Words Carinya Sharples
It's said there's no such thing as a free lunch, but that's exactly what non-profit organisation Kids of Kilimanjaro is giving children in Tanzania.
To raise money for its school lunch programme, Kids of Kilimanjaro is holding a benefit at the Beverly Hills Hotel on October 22.
With the money raised, the group will be able to continue funding free meals for 15,000 Tanzanian students.
The charity was created by entrepreneur George Namkung after he visited the region in 2005 to climb Kilimanjaro – in celebration of his 60th birthday.
A volunteer teacher in Orange County, California, Namkung arranged to visit a local school on his trip and it was here the roots of Kids of Kilimajaro were sown. “Although they needed school supplies,” explains Namkung, “what they needed most was food, since they didn’t have means to provide for themselves. I realised, how can you study if you're hungry all day long?”
The effect of the meals has been significant. According to Kids of Kilimanjaro: "The children in the Monduli and Moshi districts near Kilimanjaro had a high drop out rate, many not coming to school at all and many leaving school early to beg for money in the village near the school. By providing lunches to the children, attendance is now at 100 per cent capacity with a waiting list. The children are being educated and nourished.
The fundraising event, a black-tie dinner, will be hosted by former governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson, with other invitees including celebrities and dignitaries.
For more visit http://kidsofkilimanjaro.org.