MEMBERS of One World Link have have been supporting zero waste environmental and planning initiatives in Sierra Leone
The friendship link between Warwick district and the city of Bo was established in 1981 and has seen regular visits over the years.
The latest West African trip saw three teachers from local primary schools – Maureen Greyson of All Saints in Leek Wootton, Louise Latchford from Emscote Infants in Warwick and Helen Newbold of St. Paul’s in Leamington – take part in a school exchange programme, visiting and teaching in their linked schools in Bo.
It was challenging experience for the teachers, working in class sizes of up to 100, in excessive heat and without the modern facilities they were used to.
The teachers also ran a series of workshops focusing on how plastic waste could be reduced.
One World Link’s Paul Atkins, who helped coordinate the trip, said: “The teachers responded exceptionally well to the challenges that faced them and were truly great ambassadors for their profession and for our work in Bo.”
One World Link members Philip Clarke and Mair Evans were also in Bo to deliver a training workshop with staff and councillors from Bo City Council.
It was part of ongoing work with the Prince’s Foundation where One World Link has been helping the council in Bo address the challenges of the rapid growth of the city.
Philip said: “Bo is facing some major challenges as it is likely to grow to three times its current size in the next 25 years.
“We used the workshop to help the city council identify where land needs to be protected for vital investment such as schools and health clinics. We were really encouraged by the enthusiasm and passion from everyone we worked with.
“Our hope is that the workshops will have given local people the skills and confidence to take this work forward.”
Visit www.oneworldlink.org.uk for further information about One World Link.
