News from Barrow URC Primary School Bethany Children’s Home Visit – Easter 2026

Over the course of a week, from Saturday 28th March to Easter Sunday, our team – Nicola McArdle (Headteacher), Helen Porter (Deputy Headteacher), Anne Moir (Teaching Assistant) and Finley McArdle – had the privilege of spending time at Bethany Children’s Home in Tanzania, alongside the primary and secondary schools.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed into a community built on care, resilience and faith.

Throughout the week, we immersed ourselves in daily life, supporting the children and staff in a variety of ways. In the schools, we spent time in classrooms, working alongside pupils and teachers, sharing ideas and learning from one another. It was a powerful reminder that education transcends borders; despite differences in resources, the commitment to learning, curiosity and joy in the classroom were ever-present.

During our time in school, we also had the opportunity to lead a teacher training session focused on the use of AI in education. We explored practical ways staff could use AI to support their daily teaching, particularly in reducing workload and supporting English grammar and punctuation. The session was very well received, with staff engaging thoughtfully and recognising its potential to make a real difference to their practice. It was especially encouraging to hear that Headteacher Emma has already begun using these tools and has found that they have saved her a significant amount of time.

Since our visit in April 2025, we have been moved to continue supporting the vision to build a girls’ secondary school. Over the past year, we have raised approximately £13,000, contributing towards the development of the library building and the provision of school uniforms. It was incredibly special to visit the library during our time there and see first-hand the impact of this support.

At Bethany Children’s Home, we experienced the importance of community and routine. Time spent with the children – whether through conversation, shared activities or simply being present – highlighted the strength of relationships and the deep sense of belonging that has been created. The home is not just a place of care, but a place of love, stability and hope.

Easter Sunday provided a particularly meaningful conclusion to our visit. We began the day early, helping to serve breakfast to the children – a simple but joyful moment, sharing donuts together. We then supported preparations for the Easter feast before leading the Easter services. The involvement of the choirs, whose performances were uplifting and heartfelt, created a powerful atmosphere of reflection and celebration. It was a fitting way to bring the whole community together.

As we reflect on our week, we do so with humility. While we travelled with the intention of supporting and contributing, it is clear that we have taken away far more than we could have given. We have been reminded of the importance of gratitude, the strength found in community, and the impact of kindness in its simplest forms.

This experience has encouraged us to reflect on our own practice, both personally and professionally. We return with a renewed appreciation for the opportunities and resources we have, alongside a deeper understanding that meaningful education and care are rooted not in materials, but in relationships, commitment and compassion.

Above all, we leave with a deep sense of respect and admiration for the staff and children at Bethany. Their warmth, resilience and generosity have left a lasting impression on us all. It has been a privilege to share in even a small part of their lives, and a truly special way to mark the Easter period.

Mrs Nicola McArdle - Headteacher Barrow URC Primary School