About the Link Schools Programme

LCD helps set up and sustain meaningful partnerships with schools in Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda.

The Link Schools Programme (LSP) is the only programme run in conjunction with ongoing school development programmes in rural Africa, involving over 1500 schools.

Linking contributes to, and benefits from, LCD's many projects in Africa. These projects improve the quality of education for children, encourage sustainable school development and promote global citizenship.

Over 800 schools are successfully linked through LCD.

Tim Buckley, headteacher at Tithe Barn Primary School in Stockport, says: "You can't imagine the benefits you're going to get out of twinning - it's staggering what can happen.

"It opens people's minds - not just the children's but everyone in the school community. It makes you question things, question your beliefs, it breaks down stereotypes, broadens your horizons.

"When you get a letter from a school in Africa it's real and that's what makes it exciting."

African Connection

Linking your school through LCD brings learning to life, making it real and purposeful. It offers the opportunity for teachers and pupils to share experiences and learn about real lives in Africa.

First hand information from Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda encourages students' curiosity about the world. Students can find out about where places are, what they're like, natural resources, environment, global justice issues and fair trade. They can also develop global citizenship values that are drawn from direct contact and experience.

Linking with rural Africa can value and validate the cultures, experiences and histories of African children in schools in Ireland and the UK, break down stereotypes and challenge racism. It will develop internationalism and awareness of global interdependence among the whole school community.

A link may provide a focus for whole-school initiatives, open up possibilities for a range of different exchanges art, music, stories, poetry, letters, photos. Linking is something Ofsted often looks very positively on and can enable you to go for an International Schools Award.

For more information on how LSP fits in with LCD's wider educational work please click here.


This postcard was sent during LCD's annual Postcard Exchange, one of several events LCD runs. It vividly highlights some of the realities children in Africa face.

What makes LCD different?

The opportunity to be a part of an international development agency and a network of 400+ Irish and UK schools
An in-depth resource pack on linking, which includes a profile of your partner school, relevant teaching resources, linking practice advice and curriculum links
Twice termly mail services between partner schools, ensuring safe delivery of your correspondence
Access to staff in Africa, Ireland and the UK who are dedicated to supporting participating schools
Practically and professionally supported reciprocal visits between staff in partner schools
Annual reports to keep you up-to-date with your partner school's development
Regular workshops, conferences, events and resources organised around key calendar dates, some of which can be seen here.

Cost

For schools in the UK:

There is a financial commitment from UK schools of £500 per year (this can be negotiated for small primary schools). 80% of this supports the LCD project that your partner school benefits from, including a conditional grant. The other 20% allows LCD to support UK schools, as well as raise awareness about our work in Africa.

For schools in Ireland:

The financial commitment from Irish schools of €300 per year (this can be negotiated for small primary schools).

To apply to link your school please click here.

Click here to watch our Link Schools Programme movie.