The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community presents Combating Poverty of the Mind: Creative Exploration and Good Questions.

Join Dr. Philip Pryjma, co-director and co-founder of the Sawa Sawa Foundation as he discusses how growing up in Brooklyn set the stage for a life of exploration.

A perspective with the "unified theory of everything" inspired him to create this foundation and to work with youth in Kenya.  With a "work in progress" philosophy, he started an unusual art gallery in Lee, MA, in a former catholic church (St. Francis) and every year for two months taught "out of the box" art and thinking to 3rd through 5th graders in rural western Kenya.

Today's work includes agricultural renewal, water scarcity projects, maternity health, community enrichment and responsible entrepreneurship in this same area.

Sawa Sawa's goal is to create a culture of continuous learning and exploration and he feels it is "most important to include myself in this same process."

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.