Project Restart is the British International School, Phuket (BISP) student-driven initiative to help build schools in devastated areas, and their first campaign has been to help children in Nepal.
The Phuket News recently paid a visit to the school to find out more about the inspirational charity.
The group includes a number of students in the school who have been meeting up weekly to discuss the ongoing work. The teachers initially helped the students with the idea and provided financial support, but ultimately it has been the students who have done the ground work
Nicolas Varnier, current Head Boy said, “The first goal is to help Nepal, but the charity will continue to help out anywhere in around the world that needs it, whether it’s for a school or for a building they need.
“In the long-term, we aim to help internationally, but for now it’s all about Nepal.”
Project Restart is part of the Business Academy, but it involves the school counsel, and the school community as a whole.
The Business Academy took up the task to design T-shirts, which are being sold at just B300 each, to raise money for the charity. The T-shirts were actually designed by two students, Kunathip (Ice) Chanmuang and Teetat (Tee) Paramacharoenroj, which were then sent to Bangkok to be made.
A lot of work went into designing the T-shirts, as well as coming up with the name. A list of names were created, which were then sent around the school for votes, with the final decision being Project Restart. The students have shown their constant support by wearing their T-shirts, even in public.
The project was set up at the start of June and in just a matter of weeks, the students have shown solid passion and commitment and have worked hard in order to establish the charity.
Nicolas said that even when the present Year 12 students graduate, the charity will be continued by future generations in the school.
“We have already received a high number of pre-orders for the T-Shirts, so we can see that the school has been really optimistic about the charity.”
“It’s a good way to get the school spirit up and act as a community,” added Claudia Martin.
“Even after the Nepal campaign, for any crisis or country that may need our help, we will continue to design T-shirts so we can raise money.”
Michael Sangaza of the Business Academy, said, “It’s all about positivity.
“We hope that by the end of the year, the school will be built. We want to go visit the school, get some footage and see the progress.”
The T-shirts, however, are not the only way the students have been raising money. Last month, they also held a school disco in a neon theme, with the creative slogan of “Neon for Nepal” where they raised further funds. In addition, students also had the option to come into school in their own clothes by paying B50, which went towards the charity.
The school’s positivity and determination at helping international disasters and raising awareness is a testament to the school’s passionate community. Being part of an international school has ultimately brought the students closer together, showing their ability to appreciate other countries and their cultures.
The students agreed that for any upcoming crisis that may occur it will be great to help as soon as possible as it can really unite the community and get people involved.
“Having the whole school help out is what’s making the charity succeed,” Michael concluded.
For more information on Project Restart email restart@bisphuket.ac.th or visit www.bisphuket.ac.th