Open School up and running - Batemans Trust€¦ · Pongal weekend at the start of 2010. The event...

Open School up and running

The Batemans Trust offi cially opened its new Open School in 2009, for children who have had no previous schooling or who have been

struggling in their studies at other schools.Around a dozen youngsters, aged from

eight to 16, are receiving dedicated tuition from Batemans teachers in a house near St George’s School in Chennai. The school, run through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), is designed for children who have not responded well to mainstream schooling.

Alex Jacob, Batemans Trust Project Director, explained that setting up the NIOS had been a long-held ambition. ‘As we

all know, some children fi nd it hard to adapt to life in a formal school setting and in India, where classes often have more than 60 children in them, it makes it even harder to cope. One of the Trust’s main successes at the St George’s Boarding Home has been setting up an after-school tuition programme, which supports all the children we look after. This has raised academic standards and helped many children to pass the all-important 10th Standard government exams (similar to

GCSEs) when otherwise they might not have done so.

‘However, we have felt for a while that for some children the government exams are not appropriate. So, after a lot of preparation work, we are now registered with NIOS, which offers an alternative qualifi cations route.’

The Open School is being run by locally-based staff employed by Batemans. Anne Desir, a UK primary school teacher and Batemans Trustee, spent two weeks in Chennai in October 2009 helping to train the teachers. She said: ‘It was wonderful to see the Open School. The small class sizes

It doesn’t cost much to make a real difference...Salary for one month for an Open School teacher: £100 1

Inside this issue

Welcome… to the latest round-up of news from the Batemans Trust. The year 2009 was another busy one at the Boarding Home at St George’s School in Chennai, South India, and at the other projects we support in the city. In these pages, we look at some of the highlights of the past 12 months and, of course, refl ect on the continuing backing of all our supporters…

Batemans Trust launches its latest project in Chennai

Fundraising updates… page 5

Chennai chatter… pages 3

and 4

Where your

money goes… page 6

ISSUE 10Spring 2010

CONTACT US! The Batemans Trust, Stocks Lane Farm, Steventon, Nr Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 6SSWebsite: www.batemans.org.uk; Email: [email protected]

Some of the older Open School members with teacher Anne Desir (centre) who has visited Chennai from the UK for two stints to help get it established.

Continued on page 2

Batemans News Spring 2010.indd 3 25/2/10 10:31:42

It doesn’t cost much to make a real difference...Text books for one child… £152

Two members of Batemans’ Indian staff spent a memorable few weeks in the UK last summer. The trip was funded by some generous

donors with the aim of developing their teaching skills and school management skills and to help them gain a better understanding of the work of the Trust.

Monica Augustine, who is Project Co-ordinator for the Batemans Trust, and Mercy Roberts, a Batemans tuition teacher, visited several different primary schools as part of a trip designed to help them develop their understanding of British culture and teaching techniques.

They visited rural schools in Oxfordshire and Essex and an inner-city school in Harrow, north-west London, observing the similarities and differences between the way children are taught in India and the UK.

They also attended a meeting of the

Batemans Trustees, giving the latest update on developments in Chennai, and visited some of the UK-based former volunteers with whom they had worked in the past.

There was also time for some sightseeing, including visits to the Houses of Parliament and a chilly punting trip in Cambridge!

As well as the educational experience, it was also something of a cultural eye-opener for the pair, who had never left Chennai – let alone India – before.

‘It was a wonderful trip, we learnt so much and everyone was very kind,’ said Monica. ‘There are so many differences in the way that people live in England compared with India – it helped us understand why it is such a culture shock when volunteers from the UK or Europe visit Chennai for the fi rst time. Thank-you to everyone who helped us.’

Monica and Mercy’s UK visit

News

New Chair of Trustees

Sophie Hare is the new Chair of the Batemans Trust, taking over from Ben Arora who has stepped down after three demanding but successful years in the role.

Sophie was a volunteer at St George’s in 2002 and has been a Trustee ever since. Married with one child, she works for an education communications company in London.

She said: ‘I am delighted to be taking over this role. We have a great team of Trustees, who all give up time from their busy lives to support Batemans. All the Trustees have spent time at St George’s, which means they understand the challenges, opportunities and occasional quirks involved in running the charity.

‘We also receive tremendous backing from our Honorary Administrator Nick Thompson and his wife Mary, who are tireless in offering both practical support and wise advice.’

She paid tribute to Ben, who will be continuing as a Trustee. ‘We have benefi ted from Ben’s experience in senior roles at the Department for Education, Schools and Families and now at NESTA (National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts). He has been an excellent chair of Trustees, happy to do whatever was most needed for the charity, whether it was negotiating with St George’s governing body, entertaining the Bishop of Madras at our 10th Anniversary celebrations in Chennai or fi lling rolls during the Truck Festival in rural Oxfordshire. I am delighted that he will continue to be involved as a Trustee.’

and intimate surroundings are very different from the situation at many Indian schools – and everyone benefi ts as a result.’

