School life
In a São Tomé and Príncipe classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
São Tomé and Príncipe
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalSão Tomé
- Population~210 thousand
- Time zoneAfrica/Sao Tome (UTC +0)
- CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
São Tomé and Príncipe, with São Tomé marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
São Tomé
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes São Tomé and Príncipe a bit special.
Pico Cão Grande
A needle of ancient rock that towers 663 metres above the jungle
Open lesson
Obo Natural Park
A thick rainforest full of rare plants and animals found nowhere else
Open lesson
Príncipe Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO-protected island of extraordinary nature
Open lesson
Lagoa Azul
A sparkling blue lagoon where the jungle meets the sea
Open lesson
Boca do Inferno
A rock formation where waves roar and shoot into the air
Open lesson
The Equator Monument
Stand on the invisible line that divides Earth in half
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🐦
São Tomé Fiscal Shrike
A striking island bird found nowhere else on Earth
Open lesson
- 🐢
Green Sea Turtles
Ancient ocean travellers that return to the same beaches to nest
Open lesson
- 🐟
Calulu de Peixe
A rich fish stew full of tropical greens and island flavours
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!Portuguese
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹSão Tomé and Príncipe has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Sport
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet São Tomé and Príncipe?
Choose São Tomé and Príncipewhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.