In 2017, Beaudesert Park School, Minchinhampton hosted the first ever OSCAR Foundation football and education tour for 16 boys living in underserved communities in urban Mumbai, India.
With not even a birth certificate at the outset, the dedicated OSCAR team set to work to get passports, visas and flights for a group of children who never dared to dream they would ever travel abroad.
The tour was a resounding success largely due to the support and generosity of Beaudesert Park School. A collaborative effort of pupils, staff and parents energetically raised funds and created a once in a lifetime opportunity for the OSCAR beneficiaries. The two-week tour, filmed by CBBC went on to win a coveted BAFTA. View My Life: Mumbai Street Strikers. (begins after 30 secs)
In October 2023 a mixed team of girls and boys living in poverty will once again have the opportunity to travel, meet new friends and learn from their peers. Children from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds learn from each other. It is this shared learning which motivates the UK host schools to gather together to create something unique.
Throughout the academic year the Beaudesert Park community has proactively raised funds to make a dream a reality. 20 staff ran the Bristol Half Marathon, the children took part in a Colour Run and 3,500-mile ‘dribble’, parents enjoyed a fundraising Curry Night and Auction, raising a record-breaking total of £24,465.00.
The Evening Standard is supporting the tour launching a film featuring, OSCAR’s Saloni and Aarti ,who will both be at Beaudesert in October. The film is part of the Let Girls Learn programme and captures both the difficulties faced by girls living in a patriarchal society and the excitement of the UK tour. Both girls are currently waiting to receive their passports and will be the first residents of their overpopulated community to ever travel abroad.
“All of us at Beaudesert are delighted to support the OSCAR Foundation again this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to host the OSCAR team and learn from each other. We are thoroughly looking forward to welcoming the children from Mumbai in October.”
Chris Searson, Headmaster
The OSCAR International charity and the UK tours are run by Frampton Mansell, Stroud resident, Lucinda Sowerbutts.
“The OSCAR UK Tour programme is at the heart of OSCAR’s work. Creating opportunities, inspiring and motivating underprivileged young people to work hard, stay in education and reach for the stars. The Tour Alumni continue to amaze us, not only with their personal success but the impact they have on their community. Learning and giving back, win win! “
Lucinda Sowerbutts, Head of OSCAR International
