Madonna's Malawai Plea

Madonna dines at Scott’s Restaurant in London on Wednesday with designer Stella McCartney and hubby Alasdhair Willis. She recently posted this message on the RaisingMalawai.org:

“From the moment I began my work on behalf of Malawi’s ONE MILLION orphans, people have asked, “Why did you choose Malawi?” I always answer, “I didn’t. Malawi chose me.” Malawi is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the poorest – suffering from famine, drought, extreme poverty, and deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. All of which could be treated with proper health care and education, if it were available.

Through the Raising Malawi: Orphan Care Initiative, Michel Berg and I have committed to doing all that we can to help this small country in desperate need.

We have met with world experts in healthcare, economics, education, and international development – leaders like Dr. Jeffrey Sachs and Dr. Paul Farmer, who have given a voice to the most underprivileged sectors of society. Together we are working to raise the quality of life for a generation of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Now I’m asking you to join us.

With one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world and one of the lowest rankings in the Human Poverty Index, Malawi and her children are at the heart of the humanitarian crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. The challenges facing these children are unimaginable. Everyday in Malawi hundreds of children die from preventable illness, thousands are affected by abuse and neglect, and millions face a lonely struggle for survival without parents, or adult supervision. At Raising Malawi, we believe in turning these challenges into stepping stones.

Malawi is country with incredible promise. Malawians possess resiliency and great spirit. If we give them a chance to achieve lasting sustainability through smart solutions and the proper support, we will in fact raise Malawi. No matter who you are or where you are, you can join this cause and get involved. Volunteers of all ages and from every corner of the world are needed.

Donations, no matter how large or small, can make a big difference: from buying a bed net to helping build a school or a clinic. Every little bit helps.

I urge you to please support Raising Malawi and remember: by committing a little bit of your time, talent, or treasures to these extraordinary children, you will help to save a life.”