Spirit of Uganda visits Keys School, Palo Alto

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Lori Fitzmaurice, Keys School, 650/328-1711

Jackie Jusko, Keys School, 415/460-9984

Spirit of Uganda Tour Comes to Keys School

Young Performers Enjoy Day of Cultural Exchange

with Palo Alto Peers

(Palo Alto, CA) January 24, 2008 – The Spirit of Uganda, an inspiring touring program featuring 22 professionally trained, young dancers and musicians ages 8 to 18 -- impassioned ambassadors of their rich culture and articulate advocates for AIDS awareness and prevention -- will share a day of classroom activity, performance and play with Palo Alto’s Keys School student body on Wednesday, January 30. Spirit of Uganda is the public face of Empower African Children (EAC) www.empowerafricanchildren.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of East Africa’s orphaned and vulnerable children through the power of innovative education. EAC’s programs seek to unlock the potential of a generation by providing tools for success in life, creating confident, skillful, visionary leaders. Spirit of Uganda is traveling the country through May to raise money and awareness for the country’s 2.4 children orphaned by AIDS and civil war.

“Through their visit, Spirit of Uganda’s young performers offer our students valuable insight regarding the people, conditions and culture of East Africa,” says Jon Ninnemann, head of school, Keys School. “As educators, we appreciate the value of cultural exchange in developing greater global awareness for all young people. This is a terrific opportunity for both groups of children to learn more about one another.”

The children of the Spirit of Uganda will spend time in Keys classrooms sharing stories, answering questions and interacting with students, culminating with a private, school-wide performance for the school. Keys School (2890 Middlefield Road) is the only school in the South Bay that the Spirit of Uganda troupe will visit.

“Traveling around the U.S. and spending time at places like Keys School lets our children imagine what is possible,” says Alexis Hefley, child advocate and EAC founder. “Half of the children come from orphanages that have very little electricity. While here, they experience the various forms of technology we take for granted – as well as the generosity of Americans.”

Adds Hefley, “Our goal is to enjoy this day of cultural exchange and to offer Keys students a window into African culture and our young performers’ infinite message of hope.”

Empower African Children was founded in 2006 by Hefley, whose work with Ugandan children for more than 15 years has earned her international acclaim. Hefley founded the Uganda Children’s Charity Foundation in the U.S. and initiated and produced the award-winning Children of Uganda touring program for 10 years before launching EAC. EAC is focused on providing a holistic, dynamic education so that the children who will become the next generation of African citizens are empowered to fully participate and assume leadership roles in their communities.

The Spirit of Uganda troupe will perform at the Marin Center on Saturday, February 2, in San Rafael in a public performance.

Founded in 1973, Keys School (www.keysschool.com), located in Palo Alto, is an independent, K-8 school that offers a broad, hands-on curriculum. The school’s mission is to foster high academic achievement and emphasize balanced growth – intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially – for every student within a diverse and supportive community.

For More Information on EAC and the Spirit of Uganda: