Charity fundraising and international links

To broaden each girl’s horizons, create exciting exchange opportunities and foster an understanding of the importance of helping those who are less fortunate, we encourage all girls to be involved in charitable work and have forged relationships with several overseas schools.

Charity Fundraising
Downe House girls have raised substantial amounts of money for various charities. This has been achieved by a broad spectrum of activities such as: chapel collections, a charity fashion show, charity drama events, mufti days, and a charity swimming marathon. Girls have also taken the initiative in organising other events such as sales of fair-trade goods or second-hand articles.

Worldwide Links
Individual school houses have also established links with schools in India, Mexico, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Botswana, Malaysia and Zambia. Houses take the lead in collecting money or equipment on behalf of the schools, as well as corresponding with them. Small parties have also visited the schools.

We were also asked if we could help schools in Rwanda where the government has changed the official language from French to English so schools had a desperate need for teaching materials in English. We provided a large transit van full of books and equipment to help a local charity support a number of schools and set up a new school for disabled children.