The HOPE foundation was founded by Maureen Forrest. HOPE has set up and built several schools, cafes and learning centres where they have helped people to become educated and employed. To date, HOPE has helped 2.3 million slum kids and their families. Everyone who works for HOPE are volunteers and do not get paid for their work. It is a registered charity, working with street and slum children.
In fourth year a HOPE Foundation representative, Charlotte, came into the school to tell us about the HOPE Immersion programme to Kolkata, India. To gain a place on the immersion programme we had to write an essay outlining why we wanted to go and our ideas for fundraising. The next step was an interview. Charlotte chose us five Fifth Years and we got to work straight away. We are very grateful to get the opportunity to travel to Kolkata, India and we realise that this is not a holiday, but an experience of a lifetime and we are aware that it will be a huge culture shock.
Between the five of us we must raise €15,000. Over the next few weeks, we will be organising fundraisers within the school including a bake sale, a raffle, a colours day and more.
By: Hazal Kangal, Emer Kennedy, Niamh Quilty, Rachel Murphy, Meabh Sheedy