HCK Kolkata 2026

  We started the day with a well enjoyed lie-in and maybe a slightly rushed breakfast before the bus at 9:30. We began our journey by visiting the Hope Foundation cr è che. We received a very warm welcome from the staff and children, who were aged up to 5 with diverse backgrounds. We participated in many fun activities that included block building and playing with toys. Following this, we visited the Hope Foundation Hospital which caters for many people in need of medical care, particularly those who are below the poverty line. This was a very interesting experience as we got an insight into the wards themselves, along with the services they provide and their behind-the-scenes research labs. Dr Samiran Mallick, our guide, informed us of many facts and positive stories about the hospital - for example, it takes €700,000 to run the hospital per year which highlights their efficient and sustainable methods. We also learnt about the scarcity in the Indian health system, in which ther...

Day 3 Today was our second full day in Kolkata. We had breakfast (toast and eggs) at 7.30 before making our way to the different schools. Ruby, Ava, and Katie as well as Ms Kinsella took the metro to the Mary Rice Centre in Dum Dum. During their time there, the girls were helping the children with Maths and English worksheets. They ended their enjoyable and enlightening experience with lots of dancing (led by Ruby and Katie) and bag painting (from Ms. Kinsella and Ava). They said their goodbyes to the children they met that day and enjoyed some lunch there. They then took the metro back to St. George’s to join the others in a competitive basketball tournament. Meanwhile, the rest of the girls, Mr Hudson, Thérèse and Ms Hickey made the short walk to St George’s. Isabelle D. and Eva led the first class of the day which was class 3. We all went into the class together and were greeted by joyful faces throughout the class as we walked in. The lesson began with everyone in the room usin...

So, the journey begins… Everybody met up in Dublin Airport, positively beaming with anticipation as we embarked on our long yet worthwhile journey. Both our parents and ourselves were nervous, but the hundreds of photos taken by parents and Thér è se probably consoled them somewhat. We went through all the hoops at the airport together and ended up meeting at 12.30 pm at Gate 306. The first flight went smoothly due to the free Wifi on board and many movies available to watch. We were served lunch on the flight – the options being chicken korma or in Izzy O’R’s case, pasta with a vegetarian sauce (the less said on that the better). We landed in Dubai for a short layover. We rushed in time to freshen up in the bathrooms and there was just enough time for Katie to lose her phone and find it. The second flight consisted of snores. Most of us slept at one point or another. Breakfast was mostly good and we definitely appreciated the shorter flight. Upon landing we made our way throug...

"To act in solidarity with others for a more just world" Twelve students accompanied by four staff members will travel to Kolkata, India to live and work with the Christian Brother community in St. George's School, Bow Bazar and St. Mary's Dum Dum from 7th - 18th February, 2026.  They have undertaken an active and creative educational process to increase their awareness and understanding of the world we live in. They have engaged in a process of interaction, reflection and action. As part of this action project they have carried out an extensive fundraising programme. All proceeds will go directly towards education for the poor in Kolkata. Through this blog you can follow their journey.