Foremarke pupils from years 7 and 8 came up with the brilliant idea to run a combined marathon on Sunday 19th June to help raise money for this great charity.

Why is this charity important to the Foremarke pupils?

This year, a young boy named Jaivik came to our school (Foremarke Hall, Derbyshire) through a charity called Project Mala (http://www.projectmala.org.uk/gb/).

Jaivik grew up in a poor village in rural India and had only studied English as he was given the opportunity by a Mala School. Through Project Mala, he has now travelled halfway across the world to sit alongside and make great friendships with children from privileged backgrounds and study in a leading English Public School.

Project Mala was founded in 1989 as an action programme for the abolition of child labour in the hand knotted carpet industry in India. They provide education for children in the carpet weaving belt. Their programme includes education up to secondary school level, a hot midday meal for all children and healthcare facilities. Their aim is to provide opportunity for less privileged children to reach their academic potential.

Jaivik has been a true inspiration to all around him during his year at Foremarke. Now, having seen the great work of this charity first-hand,
the Foremarke pupils were inspired to fundraise for the charity so they can buy new sport and academic equipment for the schools that they run in India. This will help to provide more opportunity for these children to enjoy high quality education and extra-curricular activities.

The Francis House boys will run a mile each to total 26 miles at Foremarke Hall. The Nightingale House girls are also going to do a cake sale to raise more funds.

For more information on the Charity, please do visit their website: http://www.projectmala.org.uk/gb/

Any donations, big or small, can make a huge difference to pupils of Project Mala's schools, so please do give as generously as you can.