Eswatini School Partnership
The College maintains an on-going partnership with a high school in Eswatini (Swaziland). Visits to Mliddzini High School have been made on a bi-annual basis.
Aims
To provide opportunities for AGC pupils to experience a different culture, to undertake construction work to improve facilities and to help improve educational opportunities for the Eswatini pupils.
Background
The College has always supported charitable work. A partnership was formed with Mlindzini High School and AGC as a result of a College parent, Chester Lions Club and the work of College staff. A staff and governor inspection visit to Swaziland (Eswatini) was followed by a visit from senior staff at Mlindzini High School to the UK. The first pupil visit took place in 2016 and the most recent one centred on providing the AGC pupils with a vastly different cultural experience to the one they normally experience, as well as helping to improve facilities at a feeder primary school, acting as classroom assistants and aiding in the production of new teaching resources for the Mlindzini High School pupils. Similar trips are planned for AGC pupils to Eswatini in the future.
Resources
Preparation events, including fund-raising activities, are held within the College and local community. The time and expertise, of the pupils and AGC staff combines with that of the charity SenseAfrica who help to organise the visit.
Impact
Developing a cultural awareness amongst those students who undertake the visit (and the rest of the College community via subsequent assemblies) is a major part of the partnership. Altruistic actions whilst in Swaziland, such as the construction of new facilities, provision of resources and teaching, has a major positive impact on students and staff at Mlindzini High School.
Pupil Involvement
All pupils aged 16 and over are given the opportunity to participate.
Frequency
The visit is currently running on a bi-annual basis.