Fundraising cash is music to their ears

By Kelly Yates
CHILDREN at St Paul Apostle South Primary School stepped into the spotlight with an energetic variety concert to raise funds for their East Timor friendship school.
The primary school raised $740 for musical equipment for Ponilala Pre Secondary School in the Ermera district last October.
The school has been involved with Ponilala Pre Secondary School for six years.
Jody Banks, music and performing arts teacher at St Paul Apostle South Primary School, said the concert attracted about 700 parents and friends.
“It was a fabulous night, they all had a roaring time,” she said.
Two hundred and sixty children from prep to grade six performed in the concert.
Jan Trezise, president of Friends of Ermera Committee, said its members built the Ponilala Pre Secondary School and since 2002 have built six kindergartens and are in the process of building three new schools.
“Without the help from the schools and the community, projects like these wouldn’t happen,” Ms Trezise said.
“We now have a long term friendship with them as opposed to humanity aid work.”