INTERNATIONAL guests in Cumbria for a global citizenship project were welcomed to Kendal by the chairman of South Lakeland District Council.

The project is a three year European Union funded learning initiative exploring how to embed global citizenship education across the primary curriculum.

Welcoming the guests to the county, Cllr Sylvia Emmott said: “I spent a lifetime in education and know that children in Cumbria involved in this scheme will gain an invaluable global understanding.

“Global schools will give children a fantastic opportunity to understand we are living in a global society.

“It will prepare youngsters for challenges they face as they move into adulthood and it will teach them that we are part of an international community.”

Cumbria Development Education Centre (CDEC), an Ambleside based education charity, delivers the project in the United Kingdom which involves 17 partner organisations working with schools in 10 different European countries.

CDEC co-hosted the two-day International Advisory Group meeting with Cumbria County Council at County Hall in Kendal.

Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, Cllr Clare Feeney-Johnson said: "I am very proud to be part of this global learning scheme and for children across Cumbria to enhance their education in this way, it’s a real privilege.”

The team of international delegates included education experts from Latvia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, France, Ireland and Spain.

CDEC Director Katie Carr said: “Many of our teachers don't realise that we're seen as an example of great practice here in Cumbria, a beacon of global citizenship education.”

To find out more about the Global Schools project, contact Katie Carr on 01539 431602.