SIX Zambian teachers have been visiting schools in Pershore to forge links as part of a special partnership.

The guests have been working with teachers and pupils to discover more about British education and life in schools. It follows a visit to Zambia by teachers from Pershore.

Chairman of the Pershore-Ndola Community Partnership, Steve Curtis, said: "Following the life-changing visit of our local teachers to Zambia at Easter, we were excited to welcome our Zambian partners on a reciprocal visit, supported by grants from the British Council, to further develop the links established over the past four years and continue valuable work on projects which help to embed a global dimension' into the curriculum, thereby supporting the essential development of our pupils as the global citizens they will need to be."

At St Nicholas First School, Chanda Kabwe and Catherine Chidakwa were welcomed by Rebecca Larner and Rachel Creese, who visited them in Zambia earlier this year.

Similarly, at Inkberrow First School, Catherine Mulenga and Jarivar Musonda were welcomed by Denise Jones and Jennifer Rhys. While at Fladbury First School, Escally Mwale was welcomed by Jonathan Rhys. David Phiri, headteacher of Lubuto High School, visited Pershore High School, following headteacher Clive Corbett's invitation.

During their time in the UK the Zambian teachers also visited other schools with Zambian links, such as Crowle and Pinvin First Schools and took part in community events.

The Pershore-Ndola Community Partnership was established in 2003 to support the development of school and community links with Zambia and, every year, its members take part in visits organised by IntroZambia, a not-for-profit organisation which offers the opportunity to experience life and culture in a country very different from our own. IntroZambia has so far welcomed teachers, partners and their children on its visits and it is expected that pupils may well travel in 2008.

Those interested in linking their schools, getting involved in the Pershore-Ndola Community Partnership, or travelling with IntroZambia, should contact Steve Curtis on 07887 953909 or e-mail steve.curtis@classresource.co.uk