Help for Orphans International Opens New School for Orphans in Kenya

Kisii, Kenya – It may be thousands of miles from the glamour of 5th Avenue or anything star-studded, yet celebrity and socialite Jill Zarin of The Real Housewives of New York City and Help for Orphans International's Sarah Ehrlich made it their business to help turn the dreams of orphans into reality.

The new Help for Orphans International School Kisii Kenya, which will support 150 orphaned children, opens Friday, September 26th, 2008.

The director of the school, Peter Mageti, will attend the grand opening from 10:00am – 3:00pm along with Ehrlich and part of her team from Help for Orphans International. Ehrlich worked with Zarin on a fundraiser in the Hamptons which completely paid for the new school.

"Jill helped bring out attendees with a big heart who want to make a difference around the world," says Ehrlich. "We've seen other celebrities like Madonna, Oprah, Bono, Angelia Jolie and Brad Pitt successfully help the people of Africa. Now, we're seeing everyday people contribute to a great cause that will positively impact the future for so many kids who live such an uncertain life."

Also attending the opening will be Kenya's Education Permanent Secretary along with District and Division Education Officers and other top government officials to commemorate the opening of the school for orphaned children.

A large festival featuring entertainment from local musicians and home-grown cuisine, including two traditionally-prepared cows, will help celebrate the grand opening.

More than 500 people are expected for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and festivities.

"This is a rare event in the Western part of Kenya," says Mageti. "We're so fortunate to have the financial support from Help for Orphans International in building this school. I know so many people will be moved by this event and will share those feelings during the ceremony."

Along with the new school, Help for Orphans International is providing a systematic reading and study skills program, hundreds of textbooks and other important learning materials.

About Help for Orphans International: Help for Orphans International is a non-profit organization which provides superior education facilities and materials for orphans around the world. The organization's overall purpose is to elevate the well-being of orphans and empower them to succeed in whatever endeavor they choose. Along the way, Help for Orphans provides food, clean water, vaccinations, clothing and other needed supplies in order to establish an effective learning environment. Having already begun building schools and assisting orphanages in India, South America, Uganda and Kenya, Help for Orphans International intends to expand as rapidly as possible in order to meet the needs of as many orphans as possible.