Paris Hilton plans to visit Rwanda

Paris Hilton is planning to visit Rwanda to raise awareness of genocide and poverty.

The trip follows the Simple Life star's pledge to put her fame to better use after serving time in jail for driving offences earlier this year.

She told E! News: "I'll be going in November, after I get back from filming my movie. There's so much need in that area, and I feel like if I go it will bring more attention to what people can do to help."

The 26-year-old added that her trip to the African nation will be the first of many, saying: "I want to visit more countries where poverty and children's issues are a big concern. I know there's a lot of good I can do just by getting involved and bringing attention to these issues."

Hilton was invited to Rwanda by Scott Lazerson of the organisation Playing for Good, which attempts to persuade celebrities and business moguls to do more for charity.

She will head out to Africa after shooting new film Repo! in Toronto.