Fiona O’Donnell, MP for East Lothian, is calling on the Government to reverse its decision to terminate the Global Schools Partnership, which promotes cooperation between schools in the UK and developing countries.
As part of the Global Schools Partnership, Campie Primary in Musselburgh has participated in a successful twinning project with a Burmese refugee school in Thailand.
Ms O’Donnell has already made representations to the Department for International Development, but has expressed disappointment with the response that she received.
Ms O’Donnell said:
“The partnership between Campie Primary and the Child Development Centre on the Thai-Burma border has been a terrific success.
Global Schools Partnership has provided Campie with a unique opportunity to explore issues around democracy and human rights, but also to change lives through the Child Development Centre’s Rice Fund which raises vital funds to feed the children attending the school.
Whilst the International Development Minister has recognised this, he has also said that his Government will go ahead with its plan to scrap this highly successful project.
The Minister has completely missed the whole point of the GSP. The professional exchanges between staff are making a real difference to the children in Thailand. We know that education is one of the most powerful and effective tools in fighting poverty; that is why I have again made representations to urge the Minister to rethink his decision.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- 1. Funding for the Global Schools Partnership will cease in 2013. A new scheme, ‘Connecting Classrooms’ has been launched, but partnerships between UK schools and schools in Thailand will not eligible for funding.
- 2. Further information on Global Schools Partnerships:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Get-Involved/In-your-school/global-school-partnerships/about-gsp/
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