Two teachers from Uganda were welcomed to Elmbridge this week to see what life is like in British schools.

Hinchley Wood School has worked closely with Gulu Police P7 primary school in northern Uganda for more than five years, while Long Ditton St Mary’s Junior School forged their link with the country nearly three years ago.

Teachers Justin Okot and Hellen Auma from Hinchley Wood’s link school arrived on Monday, September 16, to observe their work and renew their acquaintances.

Last summer, 22 year 11 students from Hinchley Wood School visited Uganda to help paint, build and refurbish parts of the school, which teaches 2,000 children.

Students also helped pupils at the school with their IT learning, planting orchards and teaching new sports.

Mike Glover, deputy headteacher and key organiser of the visit, said: “We were first linked with the Gulu Primary school in 2008 and since then we have undertaken several visits between the two schools.

“Our students always enjoy hearing from teachers like Justin and Hellen and learning about life in Uganda.

“Our next initiative to support a second primary school in the region is very exciting; we are looking forward to working with Gulu and using our experiences to help the Mama Cave Primary as well.”

Along with their visit to Hinchley Wood, Justin and Hellen also spent time in Long Ditton with staff and pupils at the junior school before seeing the sites in London and attending a special variety show performance.

David Gumbrell, headteacher of Long Ditton St Mary’s Junior School, said: “Greeting Justin again was like meeting a long-lost friend, as he had been to the school two years ago.

“He instantly recalled playing in the chess club and that interest was reawakened on this visit. The school has bought him a beginners’ book of chess to take back with him on the condition that he returns to play me in the future.

“It was also good to expand our connections by meeting Hellen.”

Hinchley Wood students will now extend their support and fundraising efforts to help the Mama Cave primary school in Gulu, while Long Ditton St Mary’s continues to support Kaladima P7 School.