Students set for Indian summer (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Students set for Indian summer

TEENAGERS from Farmor's School in Fairford are taking time out this summer to work with street children in India.

Rebecca Hedges, Hannah Roberts, Alice Salter and Marcus Gear will form part of a team of 11 youngsters who will spend three weeks in Bangalore.

They will visit hospitals and churches, as well as a couple of new specialist centres for children who have lost their parents.

The trip is being organised by the Diocese of Gloucester, which has built up a strong relationship with the Church in Bangalore over the last two years.

Canon Adrian Slade said: "We realised there was potential for young people to go and do some exciting stuff with children in another place.

"Bangalore is where all the new call centres are springing up.

"One of the problems with a growing city is that lots of people then come to that part of the world to try and find jobs.

"And a lot of them bring their children and people get lost or separated - there are a large number of children who have a pretty torrid and tough time of it."

The children, who will be accompanied by four adults and three junior leaders, will leave for India on July 25.

In the meantime, they must each raise some £480 towards the cost of the trip, which is being subsidised by the Church.

Fundraising events are being devised and letters are being written to local organisations to help with the cost.

Marcus, who lives in Lechlade, said: "I have never been to a place like India before - it's very exciting.

"I can't really imagine what it will be like over there but I am looking forward to learning about their religion and culture - it will be a major experience."

And it seems the 15-year-old is well on his way to raising the £480 he needs.

His parents celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on Saturday, and rather than give presents their friends made monetary donations.

Canon Slade added: "The kids out there will certainly benefit from the attention and experience of people from Gloucestershire.

"But I think the greatest benefit in the end will be for our children.

"They will come back different in their understanding of what it's like in other parts of the world - it will be a tremendous experience."