Pop star Madonna helps build 10 schools in Malawi

NEW YORK, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Pop star Madonna says her Raising Malawi charity and the nonprofit buildOn have completed construction on 10 primary schools, which will educate 4,871 children.

The singer adopted her son David and daughter Mercy from the poverty-stricken African country.

The schools she helped build are in rural villages across Malawi and were finished six months ahead of schedule.

Six of the schools are already in use and all 10 will be operating in January for the first day of school in the new year.

"I am overjoyed that my commitment along with buildOn's to help educate the children of Malawi has come to fruition," Madonna said in a statement Thursday. "In a country where girls have little opportunity for education, it's additionally inspiring to know that more than half the students attending will be young girls. The fact that more than 4,800 children in Malawi will get to go to school next year is a tremendous step forward for their individual growth and the growth of Malawi."

"Madonna's commitment to the children of Malawi is inspiring," said Jim Ziolkowski, founder and chief executive officer of buildOn. "Through Raising Malawi's support we were able to build 10 schools that will educate literally generations of children who need it the most."