A Ballymena teacher has been awarded the British Empire Medal in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Valerie Alexander, from Dunclug College, received the honour for services to disadvantaged young people in India.

For several years, Dunclug College has partnered with the ASHA Society, a charity working in the slums of New Delhi. The partnership has supplied educational materials, laptops and other vital resources to children growing up in severe poverty.

Pupils and staff from the college have travelled to India to assist with teaching programmes and support local community projects. These visits provided hands-on experience for young people from Ballymena, while also delivering practical help to communities in Delhi.

Fundraising efforts organised under Mrs Alexander’s leadership involved pupils, staff and the wider community. The money raised helped equip students in Delhi with the tools to learn and pursue ambitions that would otherwise have been out of reach.

Dunclug College said the honour was a fitting recognition of her dedication, personal commitment and the lasting relationships she built over many years. The college added that her efforts had inspired countless pupils and staff to support the ASHA Society’s work.

The ASHA Society also paid tribute, describing the award as a proud moment. The charity highlighted her years of advocacy and fundraising, which mobilised support and secured valuable educational resources for young people.

The partnership has had a two-way impact. While bringing opportunity to Delhi’s poorest communities, it also gave Ballymena students a deeper understanding of global citizenship through direct experience.