Former pupils of Chanel College launched its new building restoration project to be supported by the “Fund For Chanel’s Future” fund raising drive.

The fundraising drive is being led by a team of former students from around the world to help develop the current students’ education and maintain its school buildings. 

The Chanel College Uso, comprising past students from New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and the United Kingdom gathered at the school to launch this restoration project. 

A statement from the Channel Uso Trust calls out to others who attended the school or are supporters to join the worthy cause.  

According to Chairman, Papalii Aumua Iafeta Masepau, “The time to act is now as our beloved school desperately needs all of us. We will bring the school back to its former glory through restoration work. 

“This includes repairing holes in ceilings, replace broken windows and fix the gardens.”

Former student and Chanel College’s rugby superstar, who entered professional rugby in England between 1990s and 2000s after Manu Samoa, Lauaki Fereti Tuilagi, echoed the same sentiment.

“What we saw at the school is unacceptable so our focus now is to secure funding to financially support the development of our projects and return Chanel College to its original glory.” 

Felicity Widseth from Australia, who taught English at the school between 1986 and 1987, reflected on the achievements of Chanel College.

“As one of the schools that produced well known rugby players, academics and politicians in Samoa, it is great to see Chanel Uso members coming together to reignite the brotherhood that once fostered many friendships therefore past students in Samoa and abroad should support the Chanel Uso efforts.”

Chanel Uso started its fundraising campaign a few months ago with a social event at Maliu Mai in American Samoa attended by its local and overseas members who travelled to Samoa to reunite with their brothers after more than 30 years.

More fundraising events have already been planned whilst others are taking place to help with their efforts which include raffles now sold in the two Samoans as well as New Zealand and Australia. 

The first of the many projects to take effect as soon as possible include repainting of the school building and renovating 80 percent of the classrooms that are in desperate need of repair.

They are excited about raising funds to fix the College’s fale Samoa to preserve this historic building and give the students a safe place to hold morning assemblies, said the statement.  

Chanel Uso are great full for the kind assistance offered by its former student and current Minister of Tourism, Honourable  Sala Fata Pinati and his family at its first cleaning bee held last week on Thursday at the school where members did gardening, said the statement.  

Former principals of the school such as Fr Dennis, Fr Kevin, Fr Bernard and Fr Tony have all thrown their support behind Chanel Uso, it said. 

To get involved contact Chanel Uso on (685) 760 0903, (685) 761 3747 (685) 770 1088 or email: [email protected]