Penpals make a world of difference

Thanks to a partnership with the Africa Exchange Project, a group of Cushing students have made a special connection with peers half a world apart.

For the past year, they have become pen pals with students in Tanzania, East Africa, exchanging letters, pictures, emails, video recordings and even gifts — like Cushing T-shirts and stuffed animals. 

The Africa Exchange Project, a nonprofit, volunteer organization, provides access to clean water, quality education and reliable healthcare in the rural community of Pomerini, Tanzania. Its primary work is building relationships, and all projects are chosen and carried out by the people whose lives the organization is helping to improve. 

“They have a commitment to sharing ideas and culture — the exchange part of the project — so they requested a visit,” said Meghan Byrne, Cushing’s associate vice president of marketing and admissions. 

Jim Ahern, chairperson of the organization’s U.S. board, accompanied Tumaini Ngajilo, head of special education at the Pomerini Primary School, to tour Cushing, meet with staff, learn about technology and possibly implement some ideas in his own school.

“He was eager to learn how Americans support children with special needs,” said Byrne. 

Following their visit, Byrne reached out to teacher Elizabeth Abbott to see if there was interest in a pen pals program, and students embraced the idea. They visit the Pomerini School’s Facebook page weekly to check in on their friends, and Abbott and Ngajilo communicate monthly, sharing photos and videos of their classes. 

“The students love having their pen pals from Tanzania,” said Abbott. “The connection just melts my heart.” 

In addition to the new friendships, Abbott hopes her students are discovering how students learn differently in other cultures and countries. 

“When we watch the videos, the students in Tanzania are speaking in another language (sign language or another spoken language) and we talk about how that’s different, but also wonderful. We can embrace our different cultures, countries and abilities.”