As more and more TagTeacherNet members contribute to the Ray of Hope campaign to help schools in the developing world, Don McBurney this week demonstrates the process by which Ray of Hope places resources in schools through direct and personal contact. Teachers world wide can get help and advice through the TagTeacherNet grapevine. For assistance and advice in supporting schools in the developing world, or for general UNESCO enquiries, contact don@unesco.co.uk

Project, Bustee School & ABWU Primary School Calcutta, India

" I love it when a plan comes together !!!!!!!!" Maybe not so much a plan as just simply a happening. The following is an account of a project that had its inception in March, 2002. Much more has yet to be completed but it does illustrate that unity of purpose can have an efficiently quick and very satisfying result. Not every venture we attempt is so successful.

February, 2002, whilst on holiday in India, Heather Beattie, had the opportunity to visit several schools. I have known Heather for 25 years and watched her blossom, eventually becoming president of a teachers' union.

Seeing the resources available in the schools and their many needs, Heather, decided to put her thoughts into action. It is always difficult to support a project as an individual and how much more difficult when many 1000s of miles separate you from your task. I was certainly impressed with the will that Heather had to succeed, and equally impressed by the immediate feedback from the schools in Calcutta; answering all of mine and Heather's queries. Heather also agree to be A Ray of Hope's liaison with the schools in India.

We quickly learned that the children in one of the schools were in real need of a water purifying system as the water in the vicinity of the school was contaminated. Concurrent activity costing the project, coupled with a sponsored event in a local primary school allowed for a speedy reaction to the children's basic need.

A bank graciously agreed to waiver all charges for the bank transfer of money, for this and other projects, and to allow their bank to be used for a press focus.

A London company, a supporter of A Ray of Hope's, for many years, provided a substantial amount of educational posters, teachers' notes and resource material. The children, having clothing needs, will shortly be assisted by a Londonderry clothing company. Their support will allow for one third of the 240 children to have a new outfit.

Still a few minor hitches existed but an international carrier added their weight, or maybe allowed us their space, to ship the clothing and educational supplies to Calcutta, (without charge of course).

Last, but by no means least, assistance from a teachers' union will allow us the ability to make more secure areas in the ABWU School, by the installation of security grills and also to erect awning : so important for the safety of the children and the water purifying system.

Everyone involved has been integral to the success of this project and although very much in its infancy I have much confidence in it. As I write this the project has been developing for 10 weeks only.

Although obviously each of the companies will undoubtedly have administrative costs….. from A Ray of Hope's viewpoint not a single penny was lost - yet a £5000 venture has the strategy, support and finances in place to be completed.