RWANDAN teachers have visited Monmouthshire primary schools as part of a cultural exchange.

Bernard Uwamahoro, Jeanne Uwihoreye and Patrick Tuyizere, who are from the country’s Muhunga district, visited Shirenewton, Thornwell and Undy primary schools.

Shirenewton Primary School received £9,000 from the British Council for the project, which has seen the teachers visit Monmouthshire to set up linked projects between schools in the two countries.

Shirenewton’s associate head teacher Jill Mitchell said: “The link was the idea of the student council, so we successfully bid to the British Council for funding.

“We are planning some really exciting projects between the two schools and the pupils have been sharing lots of information about what life is like in south east Wales.

“The pupils have really enjoyed learning about what school is like in Rwanda and talking to our three guests during their visit.”

During their visit the Rwandan teachers joined in lessons from reception up to year 6, met parents and governors, and answered many questions about what life and school is like in Rwanda.

They also enjoyed listening to the school choir, watching some traditional folk dancing, making Welsh cakes and visiting some local places of interest. They taught staff and pupils some Rwandan greetings and quickly picked up some Welsh phrases to teach their pupils.

Monmouthshire council’s cabinet member for education Cllr Liz Hacket Pain said: “This has proved a valuable exchange visit, enthusing the pupils at three of our schools to learn more about life in Rwanda.

“Good teaching engages and inspires children to want to learn more. By speaking face to face with Bernard, Jeanne and Patrick, the pupils have heard first-hand accounts of life in another continent.

“The three exchange teachers had a wonderful time in our beautiful county, sharing stories about their homeland with the pupils and inspiring them to share information about their lives.”