"I think we should go and try to hire a businessman who has the skill and is engaging on that certain trade. I believe that they can better guide and inspire the children because if they were to be taught by the worker from the lowest income bracket, then it may not be motivating enough." Emily explained.

No one spoke for a while as they considered what she said. She did have a point.

Serena smirked. Nothing personal, okay she admits it's kinda personal, but she disagrees with Emily's opinion. Although Emily was partially correct, she still has the urge of wanting to face slap her. Thus, she raised her hand.

"Although Ms. Emily has a point, I don't think that the businessmen are the best teachers to hire."

"Why not?" Emily couldn't help herself from uttering.

"For one, these children do not have the capital to start their own business. Perhaps in the future they may try that route, but currently, they do not even have even the basic skills for it."

"What do you mean? So, should they learn from the lowest worker and not knowing any better, should they also live that way for the rest of their lives?" Emily asked sounding sympathetic to the children's plight.

'should she always make me sound like the most apathetic person around?' Serena thought. Anyway, she continued, "I'm not saying that it is them that we should hire, though I don't think your words sounded quite right as those workers you're pertaining to, are honest people trying to earn a living. Nevertheless, I suppose we should look at the managerial level. Those in that position should have moved from the bottom up. I believe they can fulfill what we're looking for, whether it be skills or should they serve as inspiration and motivation for the children."

Emily flushed in embarrassment. She knew that this time, Serena was targeting her. Truthfully, she was up for the challenge, but again, she fell short. It annoyed her to no end, but Serena's reasoning was more solid and can only render her speechless.

There was another silence as everyone this time looked at the two. Serena was correct and she did not say anything offending, but why do they feel like there was some tension between the two girls?

Timothy felt like drama was brewing. So, he cleared his throat. Besides, Serena's idea was in tune with his. "Actually, Ms. Serena's idea was also what I had in mind. Secretary Diana? Do you have any idea how much those at the managerial level are getting paid?"

"Mostly, those that can afford to hire one are those big businesses. Roughly 5 grand at the least."

"So hypothetically, if we are to hire 3, that's 15 grand a month. Multiply that for let's say 5 months until the end of our visit then that's at least 75 grand. Just from these, I think we need 150. Geoffrey, what do you think?" Timothy said.

"Targeting 150 is a little difficult, but it's doable. In this case, the fundraising should be on the large scale. However, the difficulty doesn't really lie on the amount but on the timing. If we were to aim to hire their teachers by next month, then I don't think we can raise the money immediately. Recall that the next two weeks will be very busy as the midterm exam is approaching. Then right after, we have the intramurals, and then the spring ball." Geoffrey said looked at his notebook.

"How about we realign the budget for the year end ball first as we try to raise the fund?" Leonard suggested.

"that sounds plausible. Treasurer Mary?"

"If we were to realign the budget, since the year-end ball actually has the largest allocation amounting to 80 grand, then I estimate that we can afford to extend the time we have to raise the funds until the last week of April."

"That's good. Do the other members of the council agree to the realignment?" Geoffrey asked.

Everyone nodded their heads.

"Okay, so that's settled. Now let us hear your suggestions regarding the fundraising activity. Anyone?" Geoffrey asked.

"Before anything, I think we should get an idea of what you usually do for said fundraising." Joseph said.

As everyone was being too serious, Artemis laughed trying to liven up the mood. "Well, it's like a mini-business. Last year it was the used book sale. Basically, we asked students to donate some of their old books and sold it outside school. The shortage of funds was quite small, so the target was only 5 grand. We did make 7 grand from it though."

"so, can we purchase something then sell it?"

"no, it doesn't work that way. The cost should be zero and should only reflect our effort. It worked last time because those were used books."

"Then how about auctioning or selling some of our old items that we choose to donate?" Charlton suggested as he talked for the first time.

"That sounds brilliant! I can donate some of my jewelries." Isabel suddenly said, trying to make Charlton see her in a positive light.

Serena wanted to roll her eyes and just say, fine I'm donating my 500 grand necklace. See how Charlton would like that.

However, Timothy shook his head. "Although that sounds good, it would be difficult to justify if the school finds out that we're auctioning or selling expensive used items. For example, books are okay, but jewelries or other personal items would be not."

Emily feeling that her idea was suddenly bright suggested "How about we hold a concert or a play? The children can also partake in it."

"Although involving the children does seem positive, I'm not quite sure if that would be sufficient in drawing people to attend." Timothy honestly said.

"Then we can also partake in it. I believe we can have a concerto. Then we can sell the tickets to people interested and be able to raise the fund. Also, we have with us Mr. Charlton and Ms. Serena. They are very famous now because of their songs." Emily further suggested, finding it satisfying that Serena will be asked to sing because of her plan.

--

TBC