PUPILS at Milton Abbot Primary School visited the House of Commons last week, to help launch a new unique cross-curricular learning resource, Take Mali.

Take Mali is a digital resource which gives children the opportunity to journey to the West African country of Mali where French is the official language. They will have the opportunity to engage with local Malians, listen to French and explore similarities and differences with their own lives.

The resource will also give children the opportunity to take action in their role as global citizens regarding climate change, Fairtrade and sustainable development.

Take Mali is designed to support children with their progression in intercultural understanding at upper primary school and lower secondary school and combines the learning of Geography, French, and Global Citizenship. More than 50 activities provide opportunities for both active global citizenship and the development of French language skills, through a range of ICT and authentic video materials.

Project co-ordinator Matt Partridge said: 'Having worked with teachers and pupils, I've been amazed at the impact the resource has had on pupils.

'It has been very motivating for the children and is also promoting the need to take action to improve prospects for children's lives in Mali.'

Response to the project from Mali community groups and development organisations has also been very positive.

Take Mali has been designed and created by Devon Development Education, who received a three-year grant from the Development Awareness Fund for this work, in collaboration with Devon County Council's Learning and Development Partnership.