Features

A Berkeley organization that sends elementary school children from different income levels into nature together to help them better understand one another was awarded the Agape Foundation’s 2005 Peace Price. 

The prize, awarded to Mosaic, includes a $500 donation and technical consulting. 

“We’re in a situation we’re every penny helps a whole lot,” said Lara Mandel, Mosaic’s executive director. “We hope this help gets the word out about what we’re doing.” 

Since 2001, the Mosaic project has run a one-week course in Napa where three elementary school classes representing students of social and ethnic backgrounds learn to work together. 

The program works with 18 schools, including Malcolm X, Berkwood Hedge and Craigmont in Berkeley. 

Agape is a Bay Area philanthropic organization that offers money to small social justice organizations. It has raised approximately $9.2 million for local groups since starting out 36 years ago.