Los Angeles: Pop icon Madonna has opened up about how her philanthropic efforts in Malawi have deepened her bond with her adopted children, creating a shared purpose that has transformed their lives.
The 66-year-old music legend is mother to six children—Lourdes, whom she shares with Carlos Leon, and Rocco, from her marriage to filmmaker Guy Ritchie. Additionally, she adopted four children from Malawi: David, Mercy James, and twins Stella and Estere, now 12 years old.
Her charity, Raising Malawi, has been at the heart of this journey. Founded in 2006, the organization focuses on improving healthcare and education for vulnerable children in the African nation. Recently, Madonna hosted a fundraiser to support the country’s only pediatric hospital, a cause close to her heart.
Reflecting on how her humanitarian work has changed her life, she revealed that the most profound impact has been meeting and raising her four adopted children. “We are so much closer because we share a common goal—making Malawi a better place for children to grow up,” she said.
Among her proudest achievements is the documentary I Am Because We Are, which shed light on the devastating AIDS crisis in Malawi. “That film brought global awareness and support at a crucial time,” she shared. But her legacy extends beyond the screen—her role in building the Mercy James Pediatric Hospital stands as a testament to her commitment to saving lives.
During the hospital’s inauguration in 2007, Madonna made it clear that her mission was more than just charity—it was about empowerment. “I don’t want to be an outsider who just comes in. I want to help the people of Malawi help themselves,” she stated.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is witnessing how her children embrace it. She finds joy in seeing them engage with Malawi, contrasting their selfless actions there with the privileged reality they experience in the Western world. “When we’re in Africa, I see a different side of them—one that is compassionate, driven, and deeply connected to the people around them,” she said.
For Madonna, Raising Malawi isn’t just a charity; it’s a bridge that has connected her family in the most meaningful way, turning their shared experiences into a lifelong mission of hope and change.