DURING the two weeks before Easter, pupils and teachers in the Forest of Dean hosted six teachers from Kisumu, in western Kenya. The educational exchange has been organised by Sharon Hockey and Trevor Roach, of The Wilderness Centre in Mitcheldean, and aims to educate young people in both countries about the need for sustainable development.

During the evening of April 17 an exchange social evening was held at Dene Magna Community School, at which some of the school's students put on excellent drama and dance performances. This was followed by dancing to folk music provided by local musicians led by David Blick, mayor of Newent. I would like to thank all those musicians and performers who gave up their time, a valuable commodity in our rushed society.

At the end of the evening over £100 was kindly donated by those who attended to help take our Kenyan visitors on a trip to London. The trip was a great success, even the sun played its part by shining all day.

The Kenyan teachers asked me to publicly thank all those who made the trip possible, including Mr Howells, headteacher of Dene Magna School, who donated the school minibus for the trip.

The Kenyan teachers came with an impression that British people were rather insular and unfriendly. Owing to the friendliness and generosity of all those who they met in and around the Forest of Dean, they left with a totally different view. It is hoped that the link between schools in Gloucestershire and Kisumu will continue for many years to come. – Iain Beard, Berry Hill, Coleford.