From Barrow to Bethany

Nicola McArdle – Headteacher & Helen Porter – Deputy Headteacher
Barrow URC Primary School, Clitheroe

Over the Easter break, we had the privilege of visiting the Bethany Project in Tanzania for 11 days. The purpose of our visit was to teach in the primary school and support the development of phonics and English teaching. This included meeting with staff, creating resources, and modelling lessons for both teachers and children.

During our time at Bethany, we fully immersed ourselves in daily school life and worship. We joined in with morning and evening prayers and had the honour of leading two Sunday worship services with the children, focusing on Palm Sunday and the Easter story. The children acted out the stories beautifully, sang new songs we taught them, and created artwork based on the Bethany School values, which is now proudly displayed in the school chapel.

Back at Barrow URC Primary School, we have long supported charities through our annual fundraising events. Following a visit from members of the Bethany Project last year, our school family was inspired to support their work. We organised a sponsored Santa Dash, a charity breakfast, a family fun night, a Valentine’s Café, Lenten collection boxes, and several other initiatives. Some of our children and families even organised their own fundraising efforts, including a generous donation from one family. Our fundraising continues with passion and purpose.

While at Bethany, we also visited local secondary and high schools. As teachers and mothers of similarly aged children, we were deeply affected by the lack of facilities — limited access to water, no proper toilets, and the harsh realities of period poverty. The image of one shared tap and cup has stayed with us ever since. Witnessing the construction of a new girls’ secondary school on the Bethany site, brick by brick, inspired us to become actively involved in this vital project. After conversations with Jesca and the team, we pledged to raise the £11,000 needed to build the library block — and we’re well on our way.

Additionally, we introduced period knickers to the girls, which were warmly received. We plan to send more with the next group of visitors. Our visit to Bethany is something we will never forget, and it holds a very special place in our hearts.

Since returning, we’ve continued to share the Bethany message, fundraise, and plan for the year ahead. We hope to return next year, once the secondary school is complete, to officially open the library and continue supporting the teaching and incredible work happening there.

Nicola McArdle & Helen Porter
Barrow URC Primary School