Devon and Solomon Islands Schools United in Prayer After the Floods

When Tipton St John Church of England Primary School in Devon was flooded during the severe storms in January, its pupils experienced first-hand the disruption and worry that extreme weather can bring. Classrooms were affected, routines changed, and the school and local community worked together to support one another through the clean‑up and recovery.

Soon afterwards, the children heard that schools they are linked with in Solomon Islands had also suffered flooding, following weeks of heavy rain and swollen rivers. Even though these schools are more than 10,000 miles away, the shared experience of hardship created an instant connection. The pupils at Tipton understood exactly how their friends in Solomons might be feeling, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty, and wanted to reach out in kindness.

In a beautiful act of compassion, the children wrote prayers for the pupils in Solomon Islands. Their words expressed hope, comfort, friendship, and solidarity, simple but profound reminders that Christian fellowship knows no borders. These prayers will now be shared with the partner schools, offering encouragement at a time when communities across Solomons are recovering from damaged classrooms, bridges, food gardens, and homes.

The pupils at Tipton have demonstrated their understanding of the Christian call to “love your neighbour”, living it out across oceans and cultures. And for the schools in Solomon Islands, knowing that children on the other side of the world are praying for them, will bring real comfort and strength.

At a time when extreme weather is affecting more communities around the globe, these shared prayers remind us that we stand together, linked by friendship, faith, and compassion. What a wonderful example these young people are setting for us all.