Teachers and students from a private school will be heading off to Thailand next weekend after dedicating a year to fundraising for tsunami relief.

Bermuda High School heard about the areas hit hardest by the tsunami along with the rest of the world, but as part of a Thailand Tsunami Relief International Service Project they actively did something about it.

Enough money was raised to send eight students and seven teachers to southeastern Thailand, where they will give their time and supplies to help rebuild a school, cafeteria and hospital in the area.

In addition to community service, they will begin teaching English as a second language, work in a nature reserve and take part in cultural events in Bangkok.

To raise money for the trip, students worked each week at Harbour Nights selling bracelets called ?bands of hope?. Hope was was written in the six languages of the countries hardest hit by the tsunami. The students raised close to $25,000, and 100 percent of the funds have gone towards supplies for the trip.

In addition to getting support from corporate sponsors, students and staff raised money by packing groceries at Whites, selling raffles at local Thai restaurant, Silk, and by holding luncheons for staff.

The students going on the trip ? Alexandra Gorbutt, Allison Bassett, Michelle Davis, Martina Edney, Freya Lawrence, Tia Smith, Annefa Burke and Thejasree Kayam ? were all committed to the project and put in countless hours of their time to get the money needed, explained BHS guidance counsellor Tina Nash.

?I didn?t want this to become another programme for people who could just cut a cheque,? she said.

In addition to Mrs. Nash, two other teachers will be going on the trip, Julie Gunther and Susan Gorbutt. Describing the importance of the trip, Mrs. Gorbutt said: ?I think the challenge for teenagers is to make a difference in the world and know that they have an impact?.