In about the same amount of time that it takes for a mama elephant to give birth to her baby, PeacePal has grown from a small letter-writing project to a program that now includes 12 countries and more than 1,700 pen pals!
So, to celebrate our success we are throwing a FREE international birthday party and we want you and all your friends and family to join us. The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at The Harwood Art Center in Albuquerque and includes international music, food, dance, costumes, and art.
Learn Hawaiian hula, take an up-close look at authentic Japanese kimonos, dance to the beat of Taiko drumming or Marimba, get a henna hand design, and sample treats from around the world. Displays from local PeacePal groups, a kids’ inflatable jumper, silent auction and raffle round out the activities at the party, which has the theme of “Peace Begins in Me: What One Person Can Do.”
And it was one person who started this organization two years ago. “As a mom, I wanted my son to learn about children his own age in different parts of the world – how they live, what their families are like, and what is important to them,” said founder and director Sarah Wilkinson. “By using old-fashioned letters to form friendships, we discover common interests and common ground. We want our pen pals to learn about respecting differences and resolving conflicts peacefully so that they can take those skills into adulthood and be peaceful leaders in their communities.”
PeacePal Birthday Party: Don’t miss the fun!
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16
The Harwood Art Center at 1147 7th Street NW in Albuquerque |
