Rwanda in East Africa is viewed as the key Companion Link for church schools in the Winchester Diocese. This increasingly strong link is viewed through a mutually-beneficial lens and as a means of deepening links and learning for schools and parishes in both countries.
Following visits to Rwanda members of the Diocesan Education Team and several school leaders, an online learning community has been established between lead teachers in both countries.Many teachers in both countries are now taking advantage of the growing online learning hub. Shared learning is taking place, including the exchanging of research findings and developments in assessments and improving teachers’ questioning and assessment skills.
The Education Team’s work is philosophically and demonstrably driven by the Church of England’s Vision for Education document – ‘Deeply Christian : Serving The Common Good’. This aligns with the Winchester School of Mission’s learning from companion dioceses and provinces. Some aspects of serving the common good in Rwandan communities, such as regular litter clearance and acts of kindness, have been adopted by many Winchester diocesan schools.
Linked Schools
One of the intended outcomes of the project is to produce a targeted and sustainable strategy to ensure longevity and productive embedded links. Schools are being approached on an individual basis in order to ensure appropriate level of communication before a link is agreed. Ten schools are currently linked and sharing teaching methodology and resources.
Inaugural Rwanda/Winchester Joint Education Conference
A successful day-long conference was held in the Shyogwe Province for headteachers, chaplains and school pastors facilitated by the Diocesan Education Team alongside the Shyogwe Head of Education and Bishop Jered. Rwanda is moving to a competency-based curriculum and school leaders requested support with pedagogy.
Workshops included: Interactive teaching methods for English language acquisition and practical maths; How to create teaching resources using local natural materials; Interactive prayer; How to create prayer spaces and labyrinths; Good practice in church school worship; Worship through music, actions and song.
‘Standing Together’ project
Resources, experiences and knowledge gained on this visit informed planning for the Diocesan Education Team’s successful ‘Standing Together’ project in 2019/20. Each year the Diocesan Education Team develops a project to promote social action and community spirit, as well as encouraging young people to explore their value to society. The ‘Standing Together’ project encouraged children and staff to stand against exploitation, violence and injustice. The marking of 25 years since The Rwandan Genocide in 2019 provided both educational and ethical opportunities and an imperative to capitalise on the momentum of this companion link.
Use of Technology
The Education Team invested in technology to enhance the learning experiences of children in both countries. Virtual Reality headsets allowed children in Rwanda’s remotest schools to ‘visit’ under the sea and be linked live to the International Space Station. The use of a 360 degree camera means that children in Winchester schools will be able to experience sitting in a Rwandan school lesson and a church worship as if they were there.
A miniature microscope attachment for a camera allowed the team to capture enlarged, detailed photographs of Rwandan plants and animals that can be used for Science and Art lessons in Winchester diocesan schools.