MANAGUA, July 26 ― Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry lent her star power to combat rural hunger during a trip to Nicaragua for the UN World Food Program, officials here said yesterday.

Government authorities said the Hollywood starlet visited two rural schools in the town of El Cua, some 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of the capital city Managua.

The project aimed to encourage students to stay in school and realise their full academic and career potential.

Berry, 47, has appeared in a raft of Hollywood films, including a starring turn in the 2004 movie “Catwoman;” as Storm in the “X-Men” film series; and her Oscar-winning role in “Monster's Ball.” ― AFP