Children at Burnham-On-Sea’s St Andrew’s School and Berrow Primary School have spent several inspiring days this week with a group of Kenyan children visiting from Mombasa.
Berrow has had the link with Jolaurabi School for a number of years and the choir, known as the Singing Children of Africa, have visited the school several times in the past.
This time, their visit coincided with Berrow’s Harvest Service, so they took the opportunity to learn some of the choir’s songs and dances to perform together at St Mary’s Church in Berrow, as pictured here.
The church was packed on Tuesday afternoon, with many of the children dancing in the aisles as they joined in with their African friends.
“I think this has been my best Harvest service ever,” said head teacher Lee Chandler. “We really raised the roof and I hope it is an experience that our children will not only never forget but learn and grow from.”
The Kenyan children spent time with the Berrow children in their classes, at lunchtimes and at playtimes on the field. They sang and danced together in collective worship in preparation for their special Harvest service and were inspired by the Kenyans’ enthusiasm and talents.
The Singing Children of Africa also visited St Andrew’s Junior School in Burnham-On-Sea this week. Around 30 pupils and staff from Jolaurabi School shared lessons with Year 5 pupils, as pictured below.
Ali Pook, acting head teacher, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Sue Stevens, the local representative from charity ‘Educate the Kids’, has worked hard to plan the programme of visits and for them to have accommodation with host families.”
“It has been an amazing day, with the children at St Andrew’s being taught to play the drums by the Kenyan pupils, sharing traditional playground games and comparing and contrasting their everyday lives.”
“The Kenyan children have also performed music and dance to the school, a taster of the evening events they are doing this week in the local area. It is clear that the children have a lot in common and have learned so much from one another.”
Upcoming performances:
Saturday 8th October at St John’s Church, Highbridge at 7pm
Tuesday 11th October at Princess Hall – SOLD OUT
Saturday 15th October at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Also see:
What’s on in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge
