I am creating a youth cultural exchange program, TE KORU: Transcendent Exploration: Kids On the Road to Understanding). TE KORU'S mission is to stimulate interest in the world's cultures, and inspire children to partake in a dialog with others - discussing global issues and creating a future based on open communication, sustainability, and compassion. The approach is to use adventure to get kids excited about ETHNOCATION, and open them up to new experiences, and new perspectives. To do this I will be riding my motorcycle through Latin America, visiting indigenous and slum communities, conducting workshops where kids put together creative portfolios on their lives and thoughts on the world. These portfolios will be shared with kids back in the US, who will then create their own to be sent back to Latin America. (The detailed plan and long-term goals are outlined on the website: http://tekoru.blogspot.com). Before becoming a full-fledged non-profit and seeking out grants, however, I intend to carry out a preliminary study (Mission I), where I will ride down to Guatemala to conduct 2 initial workshops. The purpose of Mission I is to (1) work out the kinks of long-distance motorcycle travel, (2) conduct a few preliminary workshops, (3) gain a greater understanding of the social and environmental issues children of this region are facing. Once this preliminary study has been conducted, I'll be in strong standing to seek grants and sponsorship for the longer journey and a more in-depth program.

Please check out TE KORU's blogsite to get the full story: http://tekoru.blogspot.com

Thanks for your interest and support!