Sanya and Esanika are two remarkable examples of pupils making an impact beyond Charterhouse. From forging connections through international exchange to expanding access to digital education, they embod the spirit of Deo Dante Dedi ("God having given, I gave").
This summer, eight Charterhouse pupils travelled to Bengaluru, India, for the inaugural pupil-led Project GYAN service exchange, the culmination of nearly a year of preparation focused on ethical, reciprocal volunteering.
Founded by Second Year Specialist, Sanya (Year 13) in August 2025, GYAN (the Global Youth Action Network) was developed in partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, seeking to create a more equitable model of international service by ensuring that learning and exchange flow in both directions. The programme aims to foster meaningful collaboration between young people from different backgrounds, grounded in mutual understanding, and shared experience.
During their time in India, pupils gained first-hand insight into Akshaya Patra’s work, visiting the organisation’s Chikkajala kitchen and learning how it helps provide nutritious meals to children at schools up to sixty kilometres away. They also spent time with students at Parikrama School, as well as visiting donor offices to explore corporate social responsibility funding, and visited the Association for the Mentally Challenged, where they learned more about inclusion and the strength of community.
Project GYAN was an eye-opening experience. Seeing the children’s joy, resilience and eagerness to learn inspired us all. We came hoping to contribute and left with so much to learn.
sanya, SECOND YEAR SPECIALIST (year 13)
Throughout the exchange, pupils discovered that service is about far more than offering support; it is about listening carefully, learning from others, and building authentic relationships. They developed a deeper appreciation of both global challenges and the opportunities created through partnership and collaboration.
The visit marks the beginning of a longer-term commitment through ProjectGYAN, which seeks to establish sustainable opportunities for youth volunteering and cultural exchange while continuing to support the transformative work of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Demonstrating the power of pupil leadership and responsibility, Second Year Specialist Esanika (Year 13) has transformed an idea into a flourishing programme with a growing impact across Bihar, India. Founded in partnership with KCS Foundation India, YUGlab is expanding access to digital education and equipping young people and women with the skills and opportunities to shape their own futures.
YUGlab provides a dedicated room equipped with twenty computer workstations, serving learners who, in many cases, are encountering digital technology for the first time. Since its launch in January 2025, the initiative has supported more than 2,200 students, women and girls across Samastipur, Darbhanga and Sitamarhi, creating pathways to education, employment, and economic participation.
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. YUGlab began with the belief that a lack of resources should never mean a lack of possibility - and if even one student begins to dream bigger because of the opportunities we created, then every effort was worth it.
esanika, SECOND YEAR SPECIALIST (year 13)
Recognising that meaningful change is driven by education, Esanika designed the programme's curriculum herself, focusing on skills with immediate and practical relevance. Learners develop confidence in using digital tools for communication, document creation, online services, and social media, while also gaining experience in producing promotional materials for local businesses and community enterprises.
More recently, the programme has expanded to include financial literacy, helping participants understand budgeting, savings, digital payments, and basic business management. By combining digital competence with financial awareness, YUGlab equips learners with the knowledge to engage more fully in an increasingly connected world.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to sustained pupil leadership. Alongside her studies, Esanika continues to mentor and teach learners remotely each weekend. Her work reflects a belief that opportunity should not be limited by geography or circumstance, and that education can be a catalyst for lasting change.
When Esinaka walked into our Samastipur lab in August, the women stood up — not for a donor, but for their teacher. That is the difference. Bihar has no shortage of talent; it has a shortage of access. Esanika is closing that gap one district at a time, and we intend to help her reach every one of them.
Dr Pankaj Jha, Founder of KCS Foundation
Although different in focus, both initiatives demonstrate the transformative potential of pupil-led action. Through Project GYAN and YUGlab, Sanya and Esanika have shown that meaningful service is rooted in listening, learning, and building sustainable relationships.
At Charterhouse, education extends well beyond the classroom. We encourage pupils to think beyond themselves, combining intellectual curiosity with a commitment to contributing positively to society. As these programmes continue to grow, they stand as inspiring examples of the Carthusian spirit: looking beyond oneself and using your talents and opportunities to make a positive difference in the world.
Sanya and Esanika study A Levels across Economics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Physics.
