Global Explorers Kids is working on a special activity in conjunction with the Uthando Project, a nonprofit organization in Australia that is coordinating volunteers around the world to make cloth dolls for the children of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Uthando means "love" in Zulu, and this project aims to spread love to children suffering with poverty and the effects of AIDS.

 

KwaZulu Natal is home to 1/4 of South Africa's children - 1.5 million under the age of 6. Two-thirds of these children live in poverty, while 1 in 5 have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Over 10% of South Africans over the age of two are infected with AIDS. KwaZulu Natal is the province in South Africa most affected by the AIDS virus.

 

The Uthando Project was formed to help the children use play as a form of therapy. Play helps children develop emotionally, socially, and spiritually. It helps children come to better terms with things that confuse or trouble them by letting them express their grief or loss. Play also gives children the opportunity to experience delight, while unleashing their imaginations.

 

The aim of the Uthando Project is to provide handmade dolls to the children of KwaZulu Natal. Global Explorers Kids is coordinating dollmaking sessions in Chicago, to help families in our community reach out to children in need throughout the world. Please consider joining us in this project by making a doll, hosting a doll making session, donating doll making supplies (such as brown fabric, stuffing, needles, thread, brown yarn, and pins), or helping to ship the finished dolls to South Africa. It is important for our children to grow up knowing that they have something to contribute - that they play a key role in helping others in need. The Uthando Project gives children and families an opportunity to help others by making dolls that bring so much happiness to the children of KwaZulu Natal.

 

If you are interested in joining us on this project, contact us at globalexplorerskids@yahoo.com.

 

 

Please join Global Explorers Kids as we take you on a mouthwatering culinary expedition through various countries! Chef Hugh Amano, chef and author of Food on the Dole and his assistant Ariel Diamond of Green Zebra, will be preparing hors d'oeuvres and dishes native to Thailand, Hungary, Mexico, and Japan. Christopher Becerra will construct cocktails and pair wines to accompany the dinner.

This is not only a chance to eat well and learn about culture through food and spirits, but also to share an intimate food experience with friends and neighbors. Come, see, and taste for yourself the bounty that other cultures have to offer.

When: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Location: 4442 N Maplewood Ave. Chicago, IL, 60625
Price: $40 per person includes family style meal with wine pairings
Purchse tickets by contacting Holly Hutto  ph. 773.491.2723
Please RSVP by May 20, 2009
Seating is limited; please reserve as soon as possible!

Sponsors: Metropolis Coffee, Harvest Time Foods, Whole Foods, Uncommon Ground and Andy's Fruit Ranch.