Writhlington science teacher, Simon Pugh-Jones (MBE), headed to Rwanda this half-term to carry out some extensive research and to continue conserving rare species of orchids.

Writhlington have long been developing working relationships with schools and colleges in Rwanda, including taking teams of Writhlington students to visit and share their expertise. Based at the Kitabi College of Conservation and Land Management (KCCEM), a centre of excellence for conservation education in East Africa, Simon ran a series of workshops on orchid conservation and laboratory propagation.

KCCEM diploma students carried out field studies and laboratory work developing potential sustainable enterprise work with key endemic Rwandan species. 

The British Council Connecting Classrooms initiative provided funding for Simon's work, as well as bringing a group of students from FAWE School, Kigali, to KCCEM to carry out scientific research in Nyungwe National Park and learn laboratory procedures.

Simon is due to have the research on rainforest micro-habitats published in the UK to help the FAWE students develop their scientific career prospects.

FAWE is a specialist sciences school and teacher, Tonny Kasinja, will be visiting Writhlington School in April to continue the partnership between the schools.

Writhlington's partnership with Rwandan schools and colleges began in 2013 and provides for sharing skills and offering students from both countries unique opportunities to develop scientific, communication and development skills.