Savior of the World Children's Center is inviting the public to a series "A Taste of Africa" programs offering a rich cultural experience. The free events will include a dinner featuring authentic West African foods and as well as American cuisine, while a selection of West African art, photos and native African clothing will be on display.

Most importantly, Louisa Aminata, mother of 33 children who call Savior of the World home, is currently visiting the U.S. and will present her story of the war, the orphans, and the present conditions in the country of Sierra Leone.

There will be five Taste of Africa events, including the first from noon to 4 p.m. today at St. Edward Parish School, 216 S. Nichols St., Lowell. There is no cost to attend the dinner and program, but attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the children's center according to their means.

In addition to today's dinner in Lowell, the Taste of Africa will be hosted from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the St. John the Evangelist Parish Panel Room, 11301 W. 93rd Ave., (U.S. 41), St. John; from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28 at Our Lady of Grace Parish School, 3025 Highway Ave., Highland; from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29 in the St. Anne Parish Hall, 6025 W. 25th Ave., Gary, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 in the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1509 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso.

Savior of the World Children's Center is an orphanage in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa, founded in the spring of 2004, and is supported entirely by people in Northwest Indiana and south Chicago. The orphan home is run by 25-year-old Louise Aminata, a refugee of the recent war in Sierra Leone who was inspired by stories of Mother Teresa.

She has adopted 33 orphan children ranging in age from newborn to 16. Most of the children lost their parents due to the war and disease and the poverty that followed it. Many were rescued from trying to survive on the streets of the Freetown. The United Nations lists Sierra Leone as second to last of the least livable countries of the world.

A video presentation of the children of Savior of the World and the sights and sounds of the capital city of Freetown will complete the African experience, followed by time for questions and answers. "We are currently in the process of building a home for the children and an update of the construction will be given," said Rosanne Kouris, a Lowell woman who has traveled to Sierra Leone and made Savior of the World her cause.

For more information, contact Kouris at (219) 696-1308 or rkouris5@yahoo.com

- For The Times