1. Bringing the world into your classroom

2. WHO : VVOB is the Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance, a non-profit organisation. WHAT : We strive to contribute to the improvement of the quality of education in our partner countries. HOW : Educational programmes Technical assistance Capacity Development Partners : Local education authorities

3. VVOB’s partner countries

4. Background Due to our operations in the south and our establishment in Flanders we are in a unique position to form a bridge between both parts of the world. By means of our programme SchoolLinks we try to support and stimulate schools in Flanders and in the south to establish a sustainable global partnership.

5. Concept A sustainable and equal north-south partnership between schools with a focus on educational goals.

6. Partnership: Collaboration not aid project Slow growth Large participation Ownership of both schools Complex realities : Reinforce stereotypes versterken of doorbreken? Charity or mutual learning Global education ánd capacity development

7. Why? By means of a direct long term relationship, pupils and teachers can share knowledge and experiences about their society, culture, values, dreams and worries. For children, it is a very pleasant way to tackle learning issues and to make global issues very concrete. They can widen their view on the world and acquire new skills (intercultural skills, ICT, language,…). For teachers, the exchange of good practices can improve the quality of their learning and teaching. For VVOB. People should have a correct understanding of the “World”, global interdependence and the mechanism that underlie the North-South gap (knowledge) be willing to bridge this gap (attitude) take action to eliminate these injust mechanisms (action) (capacity building) => Solidarity between people

8. In short An educational tool Global formation and world citizenship Exchange of experiences – capacity building Intercultural exchange Expression of solidarity

9. Examples of activities Students write an essay on a certain subject, e.g. migration, climate change, colonisation, gender, religion, and exchange opinions Drawings or pictures of the students, school, home, the community to have a better view of each other’s social and physical environment Sending cultural artefacts and products for a good understanding and knowledge of each other’s background Exchanging educational materials and tools to integrate in lessons, share tips and tricks Compare music styles and preferences by making and exchanging a compilation Follow up story : the first part of a story made by one school, the other finishes it off. Asking each other questions (email, post, etc.) on certain topics, e.g. alcohol use, smoke prevention, HIV-Aids, language, … …

10. Challenges Slow growing process Set realistic goals Joint planning and reporting Realisation of commitments Restrictions of schools – Work load => integrate SchoolLink in lessons – Communication => Frequent and active communication – Different context

11. Requirements for Success The initiative, responsibility and execution of the school link activities are in hands of both schools. Support, commitment and participation in the school Good and frequent communication (between schools, intern, extern) Getting sustainable and independent (training, vision, finances, reflection and evaluation)

12. Role of VVOB VVOB facilitates the partnership and supports the schools to make their partnership stronger by: – Bringing interested schools together and provide information – Helping with the first contacts and communication – Helping with the first action plan and report – Inspiring schools on how they can build on the partnership – Giving advise on all kind of questions concerning the partnership – Small financial support to cover the expenses the committed schools may have

13. In sum VVOB inspires, advises and supports (gives tools, financial contribution, point of reference in the south, …) the start up process of a school link and of getting independent. The schools themselves take the lead, the initiative and the responsibility for the partnership. => The partnership has the capacity to continue when situations change (e.g. new personnel) and without external funding. It has become sustainable.

14. Contact On our SchoolLinks website, you can find more information: www. Scholenbanden.be/English Or contact the regional VVOB office