Last week saw two of our friends from Sao Paulo, Brazil re-visiting Stockport as part of a British Council funded project, aimed at extending global learning. Jorge & Edna, two teachers from Perituba, in Sao Paulo spent a week in Stockport, comparing and exchanging educational ideas with staff and pupils from St John's CE Primary School in Heaton Mersey, Tithebarn in Heaton Moor and Woodley Primary School Stockport in Romiley.

"In October 2005, I was part of a delegation of teachers who took part in a Cultural Exchange visit to Sao Paulo, Brazil to see how children were educated in the Brazilian educational system. It was the aim of project to try to create sustainable links between schools in England and Brazil, and four years on, the project is going from strength to strength.

"Links were also forged with Osasco Esporte Clube and Stockport County FC with pupils exchanging Video Diaries, Podcasts and emails, which compared life in Stockport, with that in Perituba, Sao Paulo. The visit also showed how the Brazilian Football Clubs were trying to use the power of sport as a catalyst to educate Brazilian youngsters in a safe, fun environment.

"January 2007 saw a delegation of Brazilian teachers and Sports Officials visit Stockport to look at how the UK education system and Government funded Study Centres operate. They were also able to meet the children and staff from the schools who have been part of the Global Citizenship project, which was set up in 2005. The visitors were also able to watch a County match and went home keen County fans!

"Last week teachers and pupils at St John's CE Primary, Woodley Primary and Tithe Barn Primary Schools welcomed Jorge and Edna into their schools for a week of shared learning. It is hoped that our visitors were able to see at first hand the similarities and differences of the school systems as well as the opportunity to view the award winning Study Centre here at Edgeley Park. "
- Gary Richards