Children at the Open School have their own uniform and gradually it is developing its own identity.

‘We have a couple of boys at the Open School who had not passed their

10th Standard at St George’s and whose future was uncertain,’ said Alex. ‘Giving children, who are regarded by many as “failures”, an opportunity to achieve an alternative qualifi cation has given them a new lease of life. Seeing the way they have responded – and appreciated how they can stand on their own two feet – makes it all worthwhile.’

Continued from page 1

Fact-fi nders... Mercy Roberts (left) and Monica Augustine pictured during their visit last year.

Sophie Hare

Ben Arora


It doesn’t cost much to make a real difference...Whiteboard for tuition room... £25 3

Tripping out: The children have enjoyed a number of class trips this year. These have included visits to the zoo, a biscuit factory, a heritage centre and the planetarium. These visits, all funded by Batemans, provide important life experiences and much fun and enjoyment for our under-privileged children.

Stage struck: The new stage saw plenty of use during 2009, not least for the Christmas show which, as ever, was greeted with tremendous excitement by the children. Directed by Alex, this year’s show was called Baboushka, telling a salutary tale about the need to value those around you. Staff and children worked really hard on some great sets and costumes, including the picture here of Athalia Mennie dressed up as a tree – on a stage with a roof that was constructed out of a (bamboo) tree.

Food fad: The 7th Standard children (11 and 12-year-olds) fi nished their project on Europe with a food festival, during which they made and later ate European food including pizza, paella, and sausages and mash!

Festive fun: After a memorable Christingle carol service, during which Boris Horner sang a solo accompanied by the Boarding Home’s new administrator Mr Raymond, the children enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner enormously. It was organised by our Matron-in-Charge Becky Draper and included ghee rice, chicken curry, chappatis, brinjal side dish and lots of ice cream! Santa brought everyone their new clothes, which were greeted with huge excitement. It’s thanks to Batemans’ sponsors’ money that

these children can enjoy such a memorable Christmas season.

Good sports: The annual boarding sports and prize day was held over the Pongal weekend at the start of 2010. The event was organised mainly by the sports captains, with help from staff.

Rounding up some of the past year’s developments at St George’s – and showing how your cash makes a difference

Not all work and no play at St George’s

Kathleen John (near right) is a fundamental part of the forest in the Christmas show and (right) Becky Matron receives a bouquet from Jubelyn.

Boris Horner tries pizza... European

style.

Mervyn climbs high at the adventure camp.


It doesn’t cost much to make a real difference...Average cost for a term at university... £58 4

Lisa and Fiona make a great pairLisa and Fiona

It’s 10 years since Lisa Bhavan opened as a hostel for girls after they leave St George’s

Lisa Bhavan is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – and it’s a particularly special landmark for Fiona Auntie, who has been looking after the groups of 10 or so girls who stay there for virtually all that time.

Lisa Bhavan and the Boys Bhavan are funded by the Batemans Trust, giving youngsters a place to stay and a stable environment after they have fi nished at the boarding home.

Many of the youngsters at the bhavans continue to excel, not least Lionel Stephenson, who was awarded a ‘best in class’ certifi cate and cheque by Saveetha Dental College, where he is studying to be a lab technician. Now in his fi nal year at college, Lionel fi rst started at the boarding home at St George’s when he was fi ve years old – a real product of a Batemans-funded education.

‘It shows what Batemans does for these young people,’ said John Clements, who runs the Boys Bhavan. ‘I keep telling them that they are being given a golden opportunity. When I saw him up on the stage I was thinking that without Batemans’ help, Lionel would not have been up there receiving that cheque.’

At the moment, youngsters at the bhavans are training in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, mobile phone repair, computer operations and air ticketing. One of the girls at Lisa Bhavan hopes to join the army after her nursing training.

Meanwhile, a number of the bhavans students are at college, studying subjects including history, English, economics, animation and computer application.

Youngsters at the bhavans are training in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, mobile phone repair, computer operations and air ticketing

They dug out a long jump pit and marked out a running track before the event got underway with a ‘march past’ behind the Indian fl ag, followed by the children taking the oath. They then competed in a range of track and team events - and the competition was hot. In the evening, prizes were distributed for the sports events and for academic and creative achievement. Prizes were also given to youngsters who have made great contributions to boarding life, with Keith Clarkson receiving the top award of a bicycle.

Swine fl u away: Swine fl u panic last year meant many children were sent home by the school if they were suffering from the slightest cold or fever. But, like many of us, some of the children weren’t really sure what it was, let alone if they were suffering from it. As Brett said to Alex Jacob, project

director: ‘Alex, Alex, when are we going on excursion?’ Alex replied: ‘I don’t know yet, Brett, as they are still concerned about swine fl u.’ Brett was not perturbed: ‘Yes, Alex. Swine fl u came here yesterday! We saw it by the Batemans Room but then it went off!’

