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St Joan of Arc Catholic School Rickmansworth was founded as an all girl convent school in 1904 by a order of nuns known as the Filles de Jesus (Daughters of Jesus).  As a French order - and as an educator of young girls at that - it is no wonder that they chose St Joan as their patron, who at only nineteen was martyred for her belief that France should be a free nation, under a French King.

A group of novice cyclists from the school community are undertaking the huge challenge of cycling to Rouen, France from our school in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire and back to show that freedom is still worth fighting for.

It is for another sort of freedom that this team of staff, students, parents and friends are undertaking this challenge.  We believe that all children should have the opportunities that are available to children in this country - education, shelter, health care and most importantly a childhood.

Our school has growing bond with Udayan, a centre in Calcutta, India that over 300 children call home.  Many of these children are the children of leprosy sufferers and as such would miss having many of the opportunities that every child deserves.

Since March 2004, St Joan of Arc School have held many fund raising events with the aim of supporting Udayan, and of spreading awareness in the local community about the work they carry out for the children of leprosy sufferers in Calcutta, India.

Located in Barrackpore, on the outskirts of Calcutta, Udayan provides a loving home, and an opportunity for a new life through education, food, clothing, medical care, access to recreational facilities, and vocational training for children affected by leprosy and its stigma.

For over 40 years, the Udayan family has provided love, care and a bright future to more than 7000 children and thousands of families from the leper colonies in and around Calcutta.

Udayan provides children with the opportunity to grow up free of leprosy and its associated poverty, with the chance to learn, play and live life to the fullest.  The healthy and peaceful setting of Udayan is very different from the environment these children were born in to. They leave Udayan’s doors with the education and self-confidence necessary to be productive members of society.

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So please dig deep and donate now.