This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8325492.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Madonna opens new Malawi school | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Pop star Madonna has marked the start of construction at the girls school she is building in Malawi. | |
The 51-year-old cut a ribbon and planted a tree at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls. | |
The star's four children including David, 4, and Mercy, 3 - whom Madonna adopted from the country - were also present at the event. | |
It is thought construction of the $15m (£9.2m) academy will take two years. | |
"Growing up in a privileged life, I took education for granted, but coming to Malawi has taught me a lot of things and learnt to appreciate what life gives," Madonna said. | |
The singer added she wanted to give opportunities to underprivileged young girls. | |
"I realised how much they deserve to be educated and so for me the best thing I could do was to build a school, a unique school that will create future female leaders, scientists, lawyers and doctors. | |
"If this school is successful it will be used as a model to replicate it in other countries," she said. | |
Belief | Belief |
Madonna's charity, Raising Malawi, aims to provide accommodation, food, education and other support to orphans in the country. | Madonna's charity, Raising Malawi, aims to provide accommodation, food, education and other support to orphans in the country. |
The Raising Malawi Academy for Girls, is on the outskirts of the country's capital, Lilongwe and will admit 500 girls from the small southern African country's 28 districts. | |
Madonna adopted four-year-old David in 2006 | |
"Research proves that young girls throughout the developing world are often left without opportunities to receive a comprehensive education and the benefits that education can provide," Madonna said in a statement on her website. | |
"Our goal is to teach them to challenge themselves, serve their local communities and develop their country." | "Our goal is to teach them to challenge themselves, serve their local communities and develop their country." |
Anjimile Mtila Oponyo, a local academic who has been hired to head the academy, said:"Madonna believes that given opportunities, these girls will become scientists, lawyers and doctors." | |
"She believes in them. Having someone believe in you is important to a girl." | |
During her trip, Madonna is also expected to meet with President Bingu wa Mutharika and visit some of the orphanages her charity supports. | During her trip, Madonna is also expected to meet with President Bingu wa Mutharika and visit some of the orphanages her charity supports. |
Previous version
1
Next version