This inclusive partnership has always been based upon equity and learning from each other. The partnership and its visits give the Basotho (people from Lesotho) and Welsh communities a great opportunity for global learning, entrepreneurial and team-work enhancement.
Angélique Perrault, teacher at Ysgol Glan-y-Môr and ‘Glan-y-Moyeni’ Coordinator for the school, shares how this Dolen Cymru Lesotho-supported initiative benefitted from Taith funding as a consortium 20 schools from North, West and South Wales in 2022-23.
The consortium project, called ‘Meddwyl Y Byd – Thinking the World – Ho Nahana Lefatšeng’ overall aim was to support innovation in global learning through the Sustainable Development Goals and peer-education, leading to positive impact on school communities in Wales and Lesotho.
The ‘Glan-y-Moyeni’ aims contributed to those of the collective consortium project as we:
A group of 30 Basotho and Welsh learners and educators took part in exchange visits to Lesotho and Wales, inspiring their peers with these life-changing and memorable experiences. The reciprocal visits allowed for people to meet with one another and to create friendships that will last for a lifetime.
The highlights of the exchange visits and this year’s partnership are reflected in what some of the learners have said:
I’ve learnt a little bit of Welsh and I can cwtsh! I am so happy to have made new friends and I know we can meet again! Long live Glan-y-Moyeni!
Thlokomelo Letsie, Moyeni High School learner
For me, the visit to Lesotho has been a life-changing experience. I really enjoyed sitting in the classroom with some of the younger students. I made a conscious effort to learn some basic Sesotho before our visit which they loved. I look back at our time in Lesotho and tear up thinking about the memories made and the friendships built. This trip was a once in a lifetime experience, and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity.
Harriet Evans, Glan-y-Môr learner
I loved every minute of my time in Lesotho, and I am so grateful to have been given the experience. From singing the Welsh anthem on the top of the mountains to going live on the radio in Quthing. I have learned so much from all the students who I can now call friends for life. From this trip I have learned that I don’t need to spend as much time on my phone as I used to, and it is the little things in life that are most important.
Charlotte Town, Glan-y-Môr learner
I really enjoyed the bus ride from the airport to the school where we saw all the amazing views of the mountains. My favourite moment was building the keyhole garden where we bonded with the pupils coming to Wales.
Brychan Gilson, Glan-y-Môr learner
My time in Wales was amazing. It was immense meeting my Welsh friends again after having first met me in Lesotho last February. I am ever so grateful for what the chance I had. Diolch!
Mphoentle Moepa, Moyeni High School learner
The ‘Glan-y-Moyeni’ experience has ethically empowered all the learners, educators, their families, and local communities involved. It has undoubtedly opened their minds, made them feel valued and actively engaged in the world they live in. Every learner was a team member.
What has brought them together was the wonderful idea that they could meet with real people from both sides of the world, make friends with each other, have fun, and spend quality time together face-to-face.
They have come to the realisation that they come from different parts of the world, yet they have many common interests, want the best for themselves and for each other: happiness, quality education, safety and peace. They can now make a difference around them; however small it may be.
We strongly encourage any schools, organisations to apply for Taith funding as the financial support is crucial as meeting people face-to-face brings a more real purpose to being actively involved in a global collaborative partnership.