A life-changing experience for Perse students in India
During the summer break, a team of 11 students travelled to volunteer at Christel House India, a school in Bangalore that The Perse has supported for 15 years.
The initiative, aimed at fostering global connections and promoting educational equity, saw the Perse students working alongside Christel House students, mentoring younger pupils and participating in a wide range of curriculum areas including art and literacy.
Christel House India, renowned for its work with underprivileged children, welcomed the Perse students’ contributions, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and shared learning.
Perse languages teacher Hannah Sherry, who led the trip to Christel House India, said: “The collaboration between our schools reflects our shared commitment to the value of education.
“Christel House’s mission is to transform lives through education and we all saw first-hand what a difference the opportunity of an education is making to so many children in India. Students from both schools developed friendships and a greater understanding of each others’ cultures.”
Perse Assistant Head Emma Rothwell led sessions with Christel House staff on cultural diversity focussing on inclusive pedagogy and inclusive management of the classroom.
Watch our Christel House film about transforming lives in Bangalore below.
Perse Director of Communications Claire Ziwa and videographer Tom Farmery also led film-making workshops, and taught Christel House students how to make films about their school. You can watch the film made by the students here.
Two students who went on the trip, Annabel (Upper Sixth) and Riddhi (Lower Sixth) share their reflections.
The Christel House India trip was an eye-opening experience in which I felt extremely privileged to be a part of. Some of the highlights of the trip for me were building friendships with the students, doing the collaborative art project where we combined our cultures on canvas, as well as eating authentic Indian food.
It was an emotional experience going on a community visit to see where some of the students lived and the hardships they endured on a daily basis, such as waking up as early as 4am in order to get to school and living in cramped and crowded housing, often one room for a family of four.
I was inspired by seeing the level of joy, friendliness, and gratitude the children had despite the constant challenges they have in life.
I was struck by the dedication they have to their studies as for them, education has the ability to take them and their families out of poverty.
This was a life-changing experience, which really highlighted how fortunate I am, and the bonds I have made, and memories will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Annabel Nadarajah
“My experience at the school in India was transformative. It offered me the chance to witness first-hand how extraordinary efforts are being made to help students achieve their dreams and break the generational cycle of poverty.
The school’s dedication to children’s futures, whether through its great career programs, innovative teaching methods, or the level of care and respect shared between the teachers and students, was genuinely inspiring to me.
This experience has motivated me to become even more involved in the Christel House Club and continue working to reduce inequality globally.”
Riddhi Bhimpuria