During Advent pupils from St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Wallsend, and St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, Bedlington, both in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, took part in a fundraising and learning project connected to the community of Muhoroni, Kenya.
The project followed a visit to Muhoroni by Executive Headteacher Laura Fallon and Miss Clark (pictured) from St Bernadette’s, which focused on listening, learning and gaining a deeper understanding of daily life within the local context. The visit was supported by local partners and community organisations, including the Muhoroni People’s Foundation, who are working to address housing and wellbeing needs identified by the community.
During the visit, Mrs Fallon and Miss Clark spent time with children, families and local partners, learning about housing conditions in some areas of Muhoroni. In parts of the community homes are constructed from corrugated metal, mud and wood, and do not have windows, solid floors or reliable access to water. Flooding can cause damage to walls and structures, and cold night-time temperatures present further challenges for families living in these conditions.
The visit also provided insight into how safe and secure new homes would be built, along with access to water and space to grow food. The Muhoroni People’s Foundation has already supported the construction of three such homes, providing safer accommodation for women and children.
Following the visit, pupils were invited to reflect on what they had learned and to consider how fundraising could contribute in a meaningful and respectful way. As part of an Advent fundraising mission the two school communities set themselves the ambitious goal of raising £3,000 in three weeks to contribute towards the construction of an additional safe home in Muhoroni.
Through a combination of school-led fundraising activities and individual family donations this target was not only reached but exceeded. In total £3,700 was raised, with contributions coming from parents, carers and pupils themselves. The funds were formally presented to Father David.
Alongside financial contributions families generously donated practical items including books, pens, crayons, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Other financial donations also enabled everyday essentials to be purchased locally, ensuring support aligned with identified community needs and local supply.
Across both schools Mrs Fallon shared reflections and photographs from the visit with pupils, prompting thoughtful discussion and a strong sense of compassion and responsibility. The experience has supported wider learning around global citizenship, dignity, and the importance of responding to need through listening, respect and partnership.
Find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and at Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust
