Welsh schools welcome pupils and teachers from Lesotho

Pupils and teachers from schools in Lesotho, Southern Africa were welcomed to Wales last week. The 10-day visit culminated in a special ‘Mokete’ celebration event to showcase the collaborative learning that has taken place as part of an international learning exchange.

Organised by Dolen Cymru Lesotho, schools from across Wales hosted 14 teachers and 28 students from 10 schools in Lesotho.

Sharon Flint, Co-Executive Director for Dolen Cymru Lesotho said: “The 20 partner schools are taking part in a global learning project called ‘Thinking the World’ which saw 72 teachers and pupils from Wales visit Lesotho earlier this year to work with their partners on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Following the reciprocal visit to Wales this month, all participants will continue to lead local actions for their chosen SDG with a final online event planned for World Children’s Day in November 2023.”

This international learning exchange experience has been made possible with Taith funding. Susana Galván, Executive Director of Taith said: “This is such a special occasion for all of us. I look forward to welcoming our visitors from Lesotho for this very special ‘mokete’. Being able to witness how this fantastic international exchange opportunity has become a reality and to see the positive impact it is having on learners and teachers from Lesotho and Wales is truly rewarding. This is what Taith is all about”.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles said: “As a government we are committed to ensuring that Wales continues to welcome learners from across the World. The exchange element is fundamental to our Taith programme. It allows learners and staff from both Wales and Lesotho to experience each other’s countries and cultures and exchange ideas on shared global challenges such as climate change and building long term partnerships.”

Also included in the visiting group were 5 education professionals who were in Wales for 4 weeks participating in a Wales Teacher Placement, part of British Council Wales’ International Education Programme.

They were hosted in Carmarthenshire and are working with a number of Primary schools including Ysgol Penygaer, Ysgol Bryngwyn, Ysgol Glan Y Mor, Ysgol Stebonheath and Ysgol Bigyn.