THE HOPE FOUNDATION IMMERSION PROGRAMME
Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom
Rooted in the shared Loreto and Christian Brothers traditions of justice, compassion, service and respect for human dignity, we believe that education extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.
Since 2016, our students and staff have had the privilege of participating in the HOPE Foundation Immersion Programme in Kolkata, India. The experience offers students a unique opportunity to develop empathy, global awareness and a deeper understanding of social justice while witnessing first-hand the transformative work of the HOPE Foundation.
Founded in 1999 by local humanitarian Maureen Forrest, a native of Killeagh, the HOPE Foundation works with some of the most vulnerable street and slum children in Kolkata. Through education, healthcare, child protection, vocational training and community development, HOPE strives to restore childhoods and create sustainable pathways out of poverty for thousands of children and families.
Over the years, the programme has become an important part of our school’s commitment to social justice, service and global citizenship. Students return with a renewed appreciation for the opportunities in their own lives and a determination to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Our Impact
Since our partnership with the HOPE Foundation began in 2016:
• Over €81,000 raised by the Pobalscoil na Tríonóide community
• Dozens of students have participated in immersion programmes
• Hundreds of students have engaged in fundraising and awareness campaigns
• Lifelong links have been formed between our school and the HOPE projects in Kolkata
• Students have returned with a deeper understanding of global citizenship, social justice and service to others
Our HOPE Journey
2016
Staff: Kelly Motherway & Philip Coles
Students:
• Barry Motherway
• Ciara Crowley
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2017
Staff: Kelly Motherway & Edel Charles
Students:
• Ailbhe Griffin
• Darragh Geary
• Dean Mac an tSabhasaigh
• Marcia Ní Mhóinséil
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2018
Staff: Edel Charles & Shyrelle Walsh
Students:
• Adam Danaher
• Chloe Walsh
• Dara Motherway
• Jordan Lupton
• Sophie Lawlor
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2019
Staff: Shyrelle Walsh & David McCarthy
Students:
• Éabha Walsh
• Kate Ní Ghealbháin
• Tara Flavin
• Eimear Hayes
• Niall Sheehan
• David Collins
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2020
COVID-19 Pandemic – Trip Postponed
Staff: Edel Charles & Kelly Motherway
Selected Students:
• Aishah McCarthy
• Erin Ahern
• Catherine Ó hEidhin
• Asia Lupton
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2025
Staff: Edelle Russell & Kerri O’Donoghue
Students:
• Aisling Coleman
• Danny King
• Doireann Breathnach
• Grace Callaghan
• Kate Innes
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2026
*Postponed*
Staff: Brian Looby & Tracy Murray
Selected Students:
• Sarah Finch
• Seoirse Hill
• Olivia Lucey
• Lucy Murphy
• Donnacha Ó Leathlabhair
• Emily Tate
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2027
Students:
• Róisín Carson
• Sarah Costine
• Jake Griffiths
• Orla Motherway
• Julia Skiba
• Clodagh Spillane
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HOPE
The HOPE Foundation’s motto is simple but powerful: “A world where it should never hurt to be a child.”
Through fundraising, awareness campaigns and immersion experiences, our school community is proud to support this vision. Each trip reminds us that while our students travel to Kolkata hoping to make a difference, they often return having been changed themselves.
As a school community, we look forward to continuing this partnership and helping future generations of students become compassionate, informed and active global citizens.
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Learn More About HOPE
https://www.hopefoundation.ie/
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi