these skills, along with a familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals and other global development issues, represents a promising, future-oriented and long-term approach to advocating for global development.

The program has also brought material benefits to schools in developing countries. For example, in Lebanon, which has the largest participation in the Connecting Classrooms program in the region, 3,500 teachers and headteachers are engaging in programs that enhance their professional development, thereby improving the quality of education for young Lebanese students. Additionally, from 2012 to 2016, Zambia established 17 digital hubs to enrich students’ learning, complementing the professional development training that teachers received.

Beyond Connecting Classrooms: All Saints Junior School

The power of partnership extends beyond schools participating in Connecting Classrooms and is evident across the U.K. All Saints Junior School’s relationship with the community of Soma in The Gambia is a prime example of the success in promoting global educational connections. Through their “Learning through Friendship” project, supported by the Kaira Konko Scout Fellowship—a Gambian Scout group in Soma that undertakes various community projects—All Saints staff visit Soma every Feb. half term. During these visits, they engage with and address global issues together, focusing on themes such as peace, friendship, sustainable gardening and renewable energy.

In 2022, All Saints funded the delivery of 1.5 tons of rice, 220 kg of onions, 260 liters of oil and £125 worth of fish, which was distributed across five schools that the World Food Programme had supplied with only three weeks’ worth of food. This delivery was crucial because hunger not only hampers students’ ability to learn but also affects teachers, who often go hungry. According to the Kaira Konko manager, this makes it difficult for them to teach effectively.

All Saints’ generous fundraising efforts have supported several aid programs, including the purchase of bicycles for students who live more than 8 km from their schools, helping them maintain regular attendance. The funds also supported the creation of a new library in Sitahuma, 30 minutes outside of Soma and the construction of teacher accommodation in 2020 to boost teacher morale. By engaging young people in this process of fundraising and fostering international friendships, All Saints’ students are developing essential skills needed to live and thrive in a globalized world, echoing many of the proficiencies that the Connecting Classrooms program aims to provide.

Pursuing Partnership

Transnational partnerships between educational institutions have proven to be mutually beneficial. Initiatives that promote such collaborations, whether through funding partnerships like Connecting Classrooms or by recognizing schools with exceptional international outlooks as the International School Awards could be prioritized in government policy.

– Tilly Phillips

Tilly is based in Camberley, Surrey, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr