Aberdeenshire Kenya Literacies Exchange Programme

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Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) team were successful in securing an Education Exchange grant from the Scottish Government - Scottish Education Exchange Test and Learn (Year 3). This is the first time this grant has been available to CLD, as it was previously only offered to schools, universities, and colleges.

Six staff members from across the CLD service travelled to Kenya in February 2026 to take part in the Aberdeenshire Literacies Learning Exchange in partnership with Inspire Nyeri, Kenya.

The Aberdeenshire Kenya Literacies Learning Exchange has built an international partnership between Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Learning and Development Service and Inspire Nyeri, a community-based literacies organisation in Kenya. Through virtual collaboration and an exchange visit to Kenya, the project has enabled staff to learn from innovative, community led literacy approaches used in Nyeri. Insights from the exchange visit have informed the co-development of inclusive, sustainable and outcome focused literacies models for use in Aberdeenshire. The project has strengthened professional learning, enhanced local literacies provision and reduced stigma around literacies learning.

Literacy is a foundational skill that improves life chances, employability, and access to services for children and families in both Kenya and Scotland. Throughout the exchange, the team were able to experience local culture first‑hand, explore traditions, and reflect on the similarities and differences in how communities approach literacy learning. Rich discussions around government policy, community history, and the role of literacy in everyday life created a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved. The opportunity to share perspectives with experienced colleagues in Nyeri was both inspiring and enlightening, strengthening relationships and deepening understanding on both sides.

This page forms part of the legacy of the exchange visit. Feel free to explore the wide range of photos, reflections, stories and learning resources we hold. We would suggest the starting point is the exchange documentary and photo gallery, which you'll find below.


Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) team were successful in securing an Education Exchange grant from the Scottish Government - Scottish Education Exchange Test and Learn (Year 3). This is the first time this grant has been available to CLD, as it was previously only offered to schools, universities, and colleges.

Six staff members from across the CLD service travelled to Kenya in February 2026 to take part in the Aberdeenshire Literacies Learning Exchange in partnership with Inspire Nyeri, Kenya.

The Aberdeenshire Kenya Literacies Learning Exchange has built an international partnership between Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Learning and Development Service and Inspire Nyeri, a community-based literacies organisation in Kenya. Through virtual collaboration and an exchange visit to Kenya, the project has enabled staff to learn from innovative, community led literacy approaches used in Nyeri. Insights from the exchange visit have informed the co-development of inclusive, sustainable and outcome focused literacies models for use in Aberdeenshire. The project has strengthened professional learning, enhanced local literacies provision and reduced stigma around literacies learning.

Literacy is a foundational skill that improves life chances, employability, and access to services for children and families in both Kenya and Scotland. Throughout the exchange, the team were able to experience local culture first‑hand, explore traditions, and reflect on the similarities and differences in how communities approach literacy learning. Rich discussions around government policy, community history, and the role of literacy in everyday life created a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved. The opportunity to share perspectives with experienced colleagues in Nyeri was both inspiring and enlightening, strengthening relationships and deepening understanding on both sides.

This page forms part of the legacy of the exchange visit. Feel free to explore the wide range of photos, reflections, stories and learning resources we hold. We would suggest the starting point is the exchange documentary and photo gallery, which you'll find below.


Sharing Stories

Six Community Learning and Development Workers travelled to Nyeri in Kenya on 2nd February for 10 days to develop opportunities to learn and share new skills. Learn a bit more about the experiences of everyone involved - below you'll find personal and team reflections, social media links and photos from the exchange visit. 


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  • Share Caithleen's Journal 2 on Facebook Share Caithleen's Journal 2 on Twitter Share Caithleen's Journal 2 on Linkedin Email Caithleen's Journal 2 link

    Caithleen's Journal 2

    3 months ago

  • Share Caithleen's Journal on Facebook Share Caithleen's Journal on Twitter Share Caithleen's Journal on Linkedin Email Caithleen's Journal link

    Caithleen's Journal

    3 months ago

  • Share Jambo! on Facebook Share Jambo! on Twitter Share Jambo! on Linkedin Email Jambo! link

    Jambo!

    3 months ago




    A Monday 2am alarm for most of us and the longest commute to work.

    But we made it to Kenya around 9.30pm (Kenya time)

    A chaotic experience through passport control / immigration to have our passports stamped and ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) checked.

