James welcomed Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street to Halesowen on Friday 1st April, as they visited Lutley Primary School to learn more about the Commonwealth Connections scheme that the school has been a part of.
In the build-up to this summer’s Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in Birmingham, children and young people across the West Midlands are being paired up with schools across ten Commonwealth Countries. Lutley Primary School has been paired with a school in Sri Lanka as part of a Dudley/Sri Lanka cluster partnership formed last October, and provides an opportunity for children to learn more about each other’s cultures and how to interact with people from different cultures.
During the visit, James and Andy had the opportunity to ask children what they had learnt about the Commonwealth, and what they were sports they were most excited to watch at this summer’s Games.
“Having the Commonwealth Games coming to our region this summer is a really exciting time for everyone" said James, "and it’s a great opportunity for children to learn more about the Commonwealth and the shared cultural ties we have with countries across the globe.
“I was really impressed with the children’s enthusiasm, and the way have engaged with Commonwealth Connections. After the Games are over, I hope they will leave a legacy in our region and a greater understanding and appreciation of the Commonwealth for all."
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added, “It was fantastic to visit Lutley Primary School with James to learn all about how the children there are benefitting from the Commonwealth Connections Programme, which is linking dozens of schools across the region with schools in countries across the world. We were very impressed to hear about how the pupils are connecting with a school in Sri Lanka through the scheme, and equally impressed with the batons which the children had made!
“The Commonwealth Games will provide a wonderful rallying moment to inspire the next generation and connect young people from across the Commonwealth with one another. That’s why the Commonwealth Connections programme is so important, as it will encourage pupils to respect and understand different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.”
