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

Views of the exterior of Druid Hills High School in Atlanta shown on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. In the plan approved by the DeKalb County school board on Monday, everything but the main building, pictured here, will be demolished in favor of a new school building. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com