From Ballymena to Delhi: King’s honour for teacher whose compassion changed lives

Mrs Valerie Alexander, Dunclug College

What began as a journey from Ballymena to some of the poorest communities in India has grown into a life-changing mission that has transformed opportunities for countless young people — and earned one local teacher national recognition in The King’s Birthday Honours.

Mrs Valerie Alexander, a driving force behind Dunclug College’s long-standing partnership with the ASHA Society in New Delhi, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to disadvantaged young people in India.

But for those who know her, the honour is about far more than fundraising or overseas visits. It is recognition of years spent building genuine human connections, opening doors for young people who had little opportunity, and inspiring generations of Ballymena students to look beyond their own lives and make a difference in the world.

Through her dedication, relationships forged between Dunclug College and communities in Delhi have helped provide educational opportunities, vital resources and hope for children growing up in severe poverty, while also profoundly shaping the lives of young people here in Northern Ireland.

A journey that became a mission

Dunclug College has worked alongside the ASHA Society for a number of years, supporting its mission to improve the lives of people living in the slums of New Delhi through education, community development and opportunity.

During that time, Mrs Alexander became one of the partnership’s most passionate advocates.

What initially began as educational visits gradually evolved into something much deeper. Relationships developed with students, families and communities across Delhi, extending beyond ASHA itself and creating bonds that have endured across cultures, backgrounds and continents.

Those experiences left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Students and staff from Dunclug College have travelled to India to assist with teaching programmes, support local projects and work alongside communities facing daily challenges many in Northern Ireland can scarcely imagine.

For many pupils, the visits became defining moments that changed how they viewed the world, poverty, opportunity and their own ability to make a difference.

Transforming lives in two countries

Valerie with students from Dunclug College, touching lives in the slums of New Delhi, India

The partnership’s impact has stretched far beyond the classroom.

Under Mrs Alexander’s encouragement and leadership, pupils, staff and the wider community have raised funds, donated laptops and educational resources, and helped create opportunities for young people determined to pursue education despite immense hardship.

The support has helped equip students in Delhi with tools to learn, develop skills and pursue ambitions that might otherwise have remained out of reach.

At the same time, young people from Ballymena have gained a deeper understanding of global citizenship, compassion and service through first-hand experiences that cannot be taught from a textbook.

The result has been a remarkable two-way exchange that has enriched lives on both sides of the world.

A fitting tribute to years of dedication

Announcing the honour, Dunclug College praised Mrs Alexander’s unwavering commitment to supporting disadvantaged young people and her ability to inspire others to become involved in the work.

The school said:

“This prestigious honour is a fitting recognition not only of Mrs Alexander’s leadership and dedication, but also of the personal commitment, compassion and lasting relationships she has built over many years.

“We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for the inspiration she continues to provide to our school community.”

The school said her efforts had inspired countless pupils, staff and members of the wider community to support ASHA’s work through fundraising, donations and visits to Delhi.

Those contributions have helped create opportunities for disadvantaged young people while building meaningful connections that continue to enrich lives both in India and at Dunclug College.

‘A proud and joyous moment’

The ASHA Society also paid tribute to Mrs Alexander following the announcement.

Describing the award as “a proud and joyous moment for the Asha family”, the charity said her generosity, compassion and belief in young people had made a profound difference to communities across Delhi.

The organisation highlighted her years of advocacy, fundraising, awareness raising and community events, all of which helped mobilise support for ASHA’s work and secure valuable educational resources for young people.

In its tribute, the charity said:

“This honour recognises a remarkable woman whose kindness, dedication, and unwavering support have touched countless lives in the slums of Delhi.”

ASHA added:

“Valerie, thank you for walking alongside us. Congratulations on this richly deserved honour. The entire Asha family celebrates with you today.”

A legacy measured in people, not awards

While the British Empire Medal is a significant national honour, those closest to the work know that Mrs Alexander’s legacy cannot be measured by medals alone.

Its true impact can be seen in young people who have gained access to education, families who have found support and encouragement, and generations of Dunclug College pupils whose horizons were broadened through encounters that challenged them to think differently about the world around them.

From classrooms in Ballymena to communities in Delhi, her work has shown how compassion, commitment and human connection can cross borders and change lives.

The King’s honour recognises that achievement, but the relationships built, opportunities created and lives touched over many years may prove to be the greatest legacy of all.