UK and Kenya children talk about Obama election

Pupils involved in Plan UK's school linking project in both Britain and Kenya were asked their opinions on the election of Barack Obama as US President.

More than 50 schools in Kisumu, Kenya, about 30 miles from where Obama was born and where his grandmother still lives in the village of Kogelo, have linked to British partners as part of the scheme.

Students at Davies Lane Primary, Leytonstone, East London, linked with Nyaduong Primary, Kisumu, welcomed news of America¿s first black president.

Phoebe, a Year 5 Davies Lane pupil, says: "I think the elections were fair because it means that it doesn't matter what colour you are.

"I think that he is a very good man and that he fought for his rights. I think now Kenyan children can aim higher."

And Marwa, also from Year 5, says: "I think the election result is good news. It made me feel proud to link with another school from Kenya.

"I think he will be a very good president and he won¿t make war. I think it means good news for children at our linked school because they know he's a powerful man."

Children at Obola Primary in Kisumu, linked with Woodland Community Primary in Rochdale, also had a high opinion of the new US President.

Brian, 12, says: "Obama is very hard-working. He is going to help the world. He can help the people of Kenya."

And referring to last December's violence following Kenya's national poll, Brian adds: "It's good that America elected him in peace unlike here."

Ten-year-old Missy says: "We should work hard to be like Obama. Things will change if I live in peace and work hard in my studies."

While Caroline, 12, hopes Obama will increase international aid. "Obama will help our country by building houses and schools, so we're happy," she says.

Find out more

Plan UK's school linking project, run by experienced teachers at Plan, aims to bring 2,000 schools in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the UK together over the next five years.

Participants in Plan-ed School Links receive a resource pack with lesson plans, DVDs and artefacts from the link country, in service training, guidance and advice from experienced teachers and a phone-in support service with an online portal to communicate with their linked school via the Internet.

Free lesson plans and resources developed in line with the UK curriculum, including new schemes of work on climate change, are available from the Plan-ed website.

Read more pupils' reactions at the BBC World Class website.