News/Events
South African School Project Fundraiser Workshop
📅 Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:30–7 PM
📌 Bend Language Institute
(416 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701)
Join us for a special fundraiser in support of the South African School Project. This engaging workshop will help raise funds to directly support Mgidla High School, a low‑income school in KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa, and its ongoing school building project.
In this workshop, we’ll review some of the amazing cultural and linguistic features that South Africa holds from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Kruger National Park to the Wild Coast. We’ll share some of the country’s rich history along with personal experiences to share the beauty of this country and people. We’ll learn about the story of this remarkable school, and the progress being made to improve educational opportunities for its students.
Guests will also enjoy a sampling of traditional South African food and beverages, along with other refreshments.
Local travel designers Alexis and Nelle will also share information about their family-friendly and luxury South African tours and host a raffle benefiting the school project. If you’ve ever considered traveling to South Africa, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what the country has to offer!
A suggested contribution of $30–$60 per person is recommended, with additional donations warmly welcomed. All funds raised go directly to supporting the teachers and students of Mgidla High School.
RSVPs are required. Please email us at bendedinitiative@gmail.com to RSVP.
We hope you’ll join us for an inspiring evening of learning, community, and global connection.
Multilingual Potluck
📅 Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 PM
📌Residence in Midtown – RSVP for details
We would love to invite you to our first Multilingual Potluck, where all are welcome to practice a wide variety of languages, including Italian, Spanish, English, American Sign Language, Japanese, and more, while enjoying a delicious meal!
Bring a dish to share that represents your country or language of interest and enjoy the culinary prowess of others in Bend. This community event is open to everyone, so come on by, bring a friend, and meet fellow travelers in Bend. We invite attendees to offer a small donation ($5-10) to support scholarships for low-income English and American Sign Language learners.
This potluck will take place in the garden of one of our board members so we can head inside if needed. Please RSVP to bendedinitiative@gmail.com and invite your friends and family. We look forward to connecting with you!
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