Wired up: A group of 16 older children from St George’s and the Open School attended a weekend adventure camp, taking part in a range of activities, including rock climbing and high wire action. Thanks to a generous Chennai-based Batemans supporter, who paid for the trip.

On your marks at Sports Day.

John and Viji, with some of the residents at the

Boys Bhavan.



It doesn’t cost much to make a real difference...Medals and certifi cates for Sports Day… £305

Fundraising update

2010 events preview Regular fund-raising events run by the Batemans Trust make a signifi cant contribution to the money raised for the charity’s projects each year. Please get involved!

Three visits to the gardens of Highgrove House, the home of the Prince of Wales, were among the highlights of last year’s fundraising events programme.

Once again imaginatively and skilfully conceived and masterminded by Mary Thompson, the events raised well over £5,300 between them.

Among the highlights were a talk from Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, and a visit to Englefi eld House, near Reading, the home of Richard Benyon, who was Governor of Madras (now Chennai) from 1735 until 1744.

Other notable fund-raising events included an annual party

in Kent organised by Gerald and Sheila Wilton and a garden fete in Cambridgeshire arranged by Nick and Elizabeth Froy.

In addition, the Batemans Trust is very grateful to all the organisations and individuals who support it via sponsorship or one-off donations.

Poetry… please!Nick Thompson, Honorary Administrator, offers a poetic perspective on last year’s Batemans fund-raising events:

For the English Heritage chief Simon Thurley

We assembled at Tallow Chandlers Hall early.

He had a splendid tale to tell; it started the events programme well.

Englefi eld House nabobs was a huge success,

Tour by Sir William and Lucy Porten’s address.

Our hosts rated us a master class, knowing so much about Madras.

Truck 12 proved hard work, but the weather was benign,

The buns sold slowly, while tea and coffee did fi ne.

Highgrove was an education, three times we had an invitation.

We saw into the soul of the heir to the throne,

Depicted in tree stumps and redundant carved stone.

But barred from the eyes of the nation, was his place of meditation.

Lastly the Spice Lunch for our loyal supporters,

Some came a long way, and lots more from close quarters.

We raised fi ve-and-a-half thousand quid. Thanks to all for all you did!

Planning for the 2010 events is well underway with an events information leafl et due to be sent to supporters later this spring.

Among the plans being mooted for this year are:● Indian Connections 2 – a visit to

another historic house formerly owned by a Nabob (people who made their fortunes in colonial India before returning to the UK)

● A talk about William Dalrymple’s new book, called Nine Lives

● A day at Ditchley Park● Truck 2010 – the Batemans tent will

be up and running again for buns, teas,

coffees and more between 23 and 25 July● Batemans Spice Lunch – September

12 in Steventon, Oxfordshire.

Why not think about running your own event for Batemans? Whether it’s a spice lunch of your own, a sponsored walk, or a coffee morning you can help make a difference to the lives of the children we are supporting in Chennai. Remember, we can help with promotional leafl ets and photos, so do contact us.

Making a royal connection in 2009

Batemans’ stall the Truck Festival and

Highgrove House, a popular venue in 2009.



Where does the money go?Breaking down where the money you donate is spent

For the fi rst time ever, spending by the Batemans Trust in the last fi nancial year outstripped the amount of money we raised.This was due to a combination of factors, including the rising cost of living in India, the relative weakness of the pound against the rupee and the need to fund a growing number of Batemans children who are moving on to higher education.

The chart shows where the £71,000 was spent.

The Wish List is not just for Christmas!Many thanks to all those who donate to Batemans via our wish list.Remember, it’s not just for Christmas! It could also make a great birthday or anniversary present, too! Download it via the Donating to Batemans section at www.batemans.org.uk

Sponsorship update

Financial news

Although Batemans’ overall costs are rising, the Trustees recognise that the economic downturn has had an impact on many of our donors over the past 18 months or so.

As a result, we have decided not to ask existing sponsors for an increase in the current £10 a month (£120 a year) cost of supporting a child at the Boarding Home in Chennai. However, from now on, new sponsors are being asked to contribute a minimum of £150 a year.

Of course, anyone who feels able to do so is welcome to increase the amount they pay in sponsorship each month. We also appreciate that many of our supporters prefer to add to their support through the Wish List or in other ways. However you support us, we are hugely grateful.

Please visit out website at www.batemans.org.uk or call 01235 832077 to fi nd out how you can become a sponsor.

Boarding Homecosts: 29%

Boarding home children open their Christmas gifts in December 2009.

Education costs: 20%

Communication, including postage, newsletter and fundraising: 6%

Volunteers costs: 4%

Buildings and equipment: 12%

Medical, travel and events: 6%

Bhavans and NIOS: 19%

Administration: 4%

6Batemans News Spring 2010.indd 2 25/2/10 10:31:32

Open School up and running - Batemans Trust€¦ · Pongal weekend at the start of 2010. The event...

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