News
(Archived news here)
NOVEMBER 2025
Happy Diwhali
Sylvia Wright made no distinction between religions or cultural groups. In practice the beneficiaries reflect very closely the local population mix. A large majority of the children and the nurses are Hindu, followed by Muslim and then a small number of Sikhs and Christians. The campus itself houses a small chapel and a small Hindu temple.
The children and the nurses then benefit from the celebrations of many different religions. Diwali is the Hindu festival of light, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. Rangammal holds its own celebrations a few days before Diwali itself so that the children can go home to celebrate with their families. Sweeps are distributed and fireworks applauded.
Disabled children join in
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OCTOBER 2025
New computer room opens in the school
The new IT room
10 years ago, 30 computers were installed in a room in the Nursing college, for the use of both the hearing impaired children and the nursing students. Now the children have their own room in the school with 15 new next generation computers.
The children benefit greatly from computer studies which are ideal as they mostly use hands and eyes rather than ears and IT studies are very popular.
Focus is now however shifting from the academic side of IT studies to practical applications which will support increased employability.
Links have been formed with another charity which specialises in this area and they will enhance the training given by our own staff.
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SEPTEMBER 2025
14th batch of nurses say farewell
The 14th batch of nursing students have just said their farewells and left to pursue their professional careers. When the college opened in 2009 the intake each year was 20 students and this has now increased to 40. In total 289 have qualified to ate with no failures. the students have gone to work in a range of public and private medical facilities in Tamil Nadu. Having gained the required experience 10 have since gone to nurse abroad in Singapore and other countries. Including the remaining students still studying, 405 have started the course, wiith only 15 dropping out, mostly for family reasons.
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AUGUST 2025
PARENTS DAYS ARE WELL ATTENDED
The school for the hearing impaired is of course mainly residential, as most of the children come from a wide catchment area and daily travel is not practical.
Each month therefore during term time, the parents visit on one Saturday each month. Often they bring brothers and sisters, small presents and a picnic and spend most of the day with their resident child.
It is also an opportunity to meet together with the staff and hear the news of school developments and plans, as well as discussing their child's progress with the teachers
The children very much look forward to these visits and a good time is had by all.
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July 2025
SUPPORTERS MEETING
The SWT meeting was well attended.
Supporters, family and friends of the Sylvia Wright Trust joined trustees at Sandmoor Golf Club, Leeds, on Thursday 24th July.
John Rajkumar, CEO of the three projects in India, and his wife Priya, gave an update on progress and recent developments in our residential school for the hearing impaired, our school for children with a range of disabilities and our nursing college. Ambitious plans for the future were shared.
Tony Allinson, Chairman of the Sylvia Wright Trust, outlined plans for the future of the Trust as we move gradually towards the projects becoming Indian-led and Indian-funded.
Supporters were pleased to meet Sylvia who shared some of her experiences over the years.
CEO John Rajkumar addresses supporters
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June 2025
NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2025 (Click Here)
New CEO to visit UK in July
John Rajkumar and his wife Priya are to visit the UK from 17th to 25th July. John is our new CEO and has run a similar charity - Maithree - for the last 30 year. Maithree is based in Chennai and runs 15 centres for the benefit if the intellectually disabled. The centres are a mixture of small schools and vocational workshops, which give purpose and employment to the older children. They also have a small residential centre for adults. In total, there are around 600 beneficiaries. John's background was in engineering and Priya was previously head of a school for children with special needs. They will both be holding a series of meetings with our own trustees to discuss progress and plans in regard to our residential schools for the hearing impaired, our school for children with a range of disabilities and our nursing college. A general update meeting is to be held for SWT supporters at Sandmoor Golf Club on Thursday 24th July, starting at 10 am. All are welcome.
John Rajkumar and his wife.
100% Pass Rate At Our Hearing Impaired School
Many pupils join Rangammal School at the age of six.
Rangammal School for The Hearing Impaired has just received news of excellent GCE A-level results for the school year 2024-25.
The latest results will enable a high proportion of our GCE A level students to go on to further and higher education in universities and colleges, a continuing trend of recent years.
Many of this year ’s cohort have studied Commerce (a course similar to what is known as Business Studies in the UK.) Most of our other GCE A-level students study Information Technology (IT).
The 2025 leavers have just responded to a survey on their experience at Rangammal: their feedback is most encouraging.
The overwhelming majority of learners stated that they have been happy at the school. They commended its ‘positive and supportive ’ environment. They appreciate the guidance they received on leadership, life skills, teamwork and communication.
Headteacher Mrs Alamelu told us: “Our leavers commented favourably on student accommodation and meals; a number mentioned feeling safe.