    Then baggage collection and our transfer to the airport hotel for one night of luxury before we continue our journey to Nyeri.



    Jambo -It’s a cheerful, tourist‑friendly greeting you’ll often hear, especially in places where visitors go




    A Monday 2am alarm for most of us and the longest commute to work.

    But we made it to Kenya around 9.30pm (Kenya time)

    A chaotic experience through passport control / immigration to have our passports stamped and ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) checked.

    Then baggage collection and our transfer to the airport hotel for one night of luxury before we continue our journey to Nyeri.



    Jambo -It’s a cheerful, tourist‑friendly greeting you’ll often hear, especially in places where visitors go

  • Share Donna Anderson on Facebook Share Donna Anderson on Twitter Share Donna Anderson on Linkedin Email Donna Anderson link

    Donna Anderson

    3 months ago

    Location: Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Assistant

    I live in Strichen and spend much of my time with my two sons, Hamish (15) and Bruce (14). We enjoy walking our rescue dog, Storm, around the local area, and football plays a big part in our family life — whether it’s supporting my sons or going to Pittodrie to watch Aberdeen Football Club. I also have a real love for cooking, which I see as another way of bringing people together.

    I work as a Community Learning and Development Assistant based at Mintlaw Academy, alongside my role as a... Continue reading

    Location: Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Assistant

    I live in Strichen and spend much of my time with my two sons, Hamish (15) and Bruce (14). We enjoy walking our rescue dog, Storm, around the local area, and football plays a big part in our family life — whether it’s supporting my sons or going to Pittodrie to watch Aberdeen Football Club. I also have a real love for cooking, which I see as another way of bringing people together.

    I work as a Community Learning and Development Assistant based at Mintlaw Academy, alongside my role as a Pupil Support Assistant within the Additional Support Department. My work focuses on supporting learning opportunities for people of all ages, with a particular emphasis on youth work during key transition stages — from primary into the academy years and through to leaving school. On a weekly basis, I support young people to improve attendance, build positive relationships, and develop essential life skills that help them navigate their learning journey.

    Within my own community, I support learners by creating opportunities beyond the traditional classroom environment. This includes outdoor learning, relationship-based work, and peer support, all of which help ease transitions from primary to secondary school and from school into the wider community. I am passionate about helping young people build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills, enabling them to move forward positively and feel a strong sense of belonging within their community. Seeing learners try new things, grow in confidence, and connect with others who may share similar experiences is the most rewarding part of my role.

    As part of this professional learning exchange, I hope to gain insight into how a small community delivers literacy across schools in Nyeri and how this impacts young people’s life chances. I am keen to bring back fresh perspectives and ideas that can strengthen learning opportunities within the Mintlaw area.

    My aspiration for this experience is to fully immerse myself in another culture, explore meaningful connections, and understand the differences — and similarities — in how communities support their young people. I am particularly interested in seeing how literacies are delivered in Nyeri and what we can learn from this approach. At home, many of our young learners face challenges such as the influence of social media, and I am eager to experience the reality of how other communities support learning and wellbeing in different contexts. I hope this experience will inspire new ways of thinking and ultimately help us make positive changes for our own community.

  • Share Elaine Strachan on Facebook Share Elaine Strachan on Twitter Share Elaine Strachan on Linkedin Email Elaine Strachan link

    Elaine Strachan

    3 months ago

    Location: Laurencekirk, South Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in a small town in South Aberdeenshire and enjoy spending time with my family. I live with my husband and my thirteen-year-old daughter, who keeps me busy. I also have a 29-year-old son who lives in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, which is a lovely place to visit.

    I like going to the gym and enjoy working out regularly, which helps keep me fit and healthy. I love being part of the gym community, where we encourage and support each other. In addition, I enjoy attempting arts... Continue reading

    Location: Laurencekirk, South Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in a small town in South Aberdeenshire and enjoy spending time with my family. I live with my husband and my thirteen-year-old daughter, who keeps me busy. I also have a 29-year-old son who lives in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, which is a lovely place to visit.

    I like going to the gym and enjoy working out regularly, which helps keep me fit and healthy. I love being part of the gym community, where we encourage and support each other. In addition, I enjoy attempting arts and crafts projects—some are more successful than others! I have taught myself to bake sourdough bread and enjoy cooking too.

