Open Arms Academy

Our friendship with Open Arms Academy in Kenya is a very special part of life at Prestbury C of E Primary School. Through visits, shared projects, worship, learning, fundraising and regular communication, our two schools are building a genuine partnership in which we learn with and from one another. Open Arms Academy is part of the wider work of Stand By Me, a Christian charity supporting vulnerable children through education, care and opportunities that help them to thrive and reach their potential. In Kenya, Stand By Me works through the Open Arms Village and Academy, providing children with education alongside wider pastoral, family and practical support. Our partnership has already enabled us to share expertise in areas such as maths and SEND and inclusion, while our children are learning about Kenyan life, language, faith and culture. Our new Swahili house names and learning the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili are just some of the ways in which this friendship is becoming part of the everyday life of our school.

Most importantly, we want this partnership to help our children understand that they are part of a much wider world and that friendship, kindness and service can make a real difference. We want them to grow in curiosity, compassion, gratitude and respect; to celebrate what makes each of us different; and to recognise everything that we share. This sits at the heart of our Christian vision: we are all unique and encouraged to be all that God has created us to be. It also brings to life the words of Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds…” Through our friendship with Open Arms Academy, we hope our children learn that good deeds are not simply things we talk about — they are ways in which we can use our gifts, learn from others, support one another and help each other to flourish. Our hope is that this partnership will continue to grow for many years, enriching the lives and learning of children in both our school communities.