Stars backed by USA
Star outreach
Charlize Theron looked her most beautiful
best in traditional garb - but was there for business, not for
publicity
Laurie Kemp
AT the official opening of the Mpilonhle Project at Mtubatuba this
week, US Ambassador Eric Bost announced he would be handing over
R8.45-million to the project, which has already seen the financial
backing of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project as well as Oprah
Winfrey’s Angel Network.
On Thursday, Charlize Theron was guest of
honour at the Mpilonhle (‘a good life’) official showcase of their
school AIDS and health outreach program.
This sees mobile units
travel to four high schools around the Umkhanyakude District for pupils
to receive nursing, health screening, substance abuse counseling and HIV
social workers, a health educator and computer instruction.
‘Over the
last four year, we have provided R6-billion to almost four hundred
dedicated South African partner organ isation as well as the South
African government,’ said Ambassador Bost.
Charlize woos
Theron braved strong winds at the function, and was
bubbly and modest when speaking on the project, often deflecting
references to her ‘movie star’ status.
‘We are here to make a change.
There are so many young women in this school, sitting here today, who
say they are looking for role models.
‘They need look no further than
their own school – their teachers, their principal, and their
families.
‘I hope that through Mpilonhle we can change your lives
positively, and come back again and again to visit you and see you
flourish.’
Theron was accompanied by her mother, Gerda and her
partner, actress Stuart Townsend, who both kept a very low profile
during the formalities.
