Sixth grade students at Oceanside School No. 8 recently connected with peers more than 7,000 miles away, meeting students from the Tubarere School in Rwamagana, Rwanda, during a live videoconference on Jan. 24.
The virtual meeting marked the first face-to-face interaction between the two schools, which have linked through fundraising efforts. School No. 8 students previously raised money for Tubarere through two walkathons, supporting the school through the Children Might Foundation, without imagining they would one day meet the student they were helping.
For the Tubarere School students, the experience was especially significant, as it was their first-ever online meeting with students from another country. While School No. 8 students had participated in videoconference before, this was their first time connecting with peers so far from home.
“It was an amazing experience for us and our students,” said Dr. Frank Zangari, principal of School No. 8. “To be able to connect from across the world and learn about the Tubarere School was truly remarkable.”
Protais, headmaster of the Tubarere School, said the day was equally meaningful for his students.
“Friday was a wonderful day,” he said. “It was the first time my learners participated in an online meeting.”
During the exchange, students on both sides eagerly shared observations and asked questions. School No. 8 students noted that Tubarere classrooms were arranged with boys and girls seated separately, that students wore red uniforms and that lunch consisted of rice and cabbage. They were also surprised to learn that their Rwandan peers study three languages and take subjects such as physics in sixth grade.
Tubarere students were just as curious. Some were surprised that American students do not wear uniforms, while others noticed differences in classroom seating, where some children sat on the floor while others sat in chairs.
Beyond cultural learning, the conversation helped students build confidence.
Bruno said the meeting “helped me understand my language level,” while Bright shared, “I learned to feel more confident whenever I am given a chance to speak.”
One of the most memorable moments came from Ganix.
“I loved how their headmaster was smiling,” he said.
Both schools hope to continue the exchange, with teachers eager to collaborate and students excited to strengthen a connection that has opened a window between two cultures and classrooms across continents.
