Dalit literally means ‘crushed’ or untouchables. The Dalit families are very poor, many of them living on less than half a dollar a day. Children from Shellingford School, Oxfordshire, Waddesdon School, Bucks have been to Nandyal in South India.  Headteacher John Underwood and deputy head Christine Hagan from Chalfont St Peters School said they felt privileged to go to Nandyal. They felt humbled by the level of faith they witnessed. The welcome, kindness and personalities that they encountered were second to none. They visited lots of schools where the children were bright and enthusiastic but were severely hampered by the conditions. They try so hard but have no resources.

John described how his school had been involved in a partnership with a school in Kenya, exchanging letters. When the school was involved in a riot they set about fundraising to help it back on its feet. They held an assembly, to which John invited members of the local community who could help. They aimed to raise £2,500 in one week but succeeded in raising £6,000.  In a similar way, John feels that if all church schools in the Oxford Diocese participate in the project, the total sum could be raised in months rather than the years. John and Christine are set to return to Nandyal this month. Christine said: ‘Project India is really starting to gain a strong momentum, we are delighted to say. Our school has raised over £6,500 since our return.’

She said two clasrooms had been built and an ICT suite was ready to provide a live link between children in Chalfont St Peter and Bishop Bunyan Joseph School in Nandyal. ‘John and I also did our first visit to St Edward’s Royal Free Middle school in Windsor and they presented us with a cheque for £550 as they have made Project India their charity for the year. We are also hoping to get sponsorship from the British Council to invite two headteachers from Nandyal to visit us here, so we can show them the schools that have been working as part of our project.’

The three-year campaign is being led by the Diocese of Oxford’s Education Department to help the Dalit children. Peter Norman, headteacher of Waddesdon School, compared their income with footballers such asFrank Lampard and John Terry: it would take the Dalit 1130 years to earn what one of them earns in a week.
Project India aims to raise £30,000 to complete several school building projects which the Diocese of Nandyal regard as essential. Giving thousands of the poorest children in India access to gives them the opportunity to escape from the cycle of poverty. Peter also described the life changing experience that his visit to Nandyal had been. He described a school for blind children in the church compound.

The church takes in these very poor children and clothes and supports them as their families reject them as they simply can’t afford to support a child with a disability. The project is being run in partnership with the Diocese of Nandyal, and in particular their passionate and inspirational Bishop Lawrence. Project India representatives are available to give presentation at school assemblies. 

For more information seewww.project-india.org.uk.