By Flora Lepage, Year 10
Ecolint is recognized for making significant efforts to support many worthy causes around the world and in our nearby communities. We often participate in fundraisings, both small and large, to raise funds for those in need. India holds a special place in the school’s community outreach, and last week we saw an event that seamlessly integrated the efforts of staff, parents, and both primary and secondary school students.
On Thursday, March 2, an event in the Centre des Arts was not only filled with entertaining performances but also with the awareness of rare diseases in India. At 3:00 pm children and parents began to mingle and enjoyed drinks and snacks provided by the PTA. There was also a henna hand-painting station and a stand selling Indian fabrics and products. The doors then opened to the auditorium, inviting all the parents and children to a show that was prepared around the theme of Indian culture. The audience enjoyed at first an educational presentation on the rare diseases that exist in India and then proceeded with a fashion show with students modeling. A group of Y3 students thereafter performed beautiful songs and dances. Once the show was done, there was delicious Indian food and beautiful music played by Dr. Hughes, giving the parents and children another chance to mingle.
This event was not only held for entertainment purposes but also for the educational purpose of the serious diseases that many people in India, unfortunately, suffer from, as well as for fundraising. Many diseases such as Aids, Hepatitis, Malaria, and Tuberculosis are very common. Some parts of the country that are hit harder than others do not have the financial means to properly treat people suffering from these diseases. Around 23% of India’s population cannot afford proper health care, meaning 328,584,362 people out of 1,428,627,663 people have no access to healthcare and no means to be treated when sick. There are many organizations that work to help these people that struggle with paying, but the organizations also need help with collecting money in order to be able to pay for the treatments that are very expensive. Our school donates to many different organizations by having fundraisers and events held for such purposes. This event was also held with the goal of earning money for the school to donate to help in India. In order to raise money, each guest had to buy a ticket to be able to enter the show. There was a great number of people that attended, meaning that a good amount of money was gathered and it will all be used to help the people in need in India.
The event was much appreciated by those present. Not only did it raise funds and provide education, but it was also an opportunity for the school community to get together around an important cause. As Ecolint’s different events have restarted this past school year following the Covid pandemic, everyone recognizes the importance of interaction to boost the sense of community.
