Young girls from Votualevu Primary School dressed proudly in their uniforms accept gifts from some of the TravelManagers team who visited recently in anticipation of the team building activity in November this year.
	Children from the Votualevu Primary School gather at the doorway in anticipation of TravelManagers visit to assist their school.

TravelManagers recently announced its 2012 National Conference theme was "Working Together-Making a Difference".  Chief executive, Joe Araullo, says part of the conference programme will see the TravelManagers’ team assisting practically to make a difference in the community.

“We were all saddened to hear of the damage and destruction the floods caused earlier this year, and so while we are in Fiji for our conference, the TravelManagers team will work together in a project to give the local Votualevu Primary School a face lift.”

Araullo says all of TravelManagers conference participants will be involved from staff in the National Partnership Office, to personal travel managers, board members and partner suppliers.

“All of us will be getting our hands dirty, undertaking some much needed painting and maintenance work at the school.”

The school was established in 1926 and is one of the pioneer schools in the Nadi region. It has a school roll of 865 students with 24 teachers providing education for pre-school students through to grade seven.

“A few years ago the main school block was damaged in a fire and the block was reconstructed by funds from the school itself. However, this has placed significant financial strain on the school and as a result the management committee has had to defer other projects on its’ wish list. It’s the perfect opportunity for TravelManagers to give back and make a difference with all of us working together with the Votualevu school community.”

TravelManagers’ conference delegates will paint the interior and exterior of classrooms as well as constructing seating underneath the trees in the school grounds.

“It’s not about being an expert painters or tradesperson, it’s about rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck in, having the energy and the drive to help to improve the school for the pupils, teachers and the local community.”

Araullo says the benefits of doing something like this are immense.

“I’m immensely proud of TravelManagers and what we achieve every day in our work; it’s that same teamwork we’re calling on with this project. The satisfaction at the end of this small offering will be huge and importantly it will help to remind us that every little bit counts and if we all do our small bit, it can add up to something great.”

TravelManagers is also asking delegates to purchase and bring gifts of exercise books, stationery, sporting equipment and the like to present to the school.

“Once the work is done there will be a special assembly where we will hand over these gifts. It will then be followed by a morning tea where we can play and interact with the children and take stock of their handiwork. I’ve no doubt there will be some huge grins on the TravelManagers’ teams faces.”

The 2012 TravelManagers "Working Together-Making a difference" National Conference will be held from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November 2012, at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau Fiji.

For more information or to speak to someone confidentially about TravelManagers please contact Suzanne Laister on 1800 019 599.