Usher's foundation seeks partners in Asia

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Grammy award-winning American R&B singer Usher is looking to expand the work of his foundation into Asia.

Shawn Wilson, president of Usher's New Look foundation, was at the Global Peace Convention in Manila, the Philippines, last weekend looking for partners for the non-profit organization's Powered to Serve youth project.

Wilson and James Harris, 20, the foundation's youth board member, traveled to conflict-torn Mindanao in the south of the Philippines Monday to visit a Peace Village project for Muslim, Christian and indigenous tribe children.

The village is part of the Mindanao Peace Initiative sponsored by the convention. Usher's New Look may partner with global group's service arm in the region.

Usher's New Look says it plans to invest $40 million over the next 10 years in micro-grants of up to $500 to youth engaged in service projects.

Powered by Service has trained 3,500 U.S. youth in leadership and organizational skills. It also provides malaria nets for people in Africa through young Americans' fundraising efforts.

Global Peace Convention is led by Hyun Jin Moon, who also is chairman of News World Communications, owner of UPI.