Penketh High School/Kwadeda High School Partnership

“After a long flight delay, several airports and a 13 hour plane journey, 3 staff, Miss D Gibson, Mr M Mullock and Mr J Kay and 4 sixth form students, Lucy Beech, Tamara Higham, Adam Leah and Ross Jones  arrived safely in   Johannesburg, South Africa to undertake a cultural exchange with our partner school Kwadeda High. Pupils and staff were greeted with a very warm welcome from our colleagues in Soweto.

Whilst in South Africa, our pupils participated in a number of projects including filming for our International film ‘The Opportunity’, organising and running Junior Sports Leaders lessons and leading small group sessions on the cultural similarities and differences between our two countries. Pupils were also provided with opportunities to visit a Safari Park, to take a tour of Soweto, a church visit and invitations into pupils’/staff’s homes.” Mr M Mullock commented.

“Getting the chance to go to South Africa was the best thing that has ever happened to me. The trip as a whole was an eye opening and life changing experience.

When you see how other people around the world live, it definitely makes you appreciate what you have been given in life because you realise how fortunate you are in comparison to others. Seeing another culture first hand has a greater impact than reading about it in the newspapers or learning about it in a classroom. It makes it more personal to you and you feel like you are involved in some way.

I'm eternally grateful to have been given such a fantastic educational opportunity, and it will definitely stay with me for the rest of my life,” Tamara Higham stated.

“My eyes are opened!” said Xolani Mbatha.

“It is rare to get a chance like this,” commented Ntombifuthi Khumalo.

I was fortunate to be able to meet and to talk with some of our visitors: Sibanyani Sibusiso,  Xolani Mbatha,  Zwelibanzi Thulani Sibisi,  Ntombifuthi Khumalo, and Busi Nkosi, the day before they left to return home to South Africa and find out about, at first hand, their thoughts, impressions and plans for the future.

I asked Xolani what he had enjoyed most about the exchange visits.

He said, “I enjoyed the chance to learn more about the different culture in England, and teaching the English students about what we have to offer, when they came to South Africa.” It was his second visit and again he commented on our more advanced technology in school. He also said he enjoyed going on the trip to Blackpool and the funfair!

When I asked him what he thought our students would have noticed particularly, he said the way the media portrayed most things in Africa, giving the impression that everywhere was impoverished and they were very surprised to see smart town centres and shopping malls like the Carlton Centre!

During our conversation I was asked what changes they would like to make in South Africa and the students said the negativity which some people expressed and racism. When asked what they would like to bring to England they said different culture, diversity and sunshine!

On the question of young people today they agreed that here, teachers and pupils have a more friendly relationship and yet in South Africa young people are more discreet in their behaviour before adults, and more respectful to them.

So what does the future hold for them now? Busi is following her musical interests playing at gigs in a band and studying politics and Performing Arts, Ntombi wants to be a primary school teacher and is studying Biology and English and involved in Music. Xolani said that he would also like to teach and is studying Biology and Music.

I finally asked them how their fellow students felt about their visit and they said that naturally they were envious. “..They hate us!” they joked, but added that they hoped more students would have the chance next time.

The students all commented on how much they had enjoyed their visit especially the shops and Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium and the Film Premiere.They would have liked to have gone to a Premier football match and visit London for the sites and see the Queen but that will have to wait for another time.

They wanted to thank everyone for this opportunity:

“It is rare to get a chance like this.”

“My eyes are opened!”