While many were resting during the recent half-term break, our CEO, Jonty Clark, and Strategic Lead for Teaching and Learning, Anna Orsini, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Travelling deep into the jungle, they visited the school where they have been teaching virtually on Monday mornings over recent months. Known as the English Village, the school is founded on the belief that learning English is a primary pathway to a better life and a route out of poverty.

After two flights and a 45-minute helicopter journey, they reached the remote community. As the first Western visitors many local residents had ever seen, they were met with remarkable hospitality and hundreds of requests for photographs from families across generations.

Bringing TeachRock to the Jungle

The visit was far more than ceremonial. Following a joyful day of prize-giving, Anna and Jonty spent two further days in classrooms, with Anna delivering high-energy lessons using the TeachRock curriculum, which was met with immense enthusiasm by the students.

“The children’s appetite for learning, and the warmth and hospitality of the staff and community, will stay with us forever” 

- Jonty Clark

They left with a heartfelt commitment to return soon and continue supporting these remarkable young learners.

Notably, all expenses for the trip were personally funded by Jonty and Anna, ensuring that no Trust resources were used in undertaking this inspiring visit.