Press Release

4 January 2007

Developing global partnerships in education: The World Classroom

Chancellor Gordon Brown and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn today launched “The World Classroom” a new publication showcasing how UK schools build links with schools in the developing world.

The UK will spend £8.5 billion over the next decade to help the developing world realise the aim of Education for All. The Department for International Development (DFID) runs a school linking programme designed to encourage and increase understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face school children across the world.

Support, including grant funding, is available to schools who wish to participate in the programme, funding for which was doubled in April 2006 to £7.5 million over three years. The new publication draws together all the sources of advice and support for schools in one easy and accessible guide. DFID school partnership coordinators will be holding regional roadshows for schools later in the year to help explain what they can do to establish, build and maintain a link with a school in the developing world.

Gordon Brown said:

"The right to education could be the greatest gift the rich nations can make to the developing world.

“That is why I want every parent, student and school in Britain and the developed world to become campaigners calling on governments round the world to ensure that in our generation every child is finally given access to schooling. "

Hilary Benn said:

“Education helps transform lives, banishing ignorance and improving opportunities.

“Building links between schools across the world, bringing pupils together, sharing experiences and learning will help us tackle the challenge of providing education for all.”

DFID Global School Partnerships promotes partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America. The programme provides advice and guidance, professional development opportunities and grants to schools that are using partnerships as a means to develop and embed a global dimension within their curriculum. The grants programme gives schools the opportunity to develop their partnerships through reciprocal visits and curriculum development activity.

To view a copy of the new publication, please go to www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/school-partnerships.asp or to order a copy please ring 0845 300 4100.

For more information about DFID’s Global School Partnerships please visit www.dfid.gov.uk/funding/globalschools.asp 

For further information, contact Nic Fearon-Low on 020 7023 0533 or 020 7023 0600, e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk or call our Public Enquiries Point on 0845 300 4100.

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