Ely 900 Mission Project

Project: To provide scholarships for children from villages in the Diocese of Vellore to undertake further education.

Why Vellore? We have had a link with the Diocese of Vellore since 1992. The Diocese of Vellore is both made up of and works amongst some of the poorest people in the area. Like our own diocese, much of the area is rural and very poor. The Diocese of Vellore hopes to bring life in all its fullness to all people.

How will the scholarships help? At present, the Diocese supports about 4000 children through their church schools. For those of secondary age, this often means providing hostel places for the children at their school, allowing them a place to stay and study during term time. However, when children get to school leaving age, they cannot afford to go on to further education. The scholarships will provide training, board and lodging for young women and men to study as nursing auxilliaries, engineers, computer operators etc. One year's training costs about £300. Most courses are two or three years.  Once they've finished the training, those who have received the scholarships will be encouraged to stay within their local community to share their skills with others.

How can we support this? There are a variety of things people can do to support this project and no amount of money collected is too small. Your church or group could make it a Lent project, or even a special project during the year. Or you might like to be more adventurous and have a curry evening at church, or an Indian activity day, when you find out more about life as an Indian and as a Christian in the Diocese of Vellore. Or what about being sponsored to do your homework, or offering to sponsor some of the young people in your parish to do that?! Sleepovers in church, sleeping on beach mats, would copy how the children in the hostels sleep - the possibilities are endless.

To find out more A DVD about the work of the Diocese of Vellore is available and you can have a speaker as well! Download information form.

For further information contact
The Revd Fiona Brampton
The Vicarage
Church Lane
Haddenham
Ely CB6 3TB
01353 740309