In a groundbreaking move, a Hackney primary school has formally twinned with a school in Kampala, Uganda, uniting their Buzzline projects in a global commitment to protect pollinating insects and enhance biodiversity.

A Buzzing Partnership for Nature

Kingsmead Primary School, located on the Hackney Buzzline, has now partnered with the New Brain School in Kampala, which is part of the newly created Kampala Buzzline. This partnership is a powerful step towards fostering international collaboration to protect the natural world.

At the official launch of the twinning agreement in early March, Gerry Tissier, ecoACTIVE Project Manager, travelled to Uganda to deliver insect face masks made by Kingsmead pupils. In return, New Brain School students created handmade banana fibre gifts, which were presented to Kingsmead pupils in a special assembly last week.

What is a Buzzline?

A Buzzline is a pollinator corridor, designed to enhance habitats for bees, butterflies, and other insects, supporting biodiversity and green infrastructure. The Hackney Buzzline, a 4km corridor linking parks and housing estates, is designed to improve pollinator pathways with wildflower meadows, community planting, and eco-habitats. The newly launched Kampala Buzzline follows the same principles, promoting environmental action across borders.

A Story of Global Collaboration

The collaboration was sparked when Hannington Sserwanga, a Ugandan environmentalist and founder of the Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative, discovered Kingsmead’s Buzzline project online. Inspired by its impact, he reached out to Gerry Tissier, resulting in this inspiring international partnership.

The twinning aims to: ✅ Engage children in environmental activities within their communities.
✅ Foster meaningful international connections to support the Hackney and Kampala Buzzline programmes.
✅ Raise global awareness and understanding of environmental challenges.
✅ Encourage cultural exchange and shared learning between the two schools.

Voices from the Project

Evelyn Deeney, Headteacher, Kingsmead Primary School, shared:
“We feel lucky to be part of the Hackney Buzzline, which has helped our students understand the crucial role of pollinating insects. Partnering with New Brain School is an exciting step, and we look forward to building international friendships while learning about sustainability together.”

Mia Cameron, Year 6 student at Kingsmead Primary School, expressed:
“I’m really happy to be involved with the Hackney Buzzline and learning about pollinating insects. Knowing our project has expanded all the way to Uganda makes me proud. Making gifts for the New Brain School was so much fun!”

Gerry Tissier, ecoACTIVE Project Manager, said:
“Kingsmead and New Brain schools may be separated by 4000 miles, but they stand united in their commitment to protect the natural world. ecoACTIVE is excited to support this creative and inspiring partnership.”

Fred Ntensibe, Director, New Brain School, Kampala, added:
“We are delighted to twin with Kingsmead Primary School. This partnership shows that friendships can cross continents and support our shared goal of protecting the environment.”

Hannington Sserwanga, Founder of the Kampala Buzzline, reflected:
“I’m thrilled to be part of a project that inspires children to think globally while acting locally to protect our environment.”

Creating a Greener Future Together

This innovative twinning project is more than an educational exchange — it's a powerful message of environmental solidarity. By combining local action with global collaboration, these young changemakers are helping to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

ecoACTIVE is proud to lead this initiative, fostering connections that empower young people to become stewards of our environment.

For more information, please contact Amanda Constance at [email protected] or call 07980 597 363.

About the Hackney Buzzline

The Hackney Buzzline is a 4km pollinator corridor linking four parks through three social housing estates. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project promotes biodiversity by developing pollinator stations every 100-200 metres along the corridor. Activities include wildflower meadow planting, community garden development, and creating insect-friendly habitats.

About Kingsmead Primary School

Kingsmead Primary School, part of the LEAP Federation of Schools, serves a diverse community with over 80% global majority children. The school’s focus on outdoor learning and mental wellbeing makes it an ideal partner in the Buzzline project.

About Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative

The Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative is a grassroots organisation in Uganda dedicated to environmental conservation, clean energy innovations, and sustainable cities. Their youth-led efforts empower young people to take climate action and build a sustainable future.

Kingsmead Primary School Twinned with Kampala School in UK First! 🐝