Nun who inspired 'barefoot teachers' to speak in London

Sister Cyril

There will be a unique opportunity to meet Sister M Cyril Mooney, an internationally-acclaimed educationalist who has transformed the lives of generations of young people living in poverty in India, when she visits London later this month.

For more than half a century, Sister Cyril has been pioneering new ways to educate youngsters living in the most challenging circumstances in West Bengal. She has inspired an army of barefoot teachers and transformed an exclusive girls’ school in Kolkata into a model of dynamic, equality-base education, with half of the students now coming from the city’s slums.

From combating child labour to training schools in human rights education and setting up a telephone helpline for street children, she is a powerhouse of innovation and a tireless champion for equality.

Sister Cyril has been awarded a clutch of awards around the world for her work and this month is coming to the UK to receive an honorary doctorate from Liverpool Hope University.

She is also the secretary of the governing council for Calcutta Rescue, a charity which provides healthcare and education in the slums of Kolkata. (See: www.calcuttarescuefund.org.uk) She has kindly agreed to make a rare public appearance in London on behalf of the charity to discuss her work.

In Conversation with Sister Cyril: will take place on Saturday, July 21, from 2 to 4pm at St Peter and St Paul Roman Catholic Church, Amwell Street, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 1U

Limited free parking available. Nearest tube Angel. Free entry and refreshments. Donations to Calcutta Rescue Fund appreciated.