A budding Bradford College partnership has seen school children from Baildon linked up with those of the same age in Mombasa, Kenya.
Relations between Bradford College and Hoyle Court Primary School initially blossomed due to a mutual interest in the ‘Bradford City of Sanctuary‘ initiative. As an established College of Sanctuary ourselves, Hoyle Court initially reached out to Bradford College for advice and support to become a ‘School of Sanctuary’.
The application has recently been successful and seen the primary school become one of the latest to hold ‘School of Sanctuary’ status in the City, with the Bradford College Adult Skills Department on hand to offer help and assistance throughout the rigorous process.
Speaking about why the department opted to get involved, Adrian Hutchinson (Head of Department) said: “We are thrilled to be working with Hoyle Court Primary School through our shared involvement in Bradford City of Sanctuary.
“As a College of Sanctuary in Bradford and major player in the region, we are always keen to support schools in the area, particularly in support of our intergenerational learning strategy at the College. We were delighted to hear that the school’s application has been successful and look forward to attending the official award presentation in April.
“With this latest partnership going from strength to strength, we’re excited for all the activities that are planned with Hoyle Court following the initial Bradford City of Sanctuary link.”
With a range of short and long-term activities now in motion between the two parties, a significant one has already taken place recently as Esther Wilkey (ESOL Lecturer) made her latest trip to work with Jolaurabi School in Mombasa, Kenya.
Alongside Educate the Kids, our ESOL Department has now worked with the Kenyan school for a number of years in an effort to deliver sound education to approximately 800 primary school children.
Through this work, Bradford College offers teacher training to staff, fundraising events for the school, and much more. On this occasion, two Bradford College students even sent their own funds to help provide food for one of the school’s families.
As part of Esther’s February Mombasa visit to work with Edward Bwire (Headteacher, Jolaurabi School) once again, she was able to link up Hoyle Court and Jolaurabi through delivery of handwritten letters between school children over 6,500 miles apart.
This ‘pen pal’ idea had previously proved effective between Bradford College ESOL and Jolaurabi students, but this time it was the turn of Bradford school children to introduce themselves, talk about their interests, and give children in a different continent an idea of day-to-day life for them.
Commenting on both the ongoing partnership and prospect of back-and-forth communication between the two schools, Kathrine Nutting (Deputy Headteacher, Hoyle Court Primary School) said: “As a school, we are so excited by the strengthening partnership with Bradford College! Their reputation as a College of Sanctuary will expand the opportunities available to our children and further develop understanding around issues such as diversity and equality. We are very proud of our School of Sanctuary status which, similar to the College, further embeds our beliefs around inclusion and welcoming everyone. We have a number of activities planned with the College and are delighted by the link already made with Jolaurabi School.
“Having sent their own letters to Kenya in February, our Year 3 and 4 children were overjoyed to receive photos and letters back this week from their new Kenyan friends. This opportunity, facilitated by Bradford College, is providing a real experience for children to engage with those in another country and further develop their recognition of different lives and cultures. We also have a fundraising event, organised for the summer term, for Jolaurabi School.”
As well as Hoyle Court Primary School, Bradford College Adult Skills Department continues to work with an extensive list of schools in Bradford to create opportunities and help transform lives of people across the City. With enrolment taking place all-year round, explore all of the Adult courses we offer and find the right fit for you here.
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