On March 17, Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Reverend Mpho Tutu, celebrated ALA at a private reception for ALA supporters in San Francisco. It was an intimate and magical event where ALA supporters were able to meet and speak with the Archbishop and Reverend. Father Tutu and Reverend Tutu were in town to discuss their recently published book, Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference.
The Archbishop gave a moving and humorous speech at ALA’s Grand Opening gala dinner in South Africa last February, however many of ALA’s supporters in San Francisco were unable to attend that event. For many, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the Archbishop. Tutu, one of the world’s most admired humanitarians and spiritual leaders, spoke about his support of ALA, its mission, and students. “ALA and its students are going to change the world!” He asserted.
A number of important lifelong educationists attended the reception along with ALA Founder Fred Swaniker, Derek Schrier (Chairman of African Leadership Foundation — the US division of ALA — and a Trustee of ALA), and Joan Lonergan (ALF Board Member). Fred spoke of the unique and generous support that the Bay Area community has given to ALA and how their support has been instrumental in the building of ALA. Fred also addressed the concept of Ubuntu and how applicable the idea is in an interconnected world.
After the reception, which was generously hosted by Derek Schrier and Cecily Cameron, the guests adjourned to the main event for the evening – a media meet-and-greet for the Archbishop and Reverend Tutu, where they discussed their new book.
