Food for Thought exchange visits

Between July 2003 and August 2004 DDE has coordinated a series of teacher exchange visits, part-funded by the British Council.

The British teachers went to Uganda in July 2003 for two weeks, and their Ugandan counterparts came to Devon in October.

Stephanie Whitcher from Chagford Primary exchanged with headteacher Fredrick Ssegujja, Kirume Public Primary School; Annabelle Harvey, Charmouth School (just over the border in Dorset!) exchanged with heateacher Betty Zziwa, Kyamukoona Primary School, both in Mubende District, Uganda.

In March 2004, DDE's coordinator, Sue Errington, travelled to Uganda to visit all the schools, with Charles Nyeko Lacek, originally from Gulu, who now lives and works in Devon, and a supporter from Reading. Read her report outlining background information on the troubled Northern region of Uganda. [to follow]

Twice termly meetings of the Teachers' Reference Group in Exeter and the schools in Mubende and Gulu keep the enthusiasm high. School gardens have developed rapidly in the West of England School for children with little or no sight - linked with Hill Preparatory Primary School, an integrated school for abled bodied and special needs children in Uganda.

There are now 9 schools in Uganda and 7 in Devon who are involved in the Food for Thought project; it is hoped that a further two schools will be recruited in Devon.

We welcome primary schools interested in food issues and/or Uganda to join our network, whether or not you have, or want, a link school in Uganda. Please contact us if you are interested.

A few comments from teachers involved in the exchange

Teachers from the UK:

Why did you want to visit Uganda?
"To learn about life, schools and meet people linked with Food For Thought - to make discussions in Devon, real"!

What impressed you?
"The importance of the Food For Thought project; the community interest and focus on the school garden; the relevance of the FFT work to the children's lives; people always willing to help; cleanliness before eating".

What suprised you?
"The importance of education, especially further education within the 20-30 age range of women; the technology of mobile phones having a large impact on people's lives".

What did you enjoy most?
"Teaching the children, making so many friends - I really felt I could trust people; I was very confident in the Village on my own; eating typical Uganda food - and liking it! Meeting so many intelligent people who strive for and achieve high standards despite having so many other pressures and worries in life".

Teachers from Uganda:

What impressed you?
"Schools full of resources; different management of schools; different curriculum".

What surprised you?
"Few numbers of pupils in classes; daily school programme".

What did you enjoy most?
"Teaching in all classes; touring some parts of England; the hospitality extended by our hosts - and some parents".