“Students also thanked the supporters of The Sylvia Wright Trust for
‘believing in us and helping us to achieve our full potential’.
“Most of these learners have spent 12 years at the school.”
Congratulations to all the students and staff at Rangammal School on another year of excellence. We wish all our leavers continuing success in the studies and careers.
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May 2025
Nursing College goes from strength to strength!
Sylvia’s Nursing College opened in 2009 to offer an affordable diploma qualification to mainly poor students, with an added emphasis on respect and compassion for the patients.
It is known as the “Florence Nightingale School of Nursing”
Initially, 20 students started the 3 year course each year, giving a total of 60 students at any one time. In 2023 the intake was increased to 40 each year giving a total of 120.
The results have been marvellous. The drop out rate has been close to zero and the exam pass rate has been close to 100%.
The college has a high reputation and the students are keenly sought after by the medical fraternity both state and private. Some have moved to the larger cities and a few have gone to work overseas.
Some have gone on to advanced training and every one has been able to find secure and adequately paid employment.
Most of the students are girls but a number of boys are also now taking the course. The girls especially have of course become stars and role models in their families and communities.
The next step is to move from a diploma to a 4 year degree course and to offer related training in paramedical areas such as phlebotomy, physiotherapy etc.
3 top students just graduated – one working as a staff nurse locally – one in a local clinic and one starting an advanced nursing courseursing students helping at a local health screening camp.
Nursing students helping at a local health screening camp
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April 2025
Sylvia Wright has just become an Honorary Rotarian
Sylvia is pictured with Rotarians Patricia Waite-Wright and Peter Woodhead at the Headingley Rotary awards meeting
Rotarians volunteer their time and resources to address community needs locally and internationally. ‘Service Above Self’ is the Rotary motto.
A number of Rotary clubs have supported Sylvia’s work in India for many years, especially two Leeds clubs, Headingley and Roundhay. The Roundhay Rotary Club funded the computer room and some smart boards at Rangammal while Headingley Rotary funded the first hearing aids and the therapy pool.
Headingley have now inducted Sylvia as an honorary member of the club!
One of our trustees, Rotarian Peter Woodhead, read a citation at the awards meeting:
“The Sylvia Wright Trust is probably the charity this club has supported the most. After our first Global Grant we followed it up with a second. Several of our members have been Trustees and I’m very proud to count myself in that group.
“Getting to know Sylvia made me realise what a very special person she is and what her work has entailed.
“From very small beginnings when she set up mobile clinics in Tamil Nadu in Southern India, she has left a legacy for the people which can only be described as remarkable.
“Sylvia is one of very few people who make you feel very humble in their presence. She is such a humble person herself. She is always very positive; won’t take ‘No’ for an answer; and is always very determined to get the best for the people she serves.
“It is only right that she was awarded an MBE by the Queen in Madras in 1998, an OBE by the then Prince Charles in Buckingham Palace in 2008 and an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University in 2024.
“As Rotarians we are expected to give service above self, and care for communities. I can’t think of any person who epitomises those principles better than Sylvia. It is only fitting that we are making her an Honorary member of our club.”
Congratulations to Sylvia on a richly deserved award!
Rotarians are members of Rotary International, a global service organisation. It aims to ‘bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, promote high ethical standards in business, and advance goodwill and peace around the world’.
There are more than 46,000 Rotary clubs worldwide with some 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries and territories.
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March 2025
Another small sacrifice
Having spent 42 years in India, Sylvia did course make a great commitment to hand over to the new CEO and return to the UK. Sylvia has always been fond of animals and for many years kept cows and a number of dogs. All of these she had to leave behind and so on her recent visit she was delighted to see her beloved dogs again (they were equally delighted to see her) "
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February 2025
Huge fund raising event
Over 5,000 people attended the 2025 musical fundraiser event in February 2025
Led by our CEO, John Rajkumar, a huge fund raising music event was held in the local town on 21st February. Well known celebrities from Indian television performed in front of an audience of 5,000. Sylvia attended as the guest of honour, a few days before her return to Leeds. A similar event was held in 2023 and it is now planned to repeat it every two years - to raise the profile of the projects and of course to raise funds. A good time was had by all!
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January 2025
Sylvia celebrates her Birthday in India
Sylvia visited India in January - just in time to celebrate her 87th birthday. The festivities were attended by all the staff, students and children, together with 700 local dignitaries and well wishers. She was updated on all her projects since she relocated to England and was well satisfied with progress and developments. She has now celebrated more birthdays in India than in England!
