In 2016, Year 7 students of Sheldon College and the Sunrise of Africa students enjoyed getting to know each other on Skype and by sending videos to show what they did at school, their routine, their lives at home, what they enjoyed doing outside of school and their other interests.  The project was a great success.

This is the Sunrise children singing to the Sheldon students: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sunrise-of-Africa-School-Kenya-461313754018556/videos/?ref=page_internal

This is what Lachlan at Sheldon College wrote for Sunrise’s newsletter about the project:

Meeting the Sunrise of Africa School

Over the past few months the Year 7 students of Sheldon College have been building a bond with the Sunrise of Africa School in Kenya. Over this time, both schools have been sharing their cultures through videos sent to each other and Skype discussions.

During this time both schools have learnt about each other’s culture, way of living, and the schools as a whole. As a Sheldon College student I particularly enjoyed learning about the culture and beliefs of the school, as well as the opportunity to communicate with other children of my age in a completely different continent. It was interesting seeing the similarities and differences between the two schools.

Meeting the students of the Sunrise of Africa School has made me realise how much I value the privileges that I receive in Australia, and to not take them for granted. This encounter has been beneficial to myself and the Sheldon College students as a whole by making us realise what a great school we have here in Australia. It is also wonderful seeing how the capabilities of the Sunrise students to learn and enjoy schooling with limited resources compared to ourselves.

It was a great experience in getting the opportunity to meet and create a friendship with the Sunrise of Africa students as we saw how other societies live and work. The Skype sessions provided amazing interaction between the students of both schools as we got the chance to communicate in person with people on opposite sides of the world, while learning and sharing our cultures.

Overall, the Year 7 students of Sheldon College have benefitted from engaging with the Sunrise of Africa students as a learning experience and just to meet other people of our age.

By Lachlan Andrews