St Gerald’s students help support education in India
On a blue-skied Thursday, the DLS Hall carpark at St Gerald’s De La Salle College in Castlebar became a hub of suds, sunshine, and solidarity as Ms Duffy’s 1st Year Geography class rolled up their sleeves for a fantastic cause—raising over €800 for GRAVIS, a non-profit working to empower young girls through education in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India.
The Student Car Wash, held on April 10th, drew a steady stream of support from staff, students, parents, and the wider Castlebar community. With buckets, sponges, and smiles, the students worked tirelessly throughout the day—turning a simple activity into a powerful example of active citizenship and our Lasallian core principle: Concern for the Poor and Social Justice.
GRAVIS (Centre for People’s Sciences and Rural Development) operates with a powerful vision: "all rising, but the last person first." Inspired by Gandhian principles, the organisation is one of the first grassroots movements to bring sustainable development and community-driven solutions to the people of the Thar Desert. Their work—especially with women and girls—focuses on access to clean water, education, medical care, and self-sufficiency, giving voice to those often forgotten by systems of power and privilege.
The fundraiser followed a deeply moving presentation by award-winning Irish photographer Karen Cox, who shared her experience documenting the lives of women in the desert. Her images captured the raw reality of daily life—harsh conditions, long walks for water, and the ongoing struggle for access to education. Her stories inspired our students to act.
We are incredibly proud of the compassion and commitment shown by our 1st Years and their teacher Ms Duffy. Not only did they raise significant funds, but they also raised awareness—helping shine a light on the courage and resilience of women in the world’s most unforgiving environments.
Well done to everyone involved. Your work has truly helped “level the field”—one car at a time.