    I work as a Community Learning and Development Worker in the Adult Learning and Communities Team within Aberdeenshire Council, supporting learning opportunities for people of all ages. My work focuses on adult learning, and I work with people on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, depending on their individual needs.

    In my own community, I help learners by supporting literacy learning, which includes communication skills and, increasingly, ICT skills, as people are finding they need these skills to gain employment and manage everyday life. I also encourage learners to gain qualifications that recognise their skills and reward them for their hard work. I am passionate about seeing people progress in their learning and achieve more than they thought possible.

  • Share Melanie Johnston on Facebook Share Melanie Johnston on Twitter Share Melanie Johnston on Linkedin Email Melanie Johnston link

    Melanie Johnston

    3 months ago

    Location: Stuartfield, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in Stuartfield, which is a small rural village in North Aberdeenshire. I enjoy spending time with my 11-year-old daughter and other family and friends. We enjoy card games, board games and going on outings to local parks and activity centres. I am an avid Aberdeen Football Club fan and go to as many games as I can. I also support Scotland Football Club. I work as a Community Learning and Development Worker (Adult Learning) in Aberdeenshire Council, North Aberdeenshire (Buchan), supporting learning opportunities for adults and families.

    In my... Continue reading

    Location: Stuartfield, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in Stuartfield, which is a small rural village in North Aberdeenshire. I enjoy spending time with my 11-year-old daughter and other family and friends. We enjoy card games, board games and going on outings to local parks and activity centres. I am an avid Aberdeen Football Club fan and go to as many games as I can. I also support Scotland Football Club. I work as a Community Learning and Development Worker (Adult Learning) in Aberdeenshire Council, North Aberdeenshire (Buchan), supporting learning opportunities for adults and families.

    In my own community, I help learners by providing group and one to one sessions, supporting literacy such as reading, writing and digital skills. I am passionate about what I do and seeing the impact it can have on individuals and communities, seeing them grow, share ideas, gain accreditation and build confidence.

    As part of this professional learning exchange, I hope to learn new approaches to community engagement, gain insight into inclusive practices and share successful strategies and resources with colleagues.

    My dream for this experience is to expand my professional network and connect with others who share a passion for community learning, grow as a reflective practitioner by learning from diverse perspectives and experiences, and contribute to positive change by sharing ideas that make learning more accessible and inclusive.

  • Share Heather West on Facebook Share Heather West on Twitter Share Heather West on Linkedin Email Heather West link

    Heather West

    3 months ago

    Location: Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Worker

    Hello, or “Fit like?”, as they say in our part of Scotland. I live in Fraserburgh on the North East coast of Scotland with my husband Robbie, our two sons, Scott (17) and Ryan (14), our cat Stevie (10) and our Border Collie, Miller (4).

    I work in Adult Learning, a role I find very rewarding. Helping people who have faced educational challenges to learn new skills and build confidence is something I’m passionate about. It’s inspiring to see individuals who once believed they couldn’t manage certain tasks involving reading, writing... Continue reading

    Location: Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Community Learning and Development Worker

    Hello, or “Fit like?”, as they say in our part of Scotland. I live in Fraserburgh on the North East coast of Scotland with my husband Robbie, our two sons, Scott (17) and Ryan (14), our cat Stevie (10) and our Border Collie, Miller (4).

    I work in Adult Learning, a role I find very rewarding. Helping people who have faced educational challenges to learn new skills and build confidence is something I’m passionate about. It’s inspiring to see individuals who once believed they couldn’t manage certain tasks involving reading, writing, numeracy and ICT for example, discover their abilities and thrive. This helps build their resilience in dealing with various everyday situations, build appropriate support networks and establish themselves more positively in their communities. I deliver tailored one to one and small group learning sessions in the Fraserburgh area, in communication skills (e.g. reading and writing), numeracy and ICT mainly among other skills such as employability and working with others.

    Outside of work, I enjoy reading, especially history, the supernatural, and crime, and watching similar genres on TV. I’m a big fan of Aberdeen Football Club and travel regularly to games with my husband and sons around Scotland, love socialising with friends, and my music taste leans toward classic rock, with favourites like The Beatles, Black Sabbath, and The Doors.

    I’m really looking forward to this exchange in Kenya and am eager to learn how literacy work is approached with both young people and adults in a different cultural context, and to share ideas and experiences that can benefit us all. I am keen to broaden my understanding and also learn about how Kenyan literacies provision works around the barriers, their approaches, resources used, buildings / learning spaces and what education is available. This will help me understand the differences and commonalities between Scotland and Kenya and consider bringing fresh perspectives to my work in Scotland, following completion of the exchange.

