This year, STAAR has formulated a new goal entitled "A School for a School."

The name basically states the goal which is to raise $17 000 to build a school in Nepal for a community in need. This money will cover the construction of a school to accomodate 300-400 students, a library filled with age appropriate books, school supplies and textbooks, teacher and librarian training, and a three year maintenance plan after completion.

Nepal is our country of choice because it is one of the world's poorest countries with high poverty and illiteracy rates. Many children have to walk three hours to school only to sit next to 80 other children in a classroom built for 40.

We have chosen to undergo the project with the Non-Government Organization "Room to Read."

www.roomtoread.org

As a part of our goal to raise funds to build a school, we want to involve the whole school and community and come together to make a change for people much less fortunate than we are.

Some fundraising events are:

Nickels for Nepal: We have already raised $1000 from the students and will be collecting funds all year.

Greeting Cards: Available in front of the Eagle's Hall at Light Up; all cards have a Ladysmith/Light Up theme.

Used Book Sale: November 30, 7-9:30 pm and December 1, 8-11 am in the Foyer at Ladysmith Secondary School.

Helping Hands for Nepal Banner: A banner on which to put painted or outlined hand prints after a personal or business donation has been made towards our project. It will be available at our booth at light up, our book fair, and all other events.

Pie-A-Teacher: Ever wanted to pie a teacher in the face... coming soon!

Many more events to come...