GIRAFFE ACTION, FAR & WIDE

In the UK

Dr. Musharraf Hussain O.B.E., founder of the Karimia Institute, president of the the UK's Christian-Muslim Forum and Trustee of the National Centre for Citizenship talks with Giraffe's John Graham about the launch later this year of Giraffes/UK. They're shown here in the studio of Dawn Radio, Karimia's broadcasting facility in Nottingham, England. Giraffes/UK will honor heroes there, regardless of their ethnicities or religious affiliations and will aim at narrowing the dangerous gap between Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the UK.

In Singapore

Giraffe Founder Ann Medlock went part way round the world to fabulous Singapore to keynote a conference, "Women in the Community: Change Movers."  Ann's talk was about female Giraffes and the changes they've catalyzed in communities large and small. Conference organizer Kirpal Singh of Singapore Management University invited her to keynote after hearing her speak at the American Creativity Association and then reading about her "near-TED experience." Ann wrote about the Singapore adventure in her monthly email to friends of Giraffe. If you're not already receiving that email, subcribe to Heads Up now. You can also read a full-page interview with Ann in the Straits Times. If you think Ann might be a good addition to an event you're planning, contact Julie Vosoba about getting on Ann's calendar.

In Georgia

Giraffe materials for young kids include Two Tall Tales told by Stan Tall & Bea Tall, our cartoon young giraffes. Brenna Christie, the guidance counselor at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon, Georgia, wrote us to say that Tattnall kids who did the Giraffe Heroes Program were being brave and compassionate all over the place. She sent us illustrations that Tattnall students have done for Stan & Bea's stories. Here's a literally moving sample ~

In Kyrgyzstan

There's a spin-off of the Giraffe Heroes Project in Kyrgyzstan. Eight people received the first commendations. Their stories are at www.atuul.kg, but you have to be able to read Kyrgyz. (If you can, contact us! We'd love a translation.) Meanwhile, here's a no-translation-needed group portrait.

In Nigeria

Inspired by the stories in Voices of Hope, the Giraffe Heroes Project's anthology of heroes  around the world, fourteen students in Oporoza, Nigeria have formed the  “Giraffe Service Club International."  Their purpose is to "serve humanity." That's their teacher, Job Bebenimibo, at front row left. (more)

In New Jersey

Mary Lou DiCaprio, a parent/volunteer who leads Giraffe teams at a school in Mountain Lakes NJ sent this response to a recent Giraffe e-message: "Having heard President Obama's announcement about increasing the number of math and science teachers, and taking into account my B.S. in chemistry, I believe that I'm being called to be a part of the new spirit of hope, with Giraffe as my guiding light." (more)

In Maryland

An inspiring film shows what's happening as the Giraffe Heroes Project works with community groups serving young people in Wicomico County, Maryland.