Provident's FLITE kids hosted an international dinner August 13, 2009 as part of a service-learning project. While participants face poverty and other serious obstacles themselves, the mission of FLITE is to empower children by building skills so that they can make a difference in the community. The event raised about $3,000 to dig a well for a school in Ethiopia through Charity: Water, which raises money to dig wells in Africa.
The International Dinner program attracted more than 200 people who ate from an international array of dishes prepared and donated by local restaurants. Entertainers' wowed attendees with Ethiopian dancing, belly dancing, drumming, etc. And local artists with origins from all over the world displayed and sold their crafts and services, including a Henna expert.
Furthermore, FLITE kids are beginning a pen-pal program with their Ethiopian counterparts. Mimi Tsige, a former Provident employee, remains actively involved in the effort. Mimi will hand-deliver the letters during a Summer, 2010, visit to Ethiopia where she was born and emigrated as a small child.
FLITE stands for Future Leaders In Training to Excel. Provident's FLITE program is for middle school youths to build self-esteem and give kids the tools to overcome peer pressures and obstacles facing them in their everyday lives.
For more information, please contact Kim Forman, Program Manager for FLITE at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 314-371-6500.
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