The Tujuane Student Exchange Project was started in 2002 between three secondary schools Dene Magna, Newent and Lakers and three Kenyan partner schools in the Kisumu area of Western Kenya. The exchange between the schools takes place every two years. 

 

Through an application and interview selection process five year 10 girls were chosen as ambassadors for Dene Magna and the Tujuane team. They worked hard fundraising and preparing for the exchange to take place.

 

In March 2013 a small group of Kenyan students and teachers visited the UK as the first leg of the exchange. They visited each school and spent time enjoying UK sights and culture and were hosted by the five girls and their families.  

 

On 22nd June 2013 the Tujuane team started their travels to Kenya as the second leg of the exchange. Whilst in Kenya we visited many different parts of Kenya enjoying the African sights, experiencing their culture and spending time in our partner schools. 

 

Dene Magna has a learning partnership link with St. John Chrisostom Kudho secondary school. We spent several days in the secondary school where we spent time in lessons but also time sharing views and experiences.

Each exchange there is a curriculum focus: this year concentrated on ‘migration’. Through several months of preparation between all schools this was bought together in a Model United Nations conference event on one Saturday. Where members from each school represented a chosen country where they discussed issues regarding ‘migration’

 

The itinerary was packed full of different activities so each 

member could fully experience life in Africa, so much so the 10 days flew past and saw the safe return of all members back in the UK on 8th July par a few suitcases which finally found themselves back safely too.

 

It was a pleasure to be part of the Tujuane team and to take five Dene Magna students to share the experience with, they were fab. I look forward to a return visit in 2015 with a new group of students. 

 

Miss Gardner 

 

 

 

Information about Tujuane 2015 will be available in the new school year.