Former Blue Springs resident and “American Idol” winner David Cook arrived in Ethiopia last week as a guest of the United Nations Foundation.
The season seven winner will learn about the challenges adolescent girls face in many parts of the world, according to a press released issued by the United Nations Foundation.
Cook will visit the United Nations’ Biruh Tesfa (Bright Future) Project to see firsthand how the UN Foundation is supporting the work of the UN to educate and empower girls.
Footage of Cook’s trip to Ethiopia will be featured during “Idol Gives Back,” the Emmy-winning television event and musical celebration developed by “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller, on April 21 (7-9 p.m. CDT live) on FOX, Comcast channel 6.
“I am excited to see the UN Foundation’s work in Ethiopia firsthand,” Cook said in a statement. “In so many parts of the world, girls and young women are denied the chance to fulfill their dreams, just because they are girls.
“But the ‘Biruh Tesfa’ project is proof that global problems can be solved, we just have to start. I look forward to sharing the images and stories from my trip with American Idol viewers across the country.”
During the trip, Cook, will meet with youth mentors and students in the Mercato slum area of Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar to learn how large numbers of girls are traveling to ‘Biruh Tesfa’ every day to gain an education and break the cycle of poverty.
“Once again, we are proud to join with the Idol Gives Back Foundation, FOX, and ‘American Idol’ to help raise awareness about the work of the United Nations,” Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation, said in a statement. “One of our top priorities is to advocate for women and girls around the world. Too many girls growing up in developing countries are not able to attend school or have access to healthcare services.”
