I have been given the fantastic opportunity of travelling to India, Varanasi in August 2018 with the Sixth Form at Alton School in order to carry out charitable work with children who are living in this region.

Whilst in Varanasi I will be carrying out a number of charitable missions which will include teaching children who attend the local schools and providing help to their families who find themselves in a less fortunate position than myself. The main school that I will be assisting at whilst in India is a Hindi Medium School – here I will be teaching those children English lessons. A lot of these children are not able to speak English; being able to learn how to speak another language is a vital and valuable skill for young children when growing up. This will not only help them to develop within school but will also give them increased options when looking for work as adults.

As well as helping these school children I will also be attending orphanages in order to provide help, comfort and support to those children that have no parents. I will also be visiting the poorest areas of this region known as Dalits or the ‘Untouchables’. I will be donating some of my clothes and shoes to these families in the hope that this will provide them some hope, comfort and warmth in the winter months.

Several years ago, the Sixth Form at Alton School founded The Meera Foundation which is a charity specifically designed to raise money for our Sister Nun’s based at St Joseph’s Convent who live in Varanasi. With the money raised so far, a brick house has been constructed which now provides housing for six families and their children that were previously homeless. On this expedition, I intend to continue carrying out the work started by previous students by helping to improve the lives of these families and children.

This expedition will be an eye opening and life changing experience which I intend to embrace wholly and completely. I want to help as many children and families that I can whilst I am in India – I want to be able to teach them new skills, educate them in healthcare and teach the children new and fun games that they can play with each other. I want to give them hope and inspiration for their future, making friendships that I will keep for a lifetime.

£3,000 is the amount of money needed in order for me to carry out this charity expedition. I am currently still attending school whilst also carrying out two part time jobs in order to help raise this substantial amount of money needed. I have carried out a number of bake sales, and will be attempting a number of sporting activities during this year in order to raise the funds needed. I cannot however reach this amount alone, and am therefore asking my family and friends for any small donation on My Just Giving Page in order to help me reach my grand target. Any amount will be greatly appreciated, helping me with this once in a lifetime opportunity.