Bringing people together to learn from each other is education in its purest form.
Dr Christopher Stevens, Headmaster
Five years on from their first visit, Bradfield College welcomed 16 girls and boys, who live very challenging lives in low income communities in India, as part of a two-week football and education tour in October 2023 with our long-standing partners OSCAR Foundation.
This was the third time the school have hosted children on the Foundation’s tours having previously welcomed 15 Mumbai girls for the Kick It Like A Girl Tour in October 2018 and an Under 17 boys’ tour a year later.
Our pupils and staff delivered an immersive itinerary for the tour team which incorporated education, culture and sport. During their three day stay OSCAR children joined our pupils in the classroom, on the football pitches and at dinner with royalty before a special visit to meet the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street.
We were honoured to have HRH Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, join us on the first night for the welcome dinner. The evening provided the perfect opportunity for Bradfield pupils and our OSCAR guests to get to know one another ahead of the planned collaborative activities. In the classroom there were opportunities to learn new skills in front of, and behind, the camera in Film Studies as well as learn about the brain and the UN Sustainable Development goals in Biology. On the football pitches OSCAR and Bradfield pupils were joined by students from The London Nautical School for a superb training session and set of small-sided matches delivered by coaches from Manchester City FC. Three of Bradfield’s young ambassadors then joined the OSCAR children at 10 Downing Street where they had the honour of meeting the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty. It was an inspiring moment as the charity’s young champions shared their hopes and dreams with the PM.
The College ran a year-long fundraising campaign, a collaborative effort by pupils, staff and parents, which included a number of events and initiatives including a colour run, a tough-mudder and numerous boarding House evenings of entertainment. The campaign was bookended by the Headmaster, Dr Christopher Stevens, taking part in two marathons, opening the year in Venice and closing the campaign out in Istanbul. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by the Bradfield community who have helped to raise over £24,500 to help fund the tour and support the OSCAR Foundation.
Speaking during their visit Dr Christopher Stevens said: “Bradfield College is thrilled to welcome a third touring party from India and to partner with OSCAR, the London Nautical School and Manchester City Football Club for a unique opportunity to share a passion for sport which transcends different cultures and backgrounds. Bringing people together to learn from each other is education in its purest form.”
Lucinda Sowerbutts, OSCAR’s Head of Operations, said: “The UK Tour programme is at the heart of OSCAR’s work. Creating opportunities, inspiring and motivating underprivileged young people to value education. 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.”
