Schools Link
The schools link began with Olney Infant School and The Rural Education Committee School (REC) in Newton. Two teachers visited Sierra Leone to find out how children are taught there. Olney Middle, Lavendon and Ousedale then came on board, each having a link school in Newton.
In 2010 three teachers from Olney and Lavendon visited Newton and in 2011 three Headteachers from Newton came to visit their partner schools. These visits were made possibly by a grant from the British Council. A further grant was awarded in 2014 but the teachers were unable to visit as there was an Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.
Over the years the UK schools have raised money to send out equipment and books to their partner schools. Children have also been involved in collaborative work. Topics covered have included school life, leisure activities, festivals, family celebrations and the weather. Pupils from both countries have benefitted greatly from learning about life in a different country.
The schools in Sierra Leone.
During Covid the schools link was quiet but resources such as books were still sent out. Money was also sent out from Olney Infant to repair a well at the REC school.
Recent News
The Village Schools Federation which includes Newton Blossomville have now joined and are linked with Christ Evangelical School. Komba their Head regulary sends photos through Whatsapp to keep us updated.
Their benafactor recently funded the building of new classrooms.
A well had been built at Christ Evangelical School but they didn’t have enough money for a pump. Getting water from a well without a pump is dangerous, as can be seen in the above picture. Money raised in the schools was sent out to enbable a pump to be fitted.
Ousedale and Olney Infant have restarted their links with schools in Newton.
Ousedale has raised money through cake stalls which will fund a well at Goshen High School..
The Olney Newton Link recently helped fund the building of a toilet block at Goshen High School.
