Annette's fundraiser to mentor teachers in India is tomorrow

Just a reminder that a fundraiser event tomorrow, Saturday, morning, April 26 in Kilcullen's Town Hall, will include tea and coffee, cakes, music ... and more and more cakes. Along with great neighbourly conversation, it runs from 10.30am till lunchtime, and is in support of Annette McCarthy's Global Schoolroom trip to north-east India in July.

The Global Schoolroom initiative was set up in 2005 by two teachers. Its mission is simple, to share educational experience and expertise, working directly with local teachers to help in their own education.

Over nine years, the Global Schoolroom scheme has sent trained Irish volunteer teachers to this area of India each summer to act as mentors to local teachers. To-date nearly 200 Irish teachers have worked with over 700 Indian teachers. For Indian teachers involved, the sessions in July form part of a 3-year diploma in teacher education accredited by UCD, a framework that is sustained locally by the Don Bosco University in Assam.

In a region that is geographically and economically separated from the rest of India, the work of Global Schoolroom empowers local teachers to educate local youths and in turn act as agents for development in their region.

Annette McCarthy, who retired last year after 37 years working in Scoil Bhride, will share her knowledge and expertise with teachers in India who are just starting out on their careers. She has been carrying-out an involved process of training and preparation, both on-site at Global Schoolroom in Dublin and remotely at home, learning how to be the best mentor in a cross-cultural setting.

Global Schoolroom volunteer teachers help with fundraising to support the programme. Global Schoolroom covers all costs for Indian teachers to participate in the programme, including training, accommodation, food and travel and their continued support through the Global Schoolroom alumni following contact sessions with Irish teachers.

So! Come join us for all the treats that make a Saturday morning a Saturday morning. Expect the finest cakes, buns, biscuits and cookies, tarts, pies and puddings. Donations will be gratefully accepted, as well as options to buy delicious delights to take home. Music will be provided by Camphill's super-lady, Gesa, who will be joined by musical friends.

If you can't attend, but would still like to support, please contact Annette on 087-6320040.

Annette is pictured above on left, receiving a Community Award from Margaret O'Shea at last October's KCA Community & Tidy Towns Awards Night. Pic by Ray Kelly.