Students at Atlanta’s Sarah Smith Elementary School raised thousands of dollars to support environmental and literacy programs in South Africa.

The fund-raising was part of a week-long immersion in South African history, culture and geography last month, culminating in a day-long celebration including dancing, learning how to box like Nelson Mandela, face-painting and mining for gold.

The program, one component of a year-long global education effort, was funded by the school’s PTA and foundation.

“It really is an exceptional program that is 100-percent parent driven,” PTA communications chair Kimberley Simms wrote. “It is such a rich cultural experience for them and a wonderful education that opens their eyes and hearts to other countries around the globe.”

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Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

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