Plan USA Appoints Renowned Artist, Hilary Wallis, as Organization's First-Ever Art Ambassador to Uganda: Pioneer Program Teaches Children in Uganda to Use Art as a Therapeutic Medium of Expression to Aid Emotional and Social Development, Promote Awareness and Empower Communities

Business Wire - August 14, 2006

NEW YORK - Plan USA, a world-wide non-profit organization dedicated to child-centered development and the well-being, rights and interests of children, today announced that renowned modern artist, Hilary Wallis, has volunteered to serve as Plan USA's Art Ambassador to Uganda. On her mission, Ms. Wallis is teaching children in communities affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and other related issues, how to use art as a vehicle for education, empowerment, emotional development and expression. Additional benefits include reducing stigma and uplifting confidence levels of vulnerable women and children.

Working with Plan Uganda and well-known Ugandan artist Justin Igala, Ms. Wallis and Plan USA are pioneering the Development Art Project, an initiative that acts as an expression of African culture and a therapeutic outlet for members of the community. Ms. Wallis, who has already spent several weeks in the country, is spearheading this comprehensive art program in Uganda's Tororo and Kampala regions.

"This is more than just a project; it's a vehicle for change," said Ms. Wallis. "Exploring art as a form of social and emotional development is enabling Ugandans to connect not only with their own feelings, but with other members of their communities. In the short period I've been here, I have already witnessed the healing power of art as a tool to empower the individual, promote awareness of the issues, and provide foundations of growth within an entire community."

The Development Art Project embraces a large cross-section of participants in the communities including youth centers, secondary schools, health centers and even homes of outpatients. The program also involves Post Test Clubs, an innovative Plan program that provides support groups and education initiatives on HIV/AIDS testing.

Ms. Wallis' visit to Uganda will culminate with two full-scale exhibitions and celebrations to be held in Tororo, August 16 and 17, and Kampala, August 30 and 31. The events will present more than 150 new artists with a platform to showcase their pieces, articulate the vision behind their work, and perform songs to verbalize their emotions. At its conclusion, all artwork will be auctioned by Plan Uganda and proceeds will be used to benefit the communities. Ms. Wallis also hopes to exhibit the artwork in the U.S. and Europe upon her return from Uganda to further advance the plights of these community members.

A long-time advocate for humanitarian causes, Ms. Wallis recently completed a series of paintings on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to alleviate extreme poverty, disease and hunger by the year 2015. Detailed narratives and photos of Ms. Wallis' experiences in Uganda can be found online at www.planusa.org.

About Plan USA

Plan USA is an international organization helping children in emerging countries and promoting their rights and interests. Founded in 1937 as Foster Parents Plan, Plan USA is non-profit, non-partisan and non-sectarian. Plan USA programs are in place in over 60 countries around the world, helping the development of children, families and communities while fostering relationships to increase understanding and unity among people of different cultures.

CONTACT: Media:

Coltrin & Associates, for Plan USA

Megan Perkins, 212-221-1616 x.122

megan_perkins@coltrin.com

Plan USA

Bob McHugh, 401-738-5600, x.1204

bob.mchugh@planusa.org

www.planusa.org

SOURCE: Plan USA

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