A  BALLINEEN teenager is preparing for the trip of a lifetime to India where she will work with children and families in community charity projects, writes Martin Steinmetz.

A student at Maria Immaculata Community College (MICC) in Dunmanway, Grace Aherne (16) will pack her backpack in February and venture to Kolkata, West Bengal, to take part in the Hope Foundation’s TY programme.

‘I’m really looking forward to going to India because I want to see a different culture and a different way of life. I’m curious what it will be like compared to West Cork. I’m sure it’ll be a good experience and it could help me decide on a future job. My sister went to Nepal last year and she inspired me to go,’ said Grace.

Outside of college, Grace is a keen road bowler, plays football with Ahiohill and is a member of Enniskeane Camogie Club.

Support for her charity trip comes from  her mum Cathleen, dad Thomas, and siblings Gavin, Niamh, Ciara, Daniel and Daragh, as well as from many friends.

In February, Grace will spend a week in Kolkata alongside fellow MICC students Aine Crowley, Emma Draper, Michael Galvin, Calvin O’Donoghue and Bridget Williamson.

The group will work with projects aiming to help people in disadvantaged areas in city with a population of 4.5m.

Ahead of their journey, the six students volunteered to fundraise  and raise €2,000 each as a donation to the Hope Foundation.

Staff at MICC said the students had put in a lot of effort to raise the money since October, with some having already reached their fundraising goal.

The Hope Foundation has been a successful charity for many years, running over 60 projects in Kolkata that support children and families through health, education and vocational training initiatives.

MICC Teacher Molly Brady travelled to India in 2013, saying the trip had inspired her to introduce the India programme to MICC Dunmanway.

She said the experience had left a deep impression on her, strengthening her ambition to become a teacher and to continue helping others.

‘They are MICC’s first cohort of students to travel with the Hope Foundation, and I am so very proud of them for having the compassionate drive to want to help those in Kolkata. We as a school are so excited to hear about their journey after they travel next February and we hope to keep a strong connection with the Hope Foundation for years to come,’ she said.

To support Grace’s fundraising efforts visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/GraceAherne