This week we present a short introduction to Ray of Hope, demonstrating how a group of schools can become instrumental in identifying and providing for children in more need than themselves. You can hear the Ray of Hope choir perform on the Walkers Showcase website, click here: For more exhibits from Largymore school in Ireland, including images of schools from around the world that have links with them, click here:

Background to Ray of Hope

A Ray of Hope began life, following an invitation by the British Embassy in Paris, for a choir to be to trained to perform for Royalty, Heads of State and Ambassadors to UNESCO on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of UNESCO. UNESCO's year was to be dedicated to Peace and Tolerance.

The children chosen came from 6 schools in Northern Ireland - Fleming Fulton , Largymore Primary, Assumption Grammar, Dromore High, Forthill College and Grosvenor Grammar. The choir performed on the same programme as Barbara Hendricks, Montserrat Caballe and Susana Rinaldi : and performed with Jean-Michel Jarre in the world premiere of his "Hymn of Tolerance". During A Ray of Hope's time on stage 19 presidents reaffirmed the "Proclamation of the Declaration of Tolerance". The visit to Paris was memorable and the children appeared to make an impact on all who they met including President Arafat. Both now, and then, A Ray of Hope wish to portray a desire for peace in all divided communities.

Following the performances at various locations, including UNESCO Headquarters and the Grand Amphitheatre de la Sorbonne, A Ray of Hope was honoured by Dr. Federico Mayor, Director General of UNESCO, by his unique award to the children of UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace. A Ray of Hope has now the distinction of being listed with approximately 30 other Goodwill ambassadors including Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Edson Pele, Jean-Michel Jarre, Pierre Cardin, Kim Phuc and Mstislav Rostropovitch.

The children were again honoured when their efforts to contribute to a culture of peace were mentioned in the House of Commons at the Prime Minister's Parliamentary Question Time and on a later date at a private performance for the Prime Minister.

When it learned of the other Goodwill Ambassadors and their endeavours to further the ideals of UNESCO A Ray of Hope vowed that it too would make a positive contribution. Amongst the projects currently being undertaken is an appeal to gather educational supplies for children in need. Nearly $5.2 million worth of educational, sporting and miscellaneous supplies have been distributed to 564 schools in 40 countries.