The Story of Living Stones Learning Centre
One afternoon, as the sounds of animated children from a nearby school walked past Pastor Gary Cross’s window, a clear message resonated in his heart: “You need to help the next generation.” As a pastor at Northside church for over a decade, he was not oblivious to the challenges that young people in the community were facing nor the pressure families were under to meet rising costs of education in the constrained economic environment.
With that in mind, he reached out to three passionate educators—Kate Brits, Lynne Cannings, and Sue Brooks who were active in Christian education initiatives. As they met and convened the inception of the Living Stones Learning Centre around three main principles. First was the belief that every child has value and therefore their potential to contribute meaningful to societal development can be nurtured by appropriately skilled educators. Second, was the conviction that education could be made affordable and therefore more accessible for ordinary families which make up the majority of the communities that have remained in Zimbabwe through the economic downturns experienced in the last two decades. Third and most importantly was those Christian values and a Biblical worldview when blended with existing curricula such as ZIMSEC and Cambridge could provide young learners today with the best chance for rounded, life long learning that would have human and social impact for the good of the world.
At the time, Northside Community Church already had an Early Childhood Development Nursery School. Having assisted with the launch of Gateway School in its inception, the Church had the institutional muscle memory to launch a different type of school with smaller classes that offered more connection between teachers and students and better learning outcomes that emphasised the unique God given talents and value that every child has.
The school officially opened its doors in 2016. Living Stones Learning Centre’s educational philosophy prizes a nurturing environment where individual attention flourishes. Small class sizes enable teachers to cater to diverse learning needs, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing stress for both students and educators. This approach not only emphasizes academic excellence but also celebrates the individual journey of each child, recognizing that they are created and gifted by God.
Over the years, Living Stones has celebrated numerous milestones. For seven consecutive years, the school expanded, adding a new classroom and teacher to accommodate the growing number of students. Each new grade represented a step forward, a testament to the Northside community’s faith and commitment. The school recently marked 25 years of God’s goodness, reflecting on its humble beginnings as a preschool and its evolution into a thriving learning institution.
Success at Living Stones is defined not just by numbers, but by the impact on students and families. With a focus on individual support, the school has registered a second generation of Living Stones children, reinforcing a legacy of faith and education. Its graduates excel in their senior schools of choice and beyond, taking on leadership roles, pursuing higher education, and building successful careers—always guided by the principles instilled during their formative years. Most importantly they have been trained to keep to the paths of righteousness they were grounded in during their years of primary basic education.
The founders—Kate, Lynne, Sue, Sarah, and Gary Cross—along with Peter Broadway, the first board chair, laid the foundation for something extraordinary. Their collective vision has inspired countless students, and while the school seeks to reconnect with its alumni, it is evident that their influence continues to resonate. The current board, is building on the strong foundations set by their predecessors, continuing to maintain pastoral connection and spiritual counsel throughout all structures of the school.
Living Stones Learning Centre stands as a beacon of hope and education, dedicated to nurturing the next generation, equipping them to make meaningful contributions to Zimbabwe and the world. Through faith, community, and a commitment to holistic education, it continues to thrive, embodying the belief that with God’s guidance, anything is possible.