Children using computers
Connecting Classrooms

With the ever changing nature of the world as we know it, socially, economically and environmentally, it’s vital that young citizens know their place in the world. Teaching them about global issues is imperative.

Our global education programme for Schools, Connecting Classrooms, is specifically designed to help teachers do this.

We aim to give all young people the opportunity to succeed in a globalised society. Connecting Classrooms enables students and their teachers to:

  • understand issues of worldwide importance
  • gain a sense of social responsibility
  • develop skills to succeed in the global economy.

Since introducing the Connecting Classrooms programme in 2003, British Council Tanzania has connected almost 300 classrooms across UK, Tanzanian and other African schools. We have also facilitated more than 100 teacher exchange visits between the various countries.

In 2013, more than 1700 Tanzanian teachers took part in British Council training and successfully received ICT and Global Citizenship certification, while a further 50 Teachers from across the country received Accreditation from the University of Dar es Salaam College of Education. Over 90 Tanzanian schools received funding for further international partnerships, with more funding available for similar purposes in 2014.

'Through the richness of activities in Connecting Classrooms, we teachers have been able to improve our ICT skills, share experiences and also expand to reach more teachers from different schools. Our students have actively taken part in school debates, sports, ICT and gaining knowledge on the side effects of early pregnancies. We have also greatly improved our environmental management and conservation through the tools obtained through Connecting Classrooms.' – Margareth Doriye, Head of School, Jangwani Girl’s Secondary School

How we're connecting classrooms

Classrooms are connected in a variety of ways, including partnerships, online collaborations, grants for teachers to visit their partner schools, professional development opportunities and the International School Award (ISA).

Partnerships

Is your school involved in a partnership with a school in the UK? If so, you could be eligible for funding from the Connecting Classrooms programme. Getting involved will help you develop your young people as global citizens and as a teacher, you will also benefit through sharing best practice with colleagues in other countries.

You can be part of this exciting initiative.

It’s free and simple to set up your first partnership, and we can help you incorporate global themes into your school’s curriculum and build lasting international relationships.
Grants are also available to help you set up visits with partner schools and to support projects.

If you’re interested or want to know more, check the British Council Schools Online website, or contact us.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

We also offer workshops and online courses to help you get the most out of school partnerships.

Our online courses provide information and advice on:

  • the Connecting Classrooms programme
  • education for global citizenship
  • inter-cultural and global awareness
  • successful, lasting  partnerships
  • ICT for international collaboration
  • English for international exchange.

To register and get started on one of our courses visit the Connecting Classrooms Learning website.

You can also get involved with a face-to-face workshop, tailored specifically for teachers in Tanzania and focused on promoting global citizenship. The programme is divided into introductory and advanced level and is designed to:

  • enable you to share experiences and knowledge
  • benefit you whether you have basic or extensive global citizenship and international experience
  • renew enthusiasm
  • generate new ideas you can implement at school
  • encourage and equip you to strengthen the international nature of your school’s curriculum.

We also have another course designed to help school leaders make international education work in their schools. This is a modular programme of up to 20 modules that can be tailored to local need. If you want to get involved, please contact us.

International School Award

With the International School Award (ISA), we recognise schools that have shown a strong commitment to their partner schools – or; those which continue to enrich their students’ lives, inspiring interest in international cultures and global issues.

It’s free and the three levels of accreditation (foundation; intermediate; full) are open to all schools.

Visit the ISA pages on the British Council Schools Online website to learn more and find out how to get involved.

Policy dialogue

We are building relationships and networking, working with education policy makers, encouraging them to develop best practice in education and global citizenship and support Tanzania’s national priorities.

We’ll organise visits between participating countries, and inspire you to exchange and challenge ideas at international conferences. Contact us to learn more.

More information

Visit the Connecting Classrooms website to find out more about the Connecting Classrooms programme and to learn how you can get involved.

See also