Donations have poured in for a vital school trip which was facing a cash crisis following the outbreak of potentially toxic mould at CedarBridge Academy.

Tens of thousands of dollars have been handed over to the project after teachers made a desperate appeal for help in The Royal Gazette earlier this month.

Staff are now hopeful they can meet their $100,000 target to send dozens of French students to Senegal and Morocco where they can improve their language skills and experience the different cultures of French-speaking nations.

The trip is designed to give children from less well-off families the chance they might not otherwise get to broaden their horizons.

It ran into serious financial difficulties after CedarBridge shut so that the much-publicised mould infestation could be tackled, meaning organisers had to cancel a number of fundraising events.

Rosemary Matthews, head of languages at the school, said a number of anonymous donations from churches and individuals had pushed raised funds up to $84,000. Just $46,000 was in the coffers when The Gazette published the school’s appeal two weeks ago.

“We are doing fairly well now,” said Ms Matthews. “We have been pleased with what’s come in and are grateful to all the contributions, but we are still hoping we can go a bit further. “This trip is extremely critical to the children but not every child can afford the fee.

“We normally take a trip from CedarBridge every year, but this one will give children the impetus to achieve so much more. “It will help inspire them by giving them an insight into the culture of French-speaking countries, showing how French is more than just another language. “We hope it will help us continue our links with schools in Senegal and Morocco.”

Ms Matthews said a pen pal system had already been set up to strengthen communications between the schools which could benefit children in years to come.

Teachers say they are determined the cash will be found from somewhere and the outing will go ahead on February 13. Parents have volunteered to contribute as much as they can.

Fundraising events which were cancelled include food-tasting sessions and a talent show.

The school was closed by Minister of Education Randolph Horton on November 1 last year, amid fears the buildings were not safe for students and teachers.

While the school was shut, students were re-assigned to either the Bermuda College in Paget or the old Berkeley Institute in Pembroke. They returned to CedarBridge at the start of this month.

A handful of teachers lodged complaints declaring that the mouldy facilities made them sick and vowed not to return even though an estimated $4 million was spent to disinfect the campus.

The lawyer acting for three of the complainants said last week that the matter was now being dealt with by Government’s chief legal adviser.

Teachers have set up a special bank account for the African trip.

Anyone who wants to make a donation should telephone Lisa De Silva on 295-5665 ext 1072 or email ldesilva[AT]cedarbridge.doe.bm or rmatthews[AT]cedarbridge.doe.bm