Trip of a Lifetime to India for Two Looked After Children.

Capstone sponsored two 'looked after' young people from two South East Local Authorities, to spend a week experiencing the rich culture of India.

Amar Dhull (Founder of Vision Fostering) set about 10 years ago designing and building IB School in Rohtak near Delhi (www.ibschools.org). The school was set up in order to offer children in a semi rural area the chance to receive education to a comparable standard to those living in the bigger towns and cities. It also supports a number of children from deprived families who would not otherwise have the opportunity to receive such a high level of education,  if any at all. The school now educates approximately 1250 pupils. Over the last few years the school has been engaging in an active exchange programme involving pupils from the UK, Italy, Finland and India.

Capstone decided that the opportunity to experience such a rich culture and to be part of the schools' Annual Celebration would be an excellent opportunity for two children currently in the care system. In July of 2008, after considering a number of references and undertaking interviews, two children were finally chosen to partake in a once in a lifetime opportunity. The children were in the care of two local authorities that Vision Fostering work closely with, L.B Tower Hamlets and Essex CC.  

In November 2008 Matthew and Lee travelled to India with Richard Compton-Burnett and Amar Dhull to visit the school along with 25 students from the associated international schools who also travelled. They spent time at the school experiencing what lessons are like there and shared in the special festival celebrations which were attended by over 3000 people and recorded for local television. There was also time to experience a little of both rural village life and the busy city of Delhi itself.

The feedback from the boys confirmed that they had an excellent time and learned a lot from the experience. We are delighted that we were able to offer such an opportunity.