A new classroom project to extend the school facilities for the School of Hope was officially opened at the Campus of Hope, Tuana’imato, yesterday.

The project was initiated by students from Helensvale State High School five years ago and had gathered support from four other high schools in Queensland Australia who fundraised for this project.

The additional schools included Upper Coomera State College, Coombabah State High School, Pacific Pines State High School and Pimpama State Secondary College.

S.V.S.G. Founding Member, Mauga Precious Chang, congratulated everyone involved in making the project a success.

 “Five years ago, some students from Helensvale in the Gold Coast Community stood up and make their lives count. 

They decided to initiate a project to build a classroom in this country. Along the way, four other schools joined Helensvale in this fundraising and along the way when they needed help they asked the Rotary Club.”

Mauga acknowledged Rotary, the students and everyone else who has made this possible.

Rotary Club District Governor, Darrel Brown said all the work they have done is according to their theme: Making a difference.

“And today is our pleasure to be here with the Rotary Club Surfers Sunrise in the House Of Hope classroom but this time; we are making a difference with the Northern Collegiate from the Gold Coast; we have three schools represented here today: Helensvale State High School, Upper Coomera State College and Coombabah State High School. 

“They have raised something like $50,000 dollars to get the air fare and accommodation to come over here plus assistance to the school and with all the fundraising and so forth; we spent over 500 hours doing that process. 

“With assistance of the Rotary Club in Apia and through the Rotary Australia world community service which we called Rocks, this building has happened.”

 “It’s not the building that’s important. It’s the education and what will happen in this building because without education, we can’t progress the world and we believe Rotary is making a difference.”

Last but not least; the Student leadership coordinator from Helensvale State High School Nahdia Graham also added “We are so proud of the achievements of our students within the Northern Collegiate Programme.
For the past five years, the students have run many fundraising and campaigning efforts and as a result as Darryl previously mentioned, successfully raised an excessive $50,000 for this classroom project: for the equipments and supplies to build and decorate the classroom. 

“Meeting the students and hearing their stories really solidifies it for us, the reason behind this expedition. This trip will be a memory and experience that will forever remain in our hearts.”