Applications are now invited for the 2018 Alastair Ramsay Award for International Social Responsibility, which carries a £3,000 grant. It is open to all current Specialists (Year 12 and 13) at Charterhouse, and to all alumni aged twenty-two or under, and in full-time education.
Alastair Ramsay (W85) was an Old Carthusian of remarkable qualities. Following significant academic and sporting achievements at Charterhouse, he went on to Oxford and then to a highly successful career in which he combined professional excellence with an abiding commitment to charitable causes, especially in the developing world. A passionate traveller, Alastair contributed to a range of projects working to make the world a better and a fairer place, before dying tragically young in 2007 aged just 39.
The Alastair Ramsay Award, as well as perpetuating Alastair’s memory, is intended to inspire and support Carthusians in developing a similar commitment to international charitable causes. It is awarded annually to a Carthusian or young OC who wishes to spend time undertaking socially responsible activity abroad. The nature of this activity could be almost anything, provided that it impacts positively on those in need and contributes to the development of society, whilst also furthering the individual’s own sense of commitment to citizenship and service. For example, it might involve volunteering as a teacher; helping with building or sustainability projects; working with a corporate SR team in a less advantaged area; or acting as a mentor to young people abroad, in a camp or educational setting. It might involve working in any environment from the forest to the classroom to the research lab to the operating theatre. What matters is that the nature of the work is fundamentally about helping others, and supporting the development of poorer communities around the world.
The 2017 winners (the prize was split two ways) both undertook volunteering projects in Africa; Euan McDougall helped distribute medical equipment and training in Rwanda, while Katie Hastings taught and participated in an environmental project in Tanzania.
A grant of around £3,000 (dependent on the nature of the winning proposal) is awarded, funded by OC philanthropy. Application is by submission of a proposal form; these are assessed by a panel including Charterhouse teachers and an independent assessor. Support is available to applicants in advance of submission, so that they are able to produce the best proposals possible. Award recipients are expected, as well as carrying out their project, to help disseminate the value of international development work throughout the School, for example by writing about their experiences, and presenting to pupils; they will also be expected to fundraise towards any additional costs of their trip, on which expert advice can be provided.
For more information, please email bn@charterhouse.org.uk.
Inaugural Alastair Ramsay Award winner Euan McDougall (W13) and highly commended Katherine Hastings (P15).