Partnering with a Worthy Cause
All images by Penelope Thomsen
like minded people & organizations coming together…
The Red Trunk Project® is an educational initiative based on the idea that children should learn to Respect Every Difference—the RED in Red Trunk. Their goal is to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all children, working to ensure that the next generation better understands their fellow citizens around the world—a simple yet powerful idea that’s more important than ever in the world we're living in.
Red Trunk utilizes dozens of cultural artifacts (arts and crafts, clothing, spices, toys, and musical instruments) and combines them with ‘mini-doc’ videos, booklets detailing the lives of children in the culture, along with a comprehensive, experiential lesson plan to create a deep and lasting cultural experience. The Red Trunk Project allows children to connect with distant parts of the world they might not ever have the opportunity to travel to themselves.
Education and enrichment are at the forefront of the KAI Foundation’s founding pillars, so when we were approached by Red Trunk Project President & Founder, Kevin Thomsen, requesting assistance to expand their reach to Kenya we immediately sprung into action.
Through existing relationships and know-how the KAI Foundation aided Mr. Thomsen and a colleague with their October 2021 trip to Kenya - visiting Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu. During this trip the Red Trunk team gathered artifacts, captured photo & video, and interviewed children about their lives. These materials will be brought to classrooms around New York & New Jersey starting in the fall of 2022, offering American students a glimpse into the lives of their peers halfway around the globe.
Their first Trunks, featuring the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico have proven the impact of this small scale cultural exchange and the KAI Foundation is pleased to assist in the growth of the project and bring the concept to the African continent.
“Thanks to the support of David Kartagener and The KAI Foundation, Red Trunk Project was able to make its vital second trip to Kenya. The material that was gathered for the Kenya Red Trunk will be instrumental for teaching elementary grade students about Kenyan culture. This would not have been possible without the assistance of KAI”