CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kerry Kennedy visited Catalyst-Maria Elementary School, a charter public school at 6727 S. California Ave in the Marquette Park community in Chicago on September 20, 2012.  One hundred and ninety-three third through fifth graders were highly engaged in a question and answer session and story-telling about Human Rights activists and what it means to be a change agent in the world. Kerry Kennedy, is the daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy and has built momentum as a human rights advocate by interviewing human rights defenders from around the world.  She spent years learning about the quality of courage, the activities, the motivations, and the drive that makes advocacy for human rights possible.  She brought her research together in a book Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who Are Changing Our World. 

"Helping Catalyst scholars learn the meaning of human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is central to the school's mission and falls squarely within the mission of Kerry Kennedy's own goal of promoting Human Rights globally," said Michael Fehrenbach, Catalyst Director of Culture and Mission.

Kennedy's work has now become a theatrical presentation, a touring photographic exhibition, an education and advocacy packet, and an award-winning website composed of powerful interviews and photographs celebrating the courageous actions, lives, and dreams of human rights activists from around the world.

The Catalyst Schools believe that every child possesses inherent value and potential, regardless of background, educational level, or life circumstances. The Catalyst Schools are members of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, and will be implementing the Speak Truth to Power curriculum.  The opportunity to visit with Kerry Kennedy provided additional enthusiasm to the young scholars and academic leadership as the program ramps up.

Contact Michael Fehrenbach 708-269-0747 mfehrenbach@catalystschools.org

SOURCE The Catalyst Schools