Initiative connecting 60 West Midlands and Commonwealth schools launched
Pupils have taken part in a video call with children in Sri Lanka as excitement builds for the Commonwealth Games.
The project, called Commonwealth Connections, is a partnership between the British Council and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
It links 60 schools in the West Midlands with 60 schools across 10 Commonwealth countries, allowing pupils to explore cultures and beliefs and learn how to communicate with people from different backgrounds.
Attending the launch at Thorns Collegiate Academy in Brierley Hill were teachers and pupils from six schools in the Dudley area who took part in a live link-up with six schools in Sri Lanka.
British Council deputy chief executive Kate Ewart-Biggs said: "It’s important to get children thinking internationally and learning about different cultures around the world.
"We’re proud to have used our long-established network of schools and education leaders around the world to provide these international connections.
"The Games are a fantastic opportunity to develop relationships with other Commonwealth countries by bringing people together."
The pupils from each country took turns to perform demonstrations over a live video link with the children in Sri Lanka showing off a traditional dance while pupils in the UK performed a fusion dance.
They were joined by Commonwealth Championships gold medallist Tom Davis, Paralympic gold medallist Liz Johnson and Birmingham 2022 mascot Perry the Bull.
Liz Johnson, said: "Sport has such power to bring people together and break down barriers.
"I’m so excited to be involved in this programme and to share my experiences with young people across the Commonwealth.
"They will have the amazing opportunity to connect with others who go to schools elsewhere in the world and live completely different lives to them.
"On Children’s Mental Health Week, this programme is a timely reminder of the important and powerful role sport can play in young people’s lives, fostering inclusive environments, building connections between schools, and developing empathy and trust among young people."
The project will run until July 2022 and will build excitement among young people and their communities in the build up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
