At Alton Convent School some of our sixth formers are preparing to make a visit to Varanasi, in India. This is just one of the ways the school is celebrating its 70th anniversary marking the establishment of the school by the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence in 1938. The sisters also founded a convent in Varanasi 25 years ago and it is here that the sixth form students will start their India project.

The students will work alongside the local sisters amongst the disadvantaged children in both the city and surrounding villages, where they are involved in many activities in education, health and rural development. The pupils, staff, parents and friends of Alton Convent have provided financial assistance for these “Rainbow Children” and will be making a substantial donation when they arrive as well as clothes, stationery, toys, sweets and educational learning aids.

The girls will also have the opportunity to see some of the great historical sights – The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Farehpur Sikri as well as Jaipur and Delhi. The trip has been financed by various fundraising activities including a whole school sponsored Jubilee Walk which raised just under £6000.

The Headmistress is delighted that members of the sixth form are able to visit India and support the work of the sisters and hopes that this will be the first of many visits!