By JON ERICSON, Courier Staff Writer
CEDAR FALLS --- When the Cedar Falls High School Amnesty International club started raising money for a school in Cambodia, they figured they'd reach their goal by January 2008.
They finished before the school year ended.
The club raised $15,050 to go toward building a school in Cambodia. The club's donation will be matched by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
The Cedar Falls High School club started up just three years ago and this was its first major fundraising project. They began their fundraising on Valentine's Day.
Senior Sheila Moussavi founded the club. She said they were inspired to work on the project after watching the documentary film, "Born into Brothels." Moussavi and other club members developed a serious concern about child trafficking, and then came across the Cambodia program.
"One of the main ways to prevent child trafficking is education," Moussavi said.
Club members started fundraising by getting other groups involved. They brought in sports and arts organizations.
An exhibition basketball game between students and faculty proved a money-making venture, as did a night of one-act plays done by the high school's drama students.
They had bake sales and garage sales, and accepted donations from other high school clubs.
Pablo's Mexican Grill helped out on four occasions by sponsoring Amnesty International days. On those days, the restaurant gave half of the profits to the club from any customers who mentioned Amnesty International.
"Without the community we wouldn't be anywhere near the $15,000," Moussavi said.
The Cambodia schools program requires a $13,000 initial commitment to start up a school. It is also recommended that donors bring in another $1,000 to $2,000 every couple years to keep the school updated. The Cedar Falls club figures its $15,000 commitment can keep their school going for several years.
As a reward for its efforts, the Cedar Falls club will be able to name the school.
"We're thinking some pretty simple names that would incorporate Cedar Falls," Moussavi said.
While Moussavi graduated last week, the Amnesty International club will continue on at the high school.
In the future, the club may be able to communicate with students at the Cambodian school.
Journalism teacher Brian Winkel serves as adviser to the club. He said reaching the fundraising goal so far ahead of schedule shows how motivated the students have been.
Contact Jon Ericson at (319) 291-1402 or jonathan.ericson@wcfcourier.com.
CEDAR FALLS --- When the Cedar Falls High School Amnesty International club started raising money for a school in Cambodia, they figured they'd reach their goal by January 2008.
They finished before the school year ended.
The club raised $15,050 to go toward building a school in Cambodia. The club's donation will be matched by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
The Cedar Falls High School club started up just three years ago and this was its first major fundraising project. They began their fundraising on Valentine's Day.
Senior Sheila Moussavi founded the club. She said they were inspired to work on the project after watching the documentary film, "Born into Brothels." Moussavi and other club members developed a serious concern about child trafficking, and then came across the Cambodia program.
"One of the main ways to prevent child trafficking is education," Moussavi said.
Club members started fundraising by getting other groups involved. They brought in sports and arts organizations.
An exhibition basketball game between students and faculty proved a money-making venture, as did a night of one-act plays done by the high school's drama students.
They had bake sales and garage sales, and accepted donations from other high school clubs.
Pablo's Mexican Grill helped out on four occasions by sponsoring Amnesty International days. On those days, the restaurant gave half of the profits to the club from any customers who mentioned Amnesty International.
"Without the community we wouldn't be anywhere near the $15,000," Moussavi said.
The Cambodia schools program requires a $13,000 initial commitment to start up a school. It is also recommended that donors bring in another $1,000 to $2,000 every couple years to keep the school updated. The Cedar Falls club figures its $15,000 commitment can keep their school going for several years.
As a reward for its efforts, the Cedar Falls club will be able to name the school.
"We're thinking some pretty simple names that would incorporate Cedar Falls," Moussavi said.
While Moussavi graduated last week, the Amnesty International club will continue on at the high school.
In the future, the club may be able to communicate with students at the Cambodian school.
Journalism teacher Brian Winkel serves as adviser to the club. He said reaching the fundraising goal so far ahead of schedule shows how motivated the students have been.
Contact Jon Ericson at (319) 291-1402 or jonathan.ericson@wcfcourier.com.
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