School forges lasting links with Kenya

A Shropshire primary school recently cemented its links with a school in Kenya when Dave Tinker, Deputy Headmaster at St Mary's CE School in Albrighton, visited its partner school on the Kenya-Uganda border.

Dave has been sharing his skills and experience with children and staff at Nasioya School in the small market town of Kimilili, near the slopes of Mt Elgon.

He is spending two weeks in Kimilili as part of a twinning project organized through the British Council and the Diocese of Lichfield.

Dave has been posting regular updates about his trip on the social networking site Twitter, from presenting children in Kimilili with gifts from the Wellington News and the Telford Hornets to meeting a community of nuns and watching local athletics.

"We're following his journey on Twitter and it's great to be able to share his experiences," says St Marys' Headteacher John Rowe.

"We're working hard to build close relationships with Nasioya School and we're hoping to receive their teachers at our school in the future."

You can see Dave's updates from his Kenyan journey on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mrdtinker

Pictured above: Dave handing over footballs (donated by Albrighton Junior FC) and rugby shirts donated by Telford Hornets RUFC.

Children using educational equipment bought with a donation from the Wellington News.

The Reception class in Nasioya, Kimilili.

Dave Tinker pictured with the headteacher of Nasioya School in Kimilili, Kenya, during a presentation.