This International Women’s Day we highlight some of the inspiring ways our pupils embody the theme “Give to Gain” – showing that acts of kindness, service and leadership not only support others but also foster personal growth, confidence and skills. From fundraising and mentoring to technical support and volunteering, these young women are making a real difference within our School and wider communities.

Eloise

Eloise has been involved in campaigning and fundraising for bowel cancer awareness for some time. Her advocacy has reached national audiences, including a television appearance last November. Eloise’s courage and determination make her a truly inspirational young woman.

Noor  

Noor has made a fantastic contribution to Muslim Faith Support within the school community – providing help and guidance for her peers, and also helping others learn about Islam through creating educational posters and presentations. For Noor, ‘Give to Gain’ is about using her time and abilities to help others while developing confidence and leadership along the way. She explains that giving back allows independence and personal strengths to benefit the wider community.

When I give my time and effort to help others, I gain the skills and confidence to become a stronger leader. Giving back turns my independence into something that benefits everyone, not just myself. Helping others has greatly improved my confidence through public speaking. By creating posters and leading presentations, I have realised that my voice and my work can influence how people think and learn.

Noor’s advice to other girls is simple but powerful:

Give back to the Downe House community using the abilities you already have. You do not need a big stage to make an impact. Every small thing you do counts, and confidence and leadership will come naturally.

Strawberry

For Strawberry, the idea of giving to others brings both happiness and perspective.

Even small things like giving someone a pen in class or a sandwich to a homeless person can make someone’s entire day and give you a sense of pride.

Strawberry raised approximately £2,500 for Centrepoint, a charity supporting young people experiencing homelessness, by taking part in the Sleep Out event at Somerset House alongside her mother. Participants slept outside overnight along the balcony overlooking the River Thames, learning more about the challenges faced by people without stable housing. The experience strengthened her determination to raise awareness of homelessness and support organisations working to address it.

It was windy, dark and very cold, but at the end of the night I had a home to come back to. Others do not. It may feel scary to take part in something like this, but afterwards you feel proud and know you have made a difference.

Luli  

Luli has also been deeply involved as an Ambassador for Morgan’s Message, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of mental health in sport. Luli has helped organise events at school including a mufti day, a dedication lacrosse match and an American themed meal inspired by the charity’s origins in the United States. She believes that creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable speaking openly about their feelings and the difficulties they are experiencing is essential.

Give to Gain means giving up my time to support something that is such an important cause. Athletes often feel a lot of pressure and sometimes find it hard to ask for support. Morgan’s Message helps break that stigma and encourage people to talk.

Through her work, Luli has learnt that even small actions can have a meaningful impact.

Starting a conversation or doing a small act of kindness can make a real difference.

Tech Club

The talented and long serving core members of our Tech Club, Lina, Dominica, Tiffany and Gigi, demonstrate that some of the most important contributions to school life take place behind the scenes.

Through their work with the Audiovisual Department they support productions, assemblies, concerts and major events across the school. From managing microphones and operating lighting to solving technical problems during live performances, their work ensures events run smoothly for everyone involved, whilst they themselves gain knowledge, skills and a deep sense of satisfaction. Most of the team were initially drawn to the role through an interest in drama or music, but discovered that the technical side of productions offered a new and exciting challenge, allowing them to contribute to productions in a different way and make a difference to others.

They are keen to encourage others to volunteer in roles on which the spotlight rarely falls:

Do not be afraid to get involved. You do not need to know everything at the start. If you are willing to learn and help, you will gain skills, confidence and the experience of contributing to something bigger.

Lorna

For Lorna, “Give to Gain” means supporting and empowering others by investing time to help them. She has previously organised a blindfolded obstacle course and a bake sale to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, highlighting the challenges visually impaired people face. She is also a Morgan’s Message Ambassador, promoting mental health awareness in student athletes, and has completed a 100 kilometre bike ride for Cancer Research UK. Next month she will run the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise funds for Tommy’s. 

Lorna shares: 

Organising and taking part in charity events gives me a sense of purpose and an ability to make a difference. Once you have an idea for a charity, the school is incredibly supportive. You can be creative and have fun while helping others. I have learnt that giving back allows everyone to benefit, and supporting those with fewer opportunities is essential.

Alara & Chika

Alara and Chika are embarking on an ambitious mission to support Quest for Learning, an educational charity that works to close the gap in English and mathematics attainment for disadvantaged primary school pupils in Oxfordshire. The first of several activities planned is a fundraising social event between Downe House and Radley College.

 For the girls, the idea of “Give to Gain” is rooted in values such as kindness, respect and effort and they believe that even small gestures can shape the atmosphere of a community.

When you give kindness, effort and time to others, you often gain friendships, respect and success in return. Helping others makes the world around you a better place. Even holding a door open or cheering someone up contributes to a positive environment.

What the girls have learnt about the charity has shaped their understanding of the importance of education and determination to help. It has also led them to realise just how fortunare they are to have so many opportunities available to them at school. They are keen to advise others to get involved with philanthropic causes:

 Do not be scared or shy. Use your voice, stay curious and pursue ideas that can make a positive difference.

Hettie

Hettie is this year’s Head Senior and she acts as an exemplary role model for others in the school – committed to supporting others and leading by example. For Hettie, helping others is closely connected to her Christian faith and the belief that service should be part of everyday life.

Hettie has recently galvanised 50 student and member of staff to take part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April.  The team are aiming to raise £16,000 for Tommy’s, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. The training and preparation involved in the challenge have required discipline and commitment, but Hettie believes the experience is worthwhile if it helps support an important cause.

Hettie’s advice to others:

Think small. Not everything must be seen or acknowledged. The person who gives the most is the one who gives without the hope of reward.

India

India is a student Head of Lower School and a Chapel Senior, and is known for her kindness, leadership and dedication to supporting younger pupils across the school. Much of her time is spent helping Lower School girls, dropping into Houses to check in on them and offering encouragement and support. India hopes her contribution helps to make the younger girls feel encouraged and valued – as she experienced when she was a similar age.

For India, giving to others is deeply rewarding and her reflection captures the spirit of the concept perfectly:

Do not give to gain, but you often find that you gain something as a result.

Giving That Inspires

The pupils featured here remind us that giving to others does not always require grand gestures. Often it begins with simple acts of kindness, the willingness to volunteer time, or the courage to support a cause that matters.

Through their efforts these pupils demonstrate that giving to others strengthens communities while also helping individuals grow in confidence, empathy and leadership.

This International Women’s Day we celebrate their commitment, compassion and the positive impact they continue to make both within Downe House and beyond.