Children From Mumbai Visit UK Schools

Sixteen children from the slums of Mumbai, Karnataka and Rajasthan travelled to the UK to visit independent schools including Beaudesert Park School in Gloucestershire.

OSCAR and Beaudesert’s football teams

The children were chosen by the OSCAR Foundation, a charity in Mumbai that helps run educational, football and life skills programmes in India.

Eight boys and eight girls were selected to visit the UK, playing football matches, attending lessons and learning from local children.

Children from the OSCAR Foundation and Beaudesert Park School playing football together

The whole trip was funded by UK schools, who spent the last year raising money.

The largest amount was raised by Beaudesert Park School, with a total of £24,465 going to the charity. The activities used to raise money included a colour run, a curry and auction night and a team of staff who ran the Bristol half marathon.

OSCAR children meeting Beaudesert Park pre-prep pupils

The children enjoyed dance and samba workshop at Beaudesert School, meeting the pre-prep children and coaching sports sessions.

Headmaster at Beaudesert School, Chris Searson, said: ‘We are so blessed to have hosted the OSCAR teams again, and to have strengthened our connections with the Foundation.’

The OSCAR boys team playing Beaudesert Park School

‘Each tour is a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about the experiences of others, to make new friends. We can’t wait to work with OSCAR again in the future, and welcome them back to Beaudesert.’