Think of the Children

Few would disagree that the U.S. educational system sucks, but American kids at least get free schooling through their teens. In Kenya, attending school past eighth grade takes money. For the nearly 1 million Kenyan kids orphaned by AIDS, high school is often a fleeting dream replaced by a reality of hard work for little pay, begging or, for girls, prostitution at great risk of contracting HIV.Tonight at Kafe Kiskeya (3226 East 12th Street, 816-916-1688), singer and musician Carolyn Cruso performs as part of a benefit for the Moi Secondary Girls’ School in Kibwezi, Kenya. In addition to the music and Kenyan fare, see a display with biographies of some of the students that Kiskeya sponsors along with information on becoming a sponsor. The reception starts at 6 p.m., followed by entertainment at 7. The suggested (tax-deductible) donation is $15 to $20.—

Fri., April 25, 7 p.m., 2008