The Aquinas - India Partnership has been set up to make a difference to the lives of underprivileged children in Mumbai by sponsoring their education.  The project aims to increase the cultural and racial understanding of Aquinas College students.  Since it started in September 2003 the response by students and staff at Aquinas has been fantastic.  Students, staff and governors as well as a number of friends of the project signed up to make a difference to the lives of needy children in Mumbai.  In addition to raising funds the fundraising activities have increased the sense of community, an awareness of citizenship and a spirit of inclusion.

Links have been established with the charity Prem Dan.  We sponsor fiver children with Prem Dan and coordinate the sponsorship of some 85 children by students, former students, parents and friends of the college.

Through the Partnership we aim to:

• raise funds to continue to sponsor the education of children,
• arrange visits by Aquinas students and staff to undertake educational and community voluntary work.
• increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of other cultures and so to become more inclusive and welcoming.

Prem Dan (A Gift of Love)
Money raised will provide funds to sponsor children throughout their education.  We are currently in our second year as sponsors of four children at Prem Dan.  We have also helped towards the building of an home for orphans at Khandala some 100 kms from Mumbai.  www.premdan.org

In October 2003 the Aquinas - India Partnership was set up to help underprivileged children in Mumbai.  Working primarily with the charity Prem Dan (meaning Gift of Love in Hindi) we have sponsored children, provided funds for a social worker as well holding a great number of fundraising events.  The college has also started to develop links with St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. 

Visits and placements
Each February since 2005 students and staff spent the half term break in Mumbai, working with the children at the Prem Dan schools.  We also visited St Xavier's College.  In October 2005 a party of 14 staff went to work with the children and make contact with teachers at St Xavier's College.

In 2004 - 2005 we had five students on 'gap' placements in Mumbai working with the children at Prem Dan for up to three months.  This academic year we have two former students spending three months at Prem Dan.

The students continue to work to raise funds and the next student trip is being planned for February 2010.

How can you help ?

• By getting involved in initiatives and activities at Aquinas College.
• Fundraising for the partnership.
• Making a donation to the Aquinas - India Partnership.

For more information and to receive news on the partnership please contact:
Priya Bradshaw
Aquinas College
Nangreave Road
Stockport
SK2 6TH        0161 483 3237 
email:aip@aquinas.ac.uk

What we have done already ?
The following activities, involving a considerable number of students and staff have taken place.

Assemblies have been held for all the students explaining the nature and purpose of the project and enabling them to sign up for the India Project partnership as a Complementary Studies option.  Each year students and staff have plan a number of events including a Fashion Shows, Comedy Nights and Talent Shows, Christmas and Summer Fairs and a host of other events including:
Sponsored walks, sold Christmas cards, Concerts, Talent Shows. Craft Sales, Stars in their Eyes Show, 10 K Great Manchester Run participation, Summer Fairs, Christmas Fair, Christmas Carols in Merseyway and Cheadle, Indian jewellery and artefacts sales, Easter chocolate sales and many more activities and events.

January 2010