Grauer School Presents Compelling Presentation of African Tribal Life

Online, May 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Encinitas, CA----In the continuing series of "Great Conversations" commemorating the 20th Anniversary of The Grauer School, the school will feature a joint presentation on May 7, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the Great Hall on campus by professional photographer John Rowe and Lale Labuko, a native of the Kara Tribe in the Omo Valley of Southwest Ethiopia. The captivating evening, will tell the story of the tribal people and ancient culture of this remote region and Lale's struggle to rescue children from certain death based on the customs known as "Mingi," the state of being impure or "ritually polluted".

John Rowe is a world-renowned photographer who has been working for the past six years in the Omo Valley. Lale Labuko is the founder of an organization that provides care and shelter for "rescued" children. Lale is the first member of his tribe to speak English and the only person to fly in an airplane or visit America.

Event attendees will learn the compelling story of Lale's struggle to save children of the region from certain death based on the customs known as "Mingi" the state of being impure or "ritually polluted". Lale is making a new life for children who would otherwise have no chance of survival. John Rowe will be showing some of his captivating photographs from the tribes of the Omo Valley and will discuss the techniques and challenges of photography in such a difficult environment.

Lale will also share his own amazing story of courage and determination growing up in Ethiopia. As a nine-year-old boy he walked great distances in the desert to be the first from the Kara Tribe to attend school. Lale then returned to his village to educate his people and save lives in a place National Geographic Magazine, March 2010 called "The Last Frontier" in Africa. His story describes the reality of tribal conflict, primitive beliefs and two men's' desire to help the children of the region survive and become leaders of tomorrow.

The Grauer School is a UNESCO associated, independent grades 6 -12 college preparatory school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is renowned for its expeditionary learning, which has enabled Grauer to provide the most balanced pathway to top colleges available in our region. To learn more about The Grauer School experience, or the "Great Conversation" series, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777. A $10 donation to defray the costs of the presentation will be accepted at the door.