Madonna & Mercy: Ready to School Some Girls

Madonna laid the first brick for her $15 million Raising Malawi Academy for Girls earlier today with her daughters -- Mercy James and Lourdes -- by her side.

Of the event, Madonna writes: "As an artist, I know the transformative power of art. Malawi's culture will be preserved and passed on through the teaching of music, art, and dance in our academy. Once instilled with pride in their homeland, young women will understand the importance of remaining in Malawi and investing in their own communities."

"Having seen the determination in the eyes of these children, I know they have the strength to save Malawi—they just need to be given the tools," she concludes.

Source: Raising Malawi