The assembled well wishers
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October 2024
Annual Trustee visit a great success
Anthony and Joanna Gilpin, together with Tony and Christine Allinson have
just returned from a visit to Sylvia’s projects. They received the usual friendly welcome and hospitality and came away encouraged and impressed.
They found that things were going well in all departments, as is the transition to the new CEO, John Rajkumar.
Many reports were made by senior management and section heads, all covering progress in the last year, interesting developments and plans for the future.
The visitors met the governing body and visited some of the children’s homes.
The atmosphere was vibrant and optimistic and although there is much yet to do, confidence is high.
OCM and SWT Group
ID Hydrotherapy visit
ID VC Centre visit
Board Meet
Sponsor student - Parkavi and Nithish home visit-2
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August 2024
Dr Sylvia
Sylvia Wright has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University.
She was a Senior Tutor in nursing at the university before she began her forty years of service in India.
The graduation ceremony of the university’s department of health was attended by 700 students and some 3,000 of their family and friends.
A lovely video of Sylvia’s work was shown, together with a well-deserved, glowing citation.
She gave a moving speech of recognition and encouragement to all the students about to embark on their careers in health.
The splendid ceremony took place on her return from her first visit to India since her retirement and after a number of postponements due to Covid and travel arrangements,
We hope that Sylvia might find a new role in mentoring.
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May 2024
Year of Achievements at Our School
As the long Indian school summer holidays are upon us, this is a time to reflect on the many achievements of the pupils at our school for the hearing impaired. Our children have made remarkable progress over the past school year. It has been a year of growth and development, with significant advancements in speech development, social skills, English language acquisition, literacy, numeracy, IT skills and crafts.
Learning with Enthusiasm
Speech Development
Our speech therapists have helped the children to progress from basic sound recognition to forming simple sentences. This has boosted the children’s confidence and enhanced their ability to communicate more effectively.
Playtime
Learning English
Students have made strides in their English-speaking abilities. From learning basic vocabulary and grammar to engaging in simple conversations, they have shown enthusiasm and dedication.
Social Skills
Playing Carrom, a popular board game in India
Staff create opportunities for our students to engage in group activities, games, team sports, drama workshops, and collaborative projects. Our students have learned to express themselves, work as part of a team and build relationships.
Numeracy
Homework
The children are developing a strong foundation in basic arithmetic We use visual aids, interactive games, and practical problem-solving exercises to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable.
IT Skills
Using a smart board
Our students receive training in basic computer operations, internet usage, and digital communication. We are integrating technology into our curriculum, allowing students to use educational software, learn coding and develop their digital literacy.
Crafts
Artists at Work
Creativity and fine motor skills development are nurtured through our crafts programme. The pupils have enjoyed painting, weaving and embroidery. The beautiful artworks and crafts produced by our students have earned admiration and praise from visitors and staff. Progress in this area has been outstanding, equipping the pupils with essential skills for the future.
Ice Cream
Our A-level students have all passed their examinations. As in recent years, the majority are going on to further or higher education in a variety of universities and colleges. We are very proud of all our wonderful learners.
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March 2024
Generous Donation
Sylvia Wright receives a donation from St Andrew’s Church, Leeds, for our work in India.
Parishioners at St Andrew’s United Reform Church in Roundhay, Leeds, have raised £4,422 for the Sylvia Wright Trust. Our photograph shows Sylvia, third from the left, who was presented with the cheque at a service in the church in March 2024.
This church congregation has been a long-standing supporter of Sylvia’s work in India. Parishioner John Faulkner was Treasurer and later Chairman of the Trust in the 1990s. Minister Rev Tim Lowe is pictured second left.
The monies will be used to help children at our residential school for the hearing impaired, those who come to the day centre for the disabled and for the students at our nursing college in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, South India.
Similar amounts were raised for two more charities.
We are very grateful for the ongoing support of this generous congregation.
Full Employment for Nurses
All 33 of this year’s nursing trainees have found jobs.
All 33 of this year’s nursing trainees have found jobs. All 33 nursing students who completed their training at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing this year have been successful in finding jobs.
This group of 30 women and three men secured a 100% pass rate in the first and second years of their course, despite a five month long delay to studies during the pandemic. Results of final year examinations are awaited.
Three reputable institutions visited the college campus to conduct interviews recently. Between them, the employers offered positions to all our students!
The new employers are: St. Isabel's Hospital, Chennai; The Apollo Hospital, a home care facility; and the Soulfree Inspire Centre, Tiruvannamalai.A formal leaving ceremony was followed by dancing, fun and games.
Congratulations to all our students and their teachers!