The most unappreciated profession in our community is a teacher in the public school system. Good luck prevailed when we were asked to purchase a fridge for the Teacher Respite Lounge in Building C at Kaiser High School. This afforded several Rotarians an opportunity to get a glimpse of the condition of the lounge when we were invited to inspect after installation of the fridge. The lounge was in a sorry state of repair, unbelievably run down.

The Rotary Club of Hawaii Kai decided to make the work life of 20 public high school teachers who have the responsibility of educating 600 students a little more pleasant. We felt that if their room to escape to and rest was fresh, clean and user friendly then the teachers would be more motivated to inspire our youth. A few key administrative people at Kaiser High School were asked if this idea had appeal and we received an overwhelming positive response.

The school was to be closed for spring break from March 18 to 29. The needs were assessed and the materials cost of the project estimated, the club had already spent its budget on community service, so funds needed to be reallocated and further money acquired. We needed $5,400. One member bought the flooring another’s wife wrote out a healthy check, a few others liked the project and gave. There was enough to start but not quite enough to finish, the Interact Club promised $500, we were creeping towards the goal. Plans were made, schedules drawn up on who would work when and where on the project. The project began. Of our 17 members, 2 are frail elderly and our Catholic priest reminded us that this was Easter. Fourteen members signed up to work, five people from the community and a visiting Rotarian got involved.

Work began Friday at 3pm, by 5.30 the room was completely gutted and the debris was on the way to the dump. Quick decisions had to be made when holes in the ceiling behind light fixtures were discovered, instead of painting the ceiling the panels needed replacing. Within an hour unanticipated costs were developing, still the project continued with gusto.

Saturday morning arrived, the first prep and paint crew started the long crawl to completion. Another crew installed the ceiling and a couple of volunteers built a closet. Ten people worked diligently in 600 square feet, a couple (unmarried) got a little testy with each other but they settled down when food was supplied by another crew. By 5 pm the project was 35% complete.

Sunday came too quickly but the flooring crew began laying laminate wood flooring at 10, a few others worked on the bathrooms, removing years of grime. By 5pm most of the floor was installed and 4 very sore backs climbed carefully into their cars.

Monday morning saw a few fresh faces wanting to put their talents to the test, lights were installed, twice actually. A small kitchen was assembled and bolted into place, we could now wash our hands. Both the water and lights came on at the same time, now it was obvious the paint needed more work. At this point we had used up all the available funds, the room could be finished but it would look very bare, then one member walked in waving a check that an associate had given him. Now we could purchase personal cabinets for the teachers.

Tuesday required a full day from a hardy trio as finish work was required, the cabinets went in, the bathroom tile started to shine for the first time in 30 years. Friday was wrap up day and everything shone from faucets to floors. The project was complete but the room still looked bare, some brave soul decided to bring the old furniture back in, this created an immediate uproar and the final funds miraculously appeared to install new furniture.

The project took 7 days from start to finish with a 2 day stop in the middle. Rotarians and friends invested 234 hours of personal time which has priceless value. Old friendships were strengthened and new alliances formed. The materials totaled $ 5406.95, a cost overrun of $6.95 above the original estimate. There was no perception that our small club would take on a project that involved this much time and financial commitment at the start of the year. It grew out of an identified need in making our community a better place to live and work.

Here is a selection of comments from the teachers when they first saw what we had done as quoted by Mrs. Sato (Lead Teacher)

“I didn’t know if I was in the right room.”

“I had to check the room number because I thought I was confused.”

“Wow.”

“It’s so bright and clean.”

“It’s sooo professional- makes you feel so warm and comfortable.”

“They fixed the noisy fan!”

“This room makes you feel so special…”