On Thursday 19th June, Borderline opened a special exhibition titled Looking East, Looking West showcasing the work of Burmese and Scottish children.

The UK Department For International Development (DFID) has funded the DFID Global School Partnerships (DGSP) programme since 2003. DFID Global School Partnerships promotes partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The programme provides advice and guidance, professional development opportunities and grants to schools that are using school partnerships as a means for developing a global dimension within their curriculum.

The programme aims to raise young people’s awareness of global development issues and equip them with the skills and knowledge to become active global citizens.

In 2005 the City of Edinburgh gave the Freedom of the City to Dau Aung San Suu Kyi and Chris Robinson, Anglo-Burmese artist exhibited his drypoint etching of Burmese life in Edinburgh. He started to work with Forthview Primary School and linked Forthview with Hle Bee School in Mae Sot, where Chris had also worked.

Over the last 3 years, Hle Bee and Forthview children have been linked as penpals. They have exchanged many letter, cards and drawings. They have taken part in joint art and writing projects. They have learnt about each other’s countries and cultures. This was further supported when Dr Thein Lwin came from Thailand in 2008 to visit Forthview and trained Forthview staff in critical thinking and when Sheila Laing, Headteacher of Forthview visited Hle Bee School sharing friendship and learning in art and music with the children there.

Over the last year, Hle Bee and Forthview children have worked again with Chris Robinson to create an exhibition called OUR LIVES. Each child has etched and written about an aspect of their life. Over 70 etchings and stories in Burmese and English have been exhibited in Ocean Terminal Shopping Mall, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. On 19 June 2008, the same works have been exhibited in Borderline Gallery, Mae Sot, Thailand.

This work was made possible with DFID Global Schools Partnership funding. The funding has enabled Hle Bee and Forthview to embark on an amazing learning journey together.

Opening reception: You are invited to join us and meet the children at the opening reception taking place at Borderline Gallery from 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday 19th June.

The exhibition closed on 2nd July 2008.

Looking East, Looking West art works