Thursday, 26 June 2008

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt give $1 million to Iraqi children

Couple pledge support to children suffering effects of war

Angelina and Brad attend the 60th Cannes Film Festival

American and Iraqi children suffering from the war will get much-needed support, thanks to $1 million the Jolie-Pitt Foundation is donating to the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

"These educational support programs for children of conflict are the best way to help them heal," Angelina Jolie said.

The EPCC, which Jolie co-founded in 2007, has earmarked $500,000 for the Armed Service YMCA Operation Hero Program, which helps educate and emotionally support children of military personnel serving in Iraq. The money will bring 2,500 new children into the program.

The other $500,000 will go to groups dealing with Iraqi women and children struggling to learn – or simply survive. They include Women for Women International; The International Rescue Committee; and NineMillion.org, part of the United National High Commissioner for Refugees. In all, 5,700 Iraqi children and 300 women will benefit.

"We hope to encourage others to give to these great organizations," said Brad Pitt.

Jolie, a United Nations goodwill ambassador, is noted for her humanitarian work. In February, she went on her second trip to Iraq, for a State Department mission to research the displacement crisis. In May, she wrote an op-ed piece in The Washington Post calling for aid for Iraqi refugees.