Visit to Lavalla School – November 20-21, 2019

In attendance: Arlene Willis, Christine Wheeler and Roberta Drew

Day 1

Lavalla School had a memorial for Brother Terry Heinrich who passed away a year ago on November 20, 2018.  We were so fortunate to be able to attend. Brothers Tony, Michael, Brian, Allen and Peter from Marist Brothers, Australia, and the students, put a lot of effort into making this a very special day of memory.  The children in the music program sang in the choir and everyone participated in the service. 

Day 2

In attendance at the opening of the Music Center and the Village were Ambassador Mikimi Masahiro from Japan; His Excellency Em Chan Makara, Secretary General, Disability Action Center in Cambodia; plus special guests, Arlene Willis, Roberta Drew and Dr. Christine Wheeler representing GFH Global Foundation. 

The students and the Brothers did a magnificent Job of planning this very special event.  Ambassador Masahiro spoke very eloquently about Lavalla and about the staff who run it; and marveled at what has been accomplished in the last 20 years.  His Excellency, Em Chan Makara was totally overwhelmed by the school and the performances by the children. He then donated $25000 US dollars on the spot and promised to bring the Prime Minister of Cambodia to see the students and the school.  

All Instruments for the GFH Music Center were donated by GFH Global’s board of directors.  GFH Global also funded a portion of the Village. The newly opened Village has 70 students living in.   They attend the local government high school. At the Village there are 8 dormitories, each housing up to 10 students.   At the moment they have 30 girls and 40 boys living in the village. There is a small classroom block, dining room and kitchen; plus three staff houses, a covered games areas and an administrative building.