The club’s leadership and professional development manager Peter Worsfold says that although the school is not completely finished as yet, the local children couldn’t wait.
“Construction only began in November 2011, so at this stage there are still some finishing touches to be made like painting and window treatments, but the kids and teachers couldn’t wait to, so it is already in use," Worsfold said.
“There are already 500 students enrolled from three surrounding villages, with the Cambodian government supplying teachers and schoolbooks.
“The acknowledgment at the school reads ‘Donated by the West Coast Eagles’, so it will be great for the players to see that when we come back at the end of 2012 and to see how our fundraising efforts really pay off."
The club’s mission to build the school came about in 2010 after first and second year players and coaches headed to Cambodia to help the Tabitha Foundation build houses for local poverty-stricken communities. The group was led by Worsfold, along with club chaplain Paul Morrison.
After the trip in 2010, Worsfold and Morrison were inspired to fundraise to build a school in the province they visited.
West Coast fans were called upon to purchase a copy of Morrison’s CD ‘Picking Up the Pieces’ and bid on Tabitha Foundation online auction items including signed guernseys and footballs. The club also received several individual donations on behalf of the cause.
Thanks to the generous support of West Coast members and fans, the fundraising target of $52,000 was reached within six months and the club’s dream of building the school became a reality.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in some way as part of this significant and life-changing project,” adds Worsfold.
“You can all be proud that your contribution will have a profound effect on the lives of so many disadvantaged children and families, providing them with real hope for a better future and quality of life.”
