MONTHLY DINNER HELPS IMPOVERISHED WOMEN (4/2/15)

     Katrell Christie was on a business trip for the International Rotary Club six years ago where she found herself in Darjeeling, India, surrounded by poor, uneducated girls.
 

     She formed an emotional connection to the people there suffering from poverty and no hope for a future.

     Women is this area have a tough life, a large number break rocks along the steep terrain  through the Himalayas to a region known for its tea.

     Sadly, girls are employed to pick tea leaves at only two dollars per day. 

    

     Somehow Christie found herself in an orphanage for girls, where she became determined to do something, no matter how small.

     On her return to Atlanta, Christie began a program which would pay for the tuition of these unfortunate ones to go to universities.

     This eventually became 'the Learning Tea' and Christie has been trying to tell locals about their mission.

     Six months later, Christie returned to India; rented an apartment for the girls, and paid for them to continue their schooling.

     From that first apartment, they have now moved into a duplex, which houses up to a dozen young women in Darjeeling in the program.

     The monthly fundraiser is held at Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party, which is a festive venue for any event.   It's part of a life-long mission Christie has begun to  help the region. 

     "Come out for A Taste of India," said Madeleine C. Lochan, "...in addition to great food we also raffle a basket of unique goodies from India and other countries".

Lochan said the items accumulated are donated from Christie's travels to fund raise for the cause. 

     "The Learning Tea pays for complete tuition and living expenses for our young scholars while providing a safe and stable dormitory living environment," said Lochan. "Atlantans are helping people across the world wake-up with hope."
 

       The next dinner will be Monday May 25 at 7:00 pm, on a first-come basis (1645 McClendon Ave.) You can also visit the organization's site at thelearningtea.com.

     ---Ray Macon