MSP Joan McAlpine used a speech in parliament today to highlight the Lockerbie Academy Scotland Malawi Partnership.
Since 2009, Lockerbie Academy has developed a partnership with Thawale Primary School in Malawi, spearheaded by English teacher Helen Wright.
Speaking during a debate on Commonwealth Day 2018, Ms McAlpine said the partnership is a great example of the bonds that exist between Commonwealth nations.
Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:
“Ms Wright has done a lot of fantastic work setting up and maintaining the partnership between Lockerbie Academy and Thawale Primary School.
“The partnership touches all parts of the curriculum, from teaching African drumming in Music, looking at human rights in Modern Studies, to learning about David Livingstone in History.
“It is a fantastic project that engages not only pupils and staff, but also parents and the wider community in the partnership and encourages pupils in both schools to be responsible citizens in their local community and to understand that they are citizens of a world community.”
Commenting, Helen Wright said:
“Lockerbie Academy is the only secondary school in Dumfries and Galloway to have such a successful link with a school in Malawi.
“It’s something we are immensely proud of and humbled by. It brings such tremendous opportunities for teaching and learning.
“We have a huge trip planned for this summer with 13 students so it’s all very exciting!”
