Taking its name from the Xhosa word for ‘Twin’, Amawele facilitates partnerships between schools in Ireland and South Africa, to promote cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries. Each school is twinned with one other, and the students and teachers exchange information to gain insight into some of the practical realities facing their counterparts.

Amawele is currently working with around 70 schools in the Eastern and Western Capes, identifying needs and supporting them through developing facilities, materials, training, food and healthcare.  It is planned to increase this to 200 schools by 2010.  The main focus is on raising the number of young people in South Africa who have access to properly structured education at both primary and second level. Amawele’s aim in Ireland is to give Irish young people the opportunity to grow in understanding about the world in which they live and to develop a confidence about the difference that they as individuals, and their communities, can make in the world and in their own lives.

Amawele receives funding from private donors and, since July 2008, has been in receipt of funding from Irish Aid ensuring the programmes expand and continue.

Monday May 25th 2009 - The Nationwide programme on RTE One saw Mary Kennedy interview Billy O'Keeffe of Amawele.  Billy spoke about the need for qualified primary teachers and those with a qualification in Maths, Science or English in South African schools.  Many new graduates will find it difficult to obtain full time employment in education as a result of the cutbacks that are being implemented.  Amawele hopes to engage with some of these teachers and enable them to work in township schools in the Western Cape for a six, twelve or eighteen month assignment.  If this call for volunteers interests you please forward an up to date CV to info@amawele.org - It is hoped that teachers would begin work in South African schools in January 2010 and in the meantime go through an interview process and attend a number of preparatory sessions.

May 25th is Africa Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success, and join Africans around the world in highlighting the cultural and social energy of the continent.

The Waterford One World Centre is hosting an African evening on Monday May 25th in Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford and all are welcome.

Nationwide on RTE One at 7pm on Monday May 25th will focus on Africa and feature an interview with Billy O'Keeffe about Amawele.

To find out more about events in your area log on to the Africa Day Website