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.”

Keep Reading

(Illustration: Jessi Esparza / AJC)

Credit: Jessi Esparaza/AJC

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller