DHRS Education Group

Introduction
Formed in 2005 the Education Group aims to encourage and support local schools and colleges along the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in achieving an increased awareness of, and commitment to the railway.

How We Help
• With resource materials and activities aimed at raising awareness of the DHR. Examples include colouring sheets, quiz material and 'I Spy' books featuring stations along the DHR.
• By sponsoring competitions for local schools. An art competition in 2006 was especially successful, attracting three hundred high quality entries from Darjeeling schools. In this and other activities the Group works closely with the ladies of the Darjeeling Inner Wheel and with the DHRS India Support Group who provide most valuable local advice and practical support.
• By other activities such as sponsoring train rides for local children, and funding of small education-linked projects.

How You Can Help
• By telling us of any recent or current links you have with schools and colleges along the DHR – and which might form the basis of their joining our list of sponsored schools.
• By ‘recycling’ any unwanted Darjeeling Mail magazines which can always be put to good use in schools. Please return them to Paul Whittle (addresses on inside front cover of the magazine).
• By couriering for us to India small, usually lightweight examples of teaching material when you visit the Darjeeling region.
• By making a donation to the Darjeeling Railway Community Support Group (see their separate web page for contact details) and allocating the whole or part of your donation to an educational project. The two Groups will liaise to put your donation to good use and will report to you on what has been achieved.

For Further Information
Please contact Paul Whittle on 01932 346549 or at pro@dhrs.org

DHR Schools Competitions 2010
 This year's competitions involved 800 children from schools on the Makaibari Tea Estate, Kurseong, from Kurseong itself and from Ghum. The competitions included sit and draw, art, modelling and drama with the prize giving ceremonies held in late September at Makaibari and at Hayden Hall, Darjeeling.
Funded by the DHRS through the DHRS Education Group, the competitions were once again organised and administered most effectively by the Inner Wheel Club of Darjeeling. A full report and pictures will be in the February 2011 issue of the 'Darjeeling Mail' magazine.
Click on the You Tube links below for delightful short films of the finals and prize giving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO2f-dU6IOM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhSvnQXYiT8

DHRS Education Group Wins International Award 2010
 
The Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) has awarded the DHRS Education Group a Second Prize in the International Award section of its annual prize giving.
The award was presented at a gala dinner held at Westcliff on Sea on Friday 24 September 2010 before an audience of almost 200 people from across the spectrum of rail partnerships and the railway industry.
Said Education Group Chairman, Paul Whittle "We are delighted to receive this award on behalf of our hard working partners in India who contribute so much to our work with children and young people. Especial thanks go to the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Darjeeling and to the DHR India Support Group under the energetic leadership of Rajendra and Vivek Baid".

DHR Society Wins International Award for Community Projects 2009
 
At a gala dinner ceremony held at Carlisle on Friday 25 September 2009, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (DHRS) received a special 'Best International Achievement Award' for projects along the DHR.

DHR 2009 Schools Art and Quiz Competition Kurseong
Click on the link below to view a delightful ten minute film record.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V24Aj9A0wE
Sincere thanks to Vikram Rai and the students of St Joseph's College, Darjeeling for its production.

2008 Schools  Drama Competition

Photos from the 2006 Arts Competition