Childrens Charity, India
In 2017 schools across the UK hosted the first ever OSCAR Foundation football and education tour for 16 boys living in underserved communities in urban Mumbai, India. With not even a birth certificate at the outset, the dedicated OSCAR team set to work to get passports, visas and flights for a group of children who never dared to dream they would ever travel abroad.
The tour was a resounding success, a collaborative effort of pupils, staff and parents who raised funds and created a once in a lifetime opportunity for the OSCAR beneficiaries. The two-week tour, was made into a documentary by CBBC and Bristol based, Drummer TV and went on to win a coveted BAFTA.
In October 2023 a mixed team of girls and boys living in poverty will once again have the opportunity to travel, meet new friends and learn from their peers. Children from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds teach each other. The power of this shared learning motivates the UK host schools to gather together to create something unique. Rohit (below) was invited on tour by Miss Catherine Barnes, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai in his home with parents, sister and grandparents sharing the happy news.
Throughout the academic year, Beaudesert Park School, Bradfield College, Hall Grove Prep, Ashfold School, Marlborough College, Malvern College, Eton College and Heathfield, Ascot have proactively raised funds to make a dream a reality. Fundraising activities have ranged from a glittering Ball, a 3,500 miles dribble, marathons, curry nights, triathlons and so much more. The tour is also sponsored by the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good and we are grateful to them for this wonderful 2 minute film on our founder, Ashok Rathod.
The Evening Standard is supporting the tour launching a film featuring, OSCAR’s Saloni, who will be on tour in October. The film is part of the Let Girls Learn programme and captures both the difficulties faced by girls living in a patriarchal society and the excitement of the UK tour. Saloni has received her passport and will be the first resident of her overpopulated community to ever travel abroad.
“All of us at Beaudesert are delighted to support the OSCAR Foundation again this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to host the OSCAR team and learn from each other. We are thoroughly looking forward to welcoming the children from Mumbai in October.”
Chris Searson, Headmaster Beaudesert Park School
“The OSCAR UK Tour programme is at the heart of OSCAR’s work. Creating opportunities, inspiring and motivating underprivileged young people to work hard, stay in education and reach for the stars. The Tour Alumni continue to amaze us, not only with their personal success but the impact they have on their community. Learning and giving back, win win! “
Lucinda Sowerbutts, Head of OSCAR International
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