Tipperary students make a big impact in their visit to India recently

On January 25th, in collaboration with The Hope Foundation, 15 Transition Year students from Rockwell College embarked on a transformative journey to the slums of Kolkata.

This marked the 14th consecutive year of commitment from Rockwell College, with this year's cohort successfully raising over €40,000. Fundraising began in June 2023, where they tirelessly raised €2,600 each to meet their target donation, covering their own trip expenses. 

Despite initial nerves, the students found themselves in very good hands with the Hope Foundation, and nerves were replaced with purpose and intention upon arrival.

Their experience was nothing short of life changing. Spending five nights with students from Ashtown and Rochestown schools, they delved into the heart of Kolkata's community. 

A poignant highlight of their trip was visiting local creches, where they had the opportunity to share simple yet impactful gifts like bubbles and teddy bears with young children.

Witnessing the sheer joy these small gestures brought to the children left a lasting impression, with one student remarking, "It is amazing that such small things here are so significant over there." 

The students also visited the Hope Foundation's protection homes, where endangered children aged 6-18 are protected from life on the streets and housed.

Here, they were moved by the talent displayed through handmade bracelets, trinkets, and paintings by the children that they had the opportunity to purchase.

Learning that the proceeds from these items are held in trust until the children turn 18 further deepened their appreciation for the Hope Foundation's holistic approach to support. 

A pivotal moment occurred when a 17-year-old boy leading their tour expressed his hopes of being sponsored to continue his education. His story served as a stark reminder of the privilege of education and opportunity, instilling a profound sense of gratitude among the Rockwell cohort for their circumstances. 

Their visit to the Hope Hospital, catering to the most vulnerable individuals including mothers and babies, left them in awe of the tireless dedication of the Foundation's workers.

However, their experience at the special needs' orphanage presented them with the most challenging emotions. Faced with children who lacked social interaction and had no means of communication, the students grappled with feelings of helplessness with no way to cheer them up. 

Reflecting on their journey, the students were appalled by the levels of inequality they witnessed on the streets of Kolkata. One student aptly captured the disparity, stating, "What you see in the pictures, you can multiply by 100 to get the real picture of what's happening." This eye-opening experience served as a catalyst for gratitude and shifted their perspectives on various aspects of life. 

The trip left an indelible mark on the students, influencing their future paths. Some expressed intentions of incorporating their experiences into their future career choices. Accompanied by teachers John O'Meara and Ian Murphy, the Rockwell students, including Joe Kelly (Dungarvan), David Moloney (Tipp Town), Matthew Downey (Clonmel), Jack Doherty (Killenaule), Daniel Charles (Clonmel) Lucy Mai Longworth (New Inn), Jessica Curran (Marlfield), Mia English (Redmondstown), Grace Cooney (Clonmel), Lydia Kelly (Ballypatrick) Grace Heaney (New Inn), Robyn McCarthy (Marlfield), Sorcha Kennedy (Clonmel), Tamah Banayee (Kilkenny), and Zoe O’Gorman (Clonmel), returned home with a newfound appreciation for the blessings in their lives and a renewed commitment to making a difference in the world.