John Kyrle High School students and staff were delighted to welcome Mr James Mugenyi for a return visit to the school this week. James is the Deputy Head at Kisiki College, the school’s twin school in Namutumba, Uganda. James has played a key role in ensuring the success of the link between the two schools and was very much involved in setting up the association 23 years ago.

Headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, said that he was delighted to welcome James and to reaffirm the school’s continued commitment to its wonderful partnership with Kisiki College. Along with his counterpart in Uganda, Mrs Irene Nairuba, they both appreciate the interaction between staff and students which greatly enriches both organisations.

Mr Griffiths said that in the many years of association with Kisiki, he has seen positive outcomes for individual students and staff who visit Uganda. He was pleased to invite James to be featured the school’s first ‘tweet.’

During his visit, James will be teaching lessons and answering questions with lower school students. He will also be meeting with the students who are heading off to Uganda next month. John Kyrle’s Chair of Governors, Karen Frost, hosted a welcome lunchtime reception in James’ honour with around 20 JKHS staff who have been involved in the link. James will also visit many of John Kyrle’s feeder primary schools who have also developed links with primary schools in Uganda.

In July, 15 Sixth Form students and staff will visit Namutumba; they will be led by Jenny Costa Penny. During this time they will spend a week at Kisiki College taking part in lessons, debates, sports and musical activities. They will visit primary schools and distribute mosquito nets paid for with money raised on non-uniform days. The group will also visit other parts of Uganda, including Jinja on Lake Victoria and Murchison Falls National Park. They will return to the UK at the end of July to await their A level results.