Nano Nagle, 1718‒1784, County Cork, Ireland (nanonagle.org).

Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle (1718‒1784) founded the Presentation Sisters in Ireland during the Penal Laws when Catholicism was outlawed. She reintroduced Catholic education in Cork despite significant personal danger and became a pioneer of Catholic education in Ireland. She was declared ‘venerable’ in the Catholic Church on 31 October 2013 by Pope Francis.

The Nano Nagle Charitable Trust (NNCT) was established in New Zealand by the Presentation Sisters and Friends of Nano in 2009 to support children unable to attend a Catholic School because of financial hardship.

Set up as a 225th jubilee initiative of Nano Nagle’s passing, the NNCT has grown quickly. In 2014, $2,877 was paid out across New Zealand to families experiencing financial hardship, enabling their children to attend a Catholic School.

In 2016 the amount has jumped to $18,167 – covering costs for 29 children’s education, mainly for attendance dues (school fees) at various Catholic primary and secondary schools. According to NZ Catholic Education Office, attendance dues for each child in 2015 for the Wellington Archdiocese were $458.40 for primary and $907.80 for secondary.

NNCT been able to achieve this entirely as a result of the hardworking and inspired fund-raising committee and the generosity of many donors. A clearly defined goal of supporting needy families, struggling to pay for their children’s education costs, has reminded many of the efforts their parents put in.

The Trust would like to support more children in the Wellington and Palmerston North Dioceses to receive a Catholic education. Since its establishment the Trust has paid approximately $12,500 for children in these areas. Trust Chair, Sr Veronica Casey is ‘thrilled’ with the NNCT growth.

To apply for help email [email protected].

We can only continue to meet the increasing demand if we continue to receive donations. To assist in this good work and to partner with us, donations can be posted to Nano Nagle Charitable Trust 86 Church Street Mosgiel 9024 or deposited directly to: Westpac 03 1736 0513225 00. Donations are tax deductible.

Mike Bunt is a trustee of the Nano Nagle Charitable Trust.