Sir Bob Geldof opens educational facility in Ethiopia

London, Nov 30 (ANI): Sir Bob Geldof found it hard to hold back tears as he visited Ethiopia to inaugurate a school financed by the profits of his 2004 Band Aid 20 record.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" was re-recorded to raise money five years ago, with big names like Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Will Young participating in the new record.

The proceeds form its sales have gone to the aid of people living in the poorest parts of Africa.

And Geldof was more than happy to open a school in Hagere Selam, southern Ethiopia.

"Many people here, like beautiful Birhan, wouldn't have been around but for the massive outpouring of generosity by the British public," the Daily Star quoted Geldof, as telling the Sun.

Talking about Birhan Woldu, who appeared in the 1984 video, he said: "Birhan is the daughter of Band Aid. I feel like her stepfather. You do stupid things like a record and a concert and it really does save lives. I saw people here 25 years ago starving and on the brink of being wiped out - but now their kids are playing rock 'n' roll and going to school.

"This is a different country now. The economy is growing at seven per cent and it needs an educated workforce," Geldof added. (ANI)