Each year the church nominates areas of need it is going to support through fund raising and education.

For the year 2007/8 our project is Roseberry School, Darjeeling, India www.schoolaidindia.org

David and Jean Taylor are co-ordinating the project and will be glad of ideas and support.   Watch the calendar in This month to see forthcoming events.

The Story so far

In March 2007, School Aid India started a small school for disadvantaged children in Darjeeling, among the foothills of the Himalayas.  It was named Roseberry School, after our popular landmark.

The charity’s aim is to give poor children a brighter future by educating them properly up to the age of 11.  Roseberry School opened with 28 pre-school children in two classes. A further 15 children will be admitted each year, reaching a full complement of seven classes with some 105 students by 2012/13 when the original intake will leave.  School Aid India provides pupils’ uniforms, shoes, and books.

This scheme began with sufficient funds to run the school for one year only, and with no guarantee of future income. By mid-summer the story had been taken up by local newspapers which brought an amazing response from the public in the North East.  Support continues to grow.

The intention is to acquire land and build five additional classrooms in the next four years to accommodate over 100 children.  This will require raising £50,000.

This scheme is the ‘brain-child’ of Helen Jones, Langbaurgh Grange, Great Ayton.  Helen taught science for many years at Stokesley School. Perhaps you or some of your children remember her.

This project

• Has local connections

• Is administrated by volunteers

• Uses donations directly to fund the work in India

• Has good ‘track record’ to date

 With effort, we can help Roseberry School, Darjeeling to grow and flourish.