Madonna caps off ‘amazing week in Malawi’ by visiting Jacaranda School for Orphans with her children
Seven-time Grammy winner Madonna capped off her ‘amazing week in Malawi’ with her four youngest children by visiting the Jacaranda School for Orphans near Blantyre last Friday.
The 62-year-old Queen of Pop was officially at the school to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Madame X Dance Studio.
Madge (last name Ciccone) proudly posed beside the sign at the studio, which was paid for through the non-profit organization, Raising Malawi, she co-founded with Michael Berg in 2006.
Newspaper hat: Seven-time Grammy winner Madonna capped off her ‘amazing week in Malawi’ with her four youngest children by visiting the Jacaranda School for Orphans near Blantyre last Friday
‘I feel like we ended on a very special note because Jacaranda is a very special place, as you know. The reason it’s so special to me – not only because there’s so many amazing, talented children here – but there’s also amazing teachers and the founders are so passionate about what you do. It’s contagious,’ the longtime AIDS activist said in a speech to the school.
‘You’re teaching them skills that when it comes to art and creativity and expression – these are the things that keep us alive and keep us going through times of trouble and challenges. And you know, this has been a really tough year for everybody. But if you think about it, every year’s a tough year in Malawi, right?
‘So what’s going to keep us going is loving what we do and it’s great that you’ve created a place where children can come and continue to learn and love what they do and learn skills from visual arts, to designing clothes, to playing musical instruments, to dance – which is my first love. So this place really holds a special place in my heart. Just keep up the good work everybody and that’s it. Believe in your dreams!’
While there, Madonna’s 15-year-old son David Banda played guitar as the music class sang Bill Withers’ 1972 hit Lean on Me.
Snip snip: The 62-year-old Queen of Pop was officially at the school to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Madame X Dance Studio
‘Thank you for supporting the arts!’ Madge (last name Ciccone) proudly posed beside the sign at the studio, which was paid for through the non-profit organization, Raising Malawi, she co-founded with Michael Berg in 2006
The longtime AIDS activist said in a speech to the school: ‘I feel like we ended on a very special note because Jacaranda is a very special place, as you know. The reason it’s so special to me – not only because there’s so many amazing, talented children here – but there’s also amazing teachers and the founders are so passionate about what you do. It’s contagious’
Madonna continued: ‘You’re teaching them skills that when it comes to art and creativity and expression – these are the things that keep us alive and keep us going through times of trouble and challenges. And you know, this has been a really tough year for everybody. But if you think about it, every year’s a tough year in Malawi, right?’
The Levitating songstress added: ‘So what’s going to keep us going is loving what we do and it’s great that you’ve created a place where children can come and continue to learn and love what they do and learn skills from visual arts, to designing clothes, to playing musical instruments, to dance – which is my first love. So this place really holds a special place in my heart. Just keep up the good work everybody and that’s it. Believe in your dreams!’
The Levitating songstress belted the classic as her 14-year-old daughter Mercy James played along on an electronic keyboard.
And Madonna’s eight-year-old twin daughters Stella & Estere – wearing matching black cargo jeans – strummed ukuleles.
The self-made superstar also brought along her back-up dancer-turned-toyboy Ahlamalik Williams who, at 26, is 36 years younger than her.
Chorus: While there, Madonna’s 15-year-old son David Banda (L) played guitar as the music class sang Bill Withers’ 1972 hit Lean on Me
‘We all need somebody to lean on!’ The self-made superstar belted the classic as her 14-year-old daughter Mercy James played along on an electronic keyboard
Double take: And Madonna’s eight-year-old twin daughters Stella & Estere – wearing matching black cargo jeans – strummed ukuleles
Still going strong! The Michigan-born mama also brought along her back-up dancer-turned-toyboy Ahlamalik Williams (L) who, at 26, is 36 years younger than her
Days earlier, Madonna made visits to Mercy James Centre of Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care as well as the village of Lipunga where David reconnected with his father Yohane.
‘My interest is in the child’s best chance for health and education,’ Yohane explained to The Guardian back in 2006.
‘It was a hard choice to make, but when it seemed likely that David would have a better life with a new family, I could not say no.’
‘Diva on a bus ride to Blantyre’: It’s hard to imagine Madonna riding a bus, but that’s how her entourage traveled to the school
Thanksgiving family portrait: Missing from the trip to Africa were the pink-haired pop star’s two eldest – daughter Lourdes (L), 24; and son Rocco (2-R), 20 – with trainer Carlos Leon and ex-husband #2 Guy Ritchie
Missing from the trip to Africa were the Michigan-born mama’s two eldest – daughter Lourdes, 24; and son Rocco, 20 – with trainer Carlos Leon and ex-husband #2 Guy Ritchie.
Madonna has been hard at work with Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody co-writing the script for her self-directed Universal Pictures biopic about her extraordinary life and five-decade career.
The two-time Golden Globe winner previously helmed two dismally-reviewed box office bombs – Filth and Wisdom in 2008, and W.E. in 2011.
Pre-production: Madonna has been hard at work with Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody (R) co-writing the script for her self-directed Universal Pictures biopic about her extraordinary life and five-decade career (pictured October 16)
Three time’s a charm? The two-time Golden Globe winner previously helmed two dismally-reviewed box office bombs – Filth and Wisdom in 2008, and W.E. in 2011
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