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Last modified: 01 Nov 2023 3:29pm

Darfield High School Principal Andy England presents a Maori tewhatewha to Principal Peng in China

In a two-week journey through China, a delegation of Malvern Primary School Principals, along with Darfield High School’s Principal and International Director, deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and established Sister School relationships.

The Council as part of the Sister Cities Committees, supports educational links through the Sister Schools initiative, which seeks to contribute to global networking, cultural enrichment, and the development of international perspectives for students, educators, and communities.

Joined by colleagues from high schools and area schools in Christchurch and Dunedin, the delegation's primary goal was to explore the enduring legacy of Rewi Alley.

Born in Springfield in 1897, Alley was known for dedicating his life to establishing schools and cooperatives for the rural poor in China, and through his writings on Chinese industry and philosophy.

In Gansu province, the delegation visited schools in Shandan and Lanzhou, with a special focus on Shandan Bailie Vocational College, a Sister School with Darfield High School for nearly 26 years.

Darfield High School Principal Andy England presented a traditional Māori weapon, the tewhatewha, to Principal Peng, symbolising the unity of their two peoples across distance and connecting earth and sky — a sentiment deeply inspired by Rewi Alley's legacy.

The delegation, led by Allison Rosanowski, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received."It was gratifying to observe the way the delegation was welcomed wherever they travelled. The school visits were particularly memorable, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Chinese education" she said.

Other highlights included seeing the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and a moa skeleton donated by Roger Duff of the Canterbury Museum.

All of the delegation came to understand the huge impact Rewi Alley made in China and how he is still very much revered.