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America Ferrera Joins Save the Children to Promote Global Education

Actress Presents Award at Clinton Global Citizen Awards Ceremony

in New York City

WESTPORT, Conn., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Emmy- and Golden Globe-Award winning actress America Ferrera, star of ABC Television's popular series Ugly Betty, is Save the Children's newest Artist Ambassador. In her new role, Ferrera will help champion the importance of education for children in marginalized communities in developing countries andthe United States.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080926/DC35549 )

As Save the Children's Artist Ambassador, Ferrera presented an award yesterday at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards ceremony. The awards ceremony, part of the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting held this week inNew York City, honors individuals whose achievements have inspired change and made a positive impact on the world.

"I couldn't be more excited to support Save the Children in its effort to educate children around the world. When a child learns, the entire community benefits," said actress America Ferrera. "It's horrifying to think about the 72 million children who are not in school and may never have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment. I believe that our world can become a much more productive and peaceful place when every child is given the opportunity to attend school."

"I feel so grateful for my own education, and I look forward to doing more to help Save the Children spread its message to as many communities around the world as possible," Ferrera added.

Some 72 million of the developing world's children -- more than half girls -- do not go to school, according to UNESCO. About 37 million of these children live in countries in armed conflict.

"We're delighted to have America Ferrera on board to help shine the spotlight on education and be a voice for millions of children around the world," said Charles MacCormack, president and CEO of Save the Children.

Save the Children has education programs in more than 30 countries, includingthe United States.

Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) is the leading independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world.

SOURCE Save the Children