  • Share Lynne Gordon on Facebook Share Lynne Gordon on Twitter Share Lynne Gordon on Linkedin Email Lynne Gordon link

    Lynne Gordon

    3 months ago

    Location: Mintlaw, North Aberdeenshire

    Role: Senior Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in Longside and enjoy playing hockey, golf, tennis and rugby. I work as a Senior Community Learning Worker in the Youth and Communities Team in North Aberdeenshire, supporting learning opportunities for young people aged 12 to 25. My work focuses on supporting the team to deliver youth work, community development and family learning.

    In my own community, we help learners by delivering projects focused on flexible learning pathways, engaging non-attenders and supporting transitions between P7 and S1, and then S4 onwards, supporting literacy and accreditation. I am... Continue reading

    Location: Mintlaw, North Aberdeenshire

    Role: Senior Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in Longside and enjoy playing hockey, golf, tennis and rugby. I work as a Senior Community Learning Worker in the Youth and Communities Team in North Aberdeenshire, supporting learning opportunities for young people aged 12 to 25. My work focuses on supporting the team to deliver youth work, community development and family learning.

    In my own community, we help learners by delivering projects focused on flexible learning pathways, engaging non-attenders and supporting transitions between P7 and S1, and then S4 onwards, supporting literacy and accreditation. I am passionate about creating opportunities for young people to be successful and gain confidence and be able to move on to employment, further education or training.

    As part of this professional learning exchange, I hope to exchange ideas, learn new approaches, build partnerships and connections with the projects we visit and be able to connect the needs of our learners and the learners in Nyeri, identifying the similarities and approaches used when we return and continue to grow the connection with learners both in Nyeri and our teams and bring back fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to strengthen learning in North Aberdeenshire.

    My dream for this experience is to explore cultural connections, discover innovative methods, inspire others through collaboration and build a connection for learners both here and in Kenya to continue to learn collaboratively and share learning experiences with each other.


  • Share Caithleen Bell on Facebook Share Caithleen Bell on Twitter Share Caithleen Bell on Linkedin Email Caithleen Bell link

    Caithleen Bell

    3 months ago

    Location: Huntly, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Senior Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in Huntly, a small town in the North of Aberdeenshire, and enjoy spending time outdoors hillwalking, camping and exploring new places. I love escaping into a good book and I’m trying to read 35 in 2026. I have two house cats, Mouse and Fearne, who often make an appearance when I’m working from home.

    I work as a Senior Community Learning and Development Worker in the Adult Learning and Communities team within Aberdeenshire Council, supporting learning opportunities for people of all ages. My work focuses on supporting the... Continue reading

    Location: Huntly, Aberdeenshire

    Role: Senior Community Learning and Development Worker

    I live in Huntly, a small town in the North of Aberdeenshire, and enjoy spending time outdoors hillwalking, camping and exploring new places. I love escaping into a good book and I’m trying to read 35 in 2026. I have two house cats, Mouse and Fearne, who often make an appearance when I’m working from home.

    I work as a Senior Community Learning and Development Worker in the Adult Learning and Communities team within Aberdeenshire Council, supporting learning opportunities for people of all ages. My work focuses on supporting the North Aberdeenshire Adult Learning and Communities staff team to deliver learning opportunities to individuals and communities that is tailored to meet the needs of the participant. I also support our adult learners in Aberdeenshire to have a voice, express their views and influence decisions that affect them.

    In my own community, our team supports adult learners to engage in literacies learning opportunities. By building confidence, encouraging participation, and helping adult learners to make informed choices, we aim to support strong, active communities across Aberdeenshire. I am passionate about literacies, social practice learning and community development.

    This will be my fourth trip to Kenya, I also volunteer with a small Aberdeenshire based Charity – Scotland na Kenya, pomoja for children. Through the charity we made the connection with Emily at Inspire Nyeri. This will be my first visit in a professional / work capacity, and I hope the start of a long mutually beneficial relationship between Inspire and Aberdeenshire CLD. My dream for this experience is to continue to expand my professional networks and connect with other professional and communities. I’m keen to see and learn about innovative approaches to community empowerment and project sustainability.

Page last updated: 17 Apr 2026, 01:23 PM