| The Ashbourne Churches Together - Patna Partnership grew out of
a visit to Derbyshire by Bishop Philip Marandih of the Church of North India
in 1998 when he stayed with Christopher Harrison, the Rural Dean. The Church
of North India is an ecumenical church, formed in the early 70's by the
amalgamation of five denominations.
Ashbourne Churches Together raised £12,000 within three years, to re-tile the whole roof. St. John's School was founded in 1864 by British Missionaries who wanted to offer education to the predominantly Santali tribespeople of that area and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. The school now educates children at primary, middle and high school levels. However, many of the children come from very poor families and during term time those from outlying areas have to live in hostels at the school. The school does not have the resources to give board and lodging to its full complement of children and so many poor children are currently unable to benefit from the education offered by St. John's. However the cost of board and lodging for one child is only Five Pounds (£5.00) per month This is not a large sum for most of us but it could make a tremendous difference to these children. We are currently sponsoring 100 girls at their hostel and plan to increase that to 120 in 2010 . There is also a need for help with the cost of uniform and medicines plus the possibility of funding High School education for the girls from Taljhari and also in other places in the diocese so we have now extended our scheme to cover education across the diocese, although we will continue to concentrate on Taljhari. If you are willing to participate in this scheme please contact Mrs Elizabeth Hurfurt tel 01335 342859, email jandehurfurt@supanet.com or Click here for more details. Visit by the Revd Christopher Harrison and Mrs Annette Froggatt October 2008. Read their report here. |