12:00pm Friday 16th March 2012
By James Tourgout
TEENAGER Beth Hyde is setting her sights on a trip to help needy people in India.
The 17-year-old from Bridport will spend five weeks in Theni, Tamil Nadu, in southern India with ten other young people.
They will help build houses for people in Theni with the Lasallian Developing World Projects charity and an organisation called Reaching the Unreached.
Beth, who is studying A-levels in politics, art and English literature at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, said: “The Lasallian Developing World Projects has helped to spread education and improve the living conditions of people around the world for many years.
“I am thrilled to be a part of it.
“My father went on two projects with LDWP when he was young and I grew up hearing about the incredible work of the charity.
“I am really looking forward to working with the local people and learning about Indian culture.”
She added: “This particular project in India is very worthwhile, as the cost of repairs to the original huts is high and drives local people deeper into poverty.”
Beth and her group will build one-storey, two roomed brick houses to replace huts made of mud and sticks which are crumbling and falling into disrepair.
She has to raise a total of around £2,000 to go.
Beth recently was presented with a cheque for £400 by Peter Westoby, president of the local Catenians, at the Bridport Catholic church.
It was a donation from their Bursary Fund which can help young people with their funding for a major overseas project.
Reaching the Unreached (RTU) is a small non-governmental organisation. RTU has provided such vital services as medical centres, children’s homes and schools. The Lasallian Developing World Projects promotes education in developing countries and for the volunteers they send to the developing world. Anyone interested in helping Beth can contact her on 01308 459148 or email bethyhyde@googlemail.com
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