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'SPREAD THE SMILE' IN AFRICA
We are happy to report that with your support we have distributed 34 soccer balls to children in Kenya and Zambia. Thank you so much for supporting this program - this is a green way to celebrate Earth Day!
Recently we received this e-mail from the program manager in London: "Will and I are both delighted that your 'Spread the Smile' program continues to keep sourcing ball orders for our Nairobi factory, and balls for children in the area, so our thanks to you once again!"
By donating locally made Soccer Balls directly to children in Africa, the 'Spread the Smile' project is designed to offer a little more joy and happiness, and to give children in Africa something to really smile about. With a £12.50 (approx. C$20) donation you can help deliver a soccer ball to children in Africa, sustain more jobs in communities in Africa and increase health awareness!
'Spread the Smile' works with a small British charitable group called Alive & Kicking. A&K's mandate is to supply locally manufactured Soccer Balls to children in Africa. Their 'stitching centers' in Kenya and Zambia employ 50-100 local disabled men and women, who stitch together balls made of local leather, produced by a local shoe manufacturer.
Stitcher profile: My name is Angelica Nthenya and I am 31 years old.
I am married and have two sons aged 7 and 4. I have been working at Alive & Kicking for two years, ... I live in Nairobi.
I like A&K because their pay is prompt and with this money I pay school fees for my sons. ... My life has really improved since I came on board from the HIV/AIDS awareness and teaching that is done in the workshop. I am free to interact with my fellow stitchers because we are one happy community.
How can you get involved?
'Spread the Smile' makes it possible for anyone travelling to East & Central Africa to personally give a couple of Soccer Balls to children in orphanages and schools along the way. Our co-founder, Stephen has generously pledged to purchase a ball for every donation made. That way you get to give away two Soccer Balls for $20. Please ask Chris Boecker for details.
If you're not planning a trip to Africa soon, you can simply click here to make a donation online. Your ball will be distributed to a school, orphanage, refugee camp or youth project and you'll be sent information on who receives it.
The 'Spread the Smile' mission is to give children in Africa a chance to play and smile, and at the same time create job opportunities and help raise awareness of malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS and other serious disease. It's Win-Win-Win!
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This popular safari starts in Maun, Botswana and ends at Victoria Falls, Zambia. It is a perfect way to see the most spectacular scenery, wildlife, culture and natural beauty of Zambia and Botswana. 
Namibia celebrated independence of 21 years on the 21st March 2011. And Namibia was ranked 3rd in Sub-Saharan Africa by the 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitive Index. Namibia's "rich natural resources, fauna and a pristine natural environment" along with prioritized environment sustainability and "well developed ground transport infrastructure," awarded Namibia this significant placing.