The NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell MP, and his trade delegation visited 40K’s Banyan school in Bangalore, India on Friday, 18th October 2011. The NSW Premier launched the 40K International Volunteer Program, which will see 100 NSW university and TAFE students travel to India each year to support 40K education projects in developing communities.

“This is a great initiative by UTS, UNSW, Macquarie University, Wollongong University along with TAFE NSW to ensure that 100 volunteers a year come from NSW to support 40K initiatives across this part of India” Barry O’Farrell MP said.

The 40K Foundation CEO, Clary Castrission, is strongly committed to the program. “The 40K International Volunteer Program is about exporting the goodwill of Australian’s through NSW tertiary students to not only make a difference in children’s lives but have an absolute trip of a lifetime in doing so.”

During the Banyan visit the NSW Premier and delegates were welcomed by the children with traditional Indian garlands and enjoyed a tour of the school. The NSW Premier read the widely loved Australian children’s book, Possum Magic, much to the delight of the children. Delegates then enjoyed a Waltzing Matilda performance by the children.

Two UNSW students who are part of the team which developed the International Volunteer Program, Amber Lewis and Sally Giblin, were also at the Banyan for the launch.