Michelle to host world leaders’ spouses

Coinciding with the Camp David Summit of G-8 leaders and the NATO Summit in Chicago, US First Lady Michelle Obama has invited spouses of attending world leaders to the White House and her hometown.

'Mrs Obama will invite spouses to the White House and, while in Chicago, to visit the Gary Comer Youth Center which supports youth living on the South Side of Chicago, where Mrs Obama grew up,' the White House said.

While on 19 May, President Barack Obama would host G-8 leaders at Camp David, First Lady Michelle Obama would invite their spouses to the White House for a tour guided by White House Curator Bill Allman and an intimate lunch.

Chef Jose Andres, along with other White House Chefs, would prepare meal using produce from the White House Kitchen Garden, the White House said. The next day, the First Lady would then travel to Chicago where she would invite spouses of NATO leaders to the Gary Comer Youth Center on the South Side of Chicago.

The Center offers young people diverse, educational and extra-curricular enrichment activities as well as support to help prepare them to graduate from high school and to pursue college and meaningful careers. Its programmes include academic tutoring, college readiness courses, a Youth Urban Agriculture Program held at its rooftop garden, a culinary program, visual arts opportunities, and fitness and physical education classes.

The First Lady would greet spouses and invite them to take a tour of the Gary Comer Youth Center, the White House said. Following this, they would join the Center's youth members and faculty at a performance by the South Shore Dance Drill Team; the Chicago-based Muntu Dance Theater known for their African and African-American dance, music and folklore performances; and Soul Children of Chicago which uses music to motivate and inspire young people.

Founded in 1980, the South Shore Drill Team uses performing arts to engage urban youth by teaching responsibility and camaraderie through its dance routines and performances around the country. The Gary Comer Youth Center serves as home base to the Drill Team.

Following the performance, the First Lady and the NATO Leaders' spouses would sit for a private lunch created by Chef Paul Kahan who worked with Gary Comer Youth Center youth members in preparing the meal.

Later that evening, Michelle Obama would invite NATO Leaders' spouses to the Art Institute of Chicago for a private dinner, the White House said.