CHILDREN in North Yorkshire are making friends around the world thanks to an education programme.

Schools in the county are encouraged to form partnerships with those in other countries.

Education chiefs say the partnerships give pupils an understanding of international issues.

They also help children learn languages and discourage discrimination.

Many of the partnerships are forged with schools in developing countries.

One initiative within the programme is the teachers' international professional development scheme.

Over the past four years, teachers from almost 50 schools in the county have visited schools in other countries.

Ann McGarvey, who advises the county council on building links with schools, believes the scheme benefits teachers and students.

She said: "The scheme provides really good professional development for the individual teachers.

"A very high percentage of teachers who take part go on to be promoted.

"And it is terrific for the children to have contact with different cultures."

Meadowside Community Primary School, in Knaresborough, has links with schools in Barcelona, France, Italy, Mallorca and Poland.

Richard Taylor Primary School, in Harrogate, has developed close links with a school in Sri Lanka.

An exchange programme for teachers has been arranged between the two schools.

Children are also encouraged to write to a pen pal in other countries.

Headteacher Barbara Belsham said: "One benefit is that children get to meet people with different cultures, faiths and traditions.

"The scheme raises awareness. We talk about things like fair trade, sustainable communities and debt reduction.

"The children think about other people and consider things from a different perspective."

The school shares the link with other schools in Harrogate and Leeds.

Councillor John Watson, North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for schools, said: "I am delighted with the steps that have been taken by so many schools in North Yorkshire to develop cultural and learning links with schools around the world.

"Opportunities like these also enable schools to meet their obligations under discrimination legislation, particularly race relations, and to be proactive in equipping pupils with knowledge and understanding of different cultures.