Lancement Officiel de "Connectez pour Apprendre" et "Répondez à l'Appel".

Official Press Release - Communiqué Officiel de Presse

'Connect to Learn’ Kicks off With 100 Scholarships in 100 Days and a Call for Action From Madonna
– Tue Sep 21, 2:55 pm ET

New York (PRWEB) September 21, 2010 -- Madonna, together with the Earth Institute, Ericsson and Millennium Promise today officially launched Connect To Learn, a non-profit global education initiative to greatly improve both the access to and quality of secondary education for children around the world—especially girls. Connect To Learn provides three-year scholarships to attend secondary school and covers tuition, books, uniforms as well as access to broadband technology. The first 100 scholarships will be provided in Millennium Villages in Ghana and Tanzania within the next 100 days.
Today Connect To Learn also starts a broad public awareness and fundraising campaign, supported by Madonna, called “Answer the Call”, which highlights that scholarships can be provided for less than $2 a day. Individuals can make donations through www.ConnectToLearn.org or by texting CONNECT to 20222 (in the US).
“Millions of girls and young women around the world—particularly in poor rural areas—don’t have the chance to attend school beyond the primary level. It is estimated that around three of every four girls in sub-Saharan Africa are currently unable to attend secondary school,” said Jeffrey Sachs, Director of The Earth Institute. “This partnership—of Connect To Learn and the Millennium Village Project —will enable girls to attend secondary school, and will connect their schools to the same online educational resources available to students anywhere in the world. Connecting young women in all parts of the world to school, to the Internet, and to each other, will change their lives and our world for the better.”
“Broadband connectivity is now vital everywhere in the world for a quality education. In regions like Africa, mobile subscriptions have far surpassed access to fixed phone lines and will be the ubiquitous access point for communication. Through this initiative, students all over the world will have access to the same education and information no matter where they are,” said Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson. “During this week, with the spotlight on public and private partners working to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the Connect To Learn initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved together.”
Representing a unique partnership between non-profit, business, education and inspired individuals, Connect To Learn is calling for organizations around the world to join with its founding partners in providing financial and in-kind support to provide new pathways to economic and personal empowerment through secondary education.
“When a girl in a poor village gets a good education, she can better protect her health, make a better living and raise a healthy family—improving her life and the lives of the people around her,” said John W. McArthur, CEO, Millennium Promise. “We ask individuals and organizations everywhere to offer their knowledge, resources and leadership to vastly expand access to the Internet in rural schools across the globe—helping millions of girls worldwide get quality secondary education and opening the door to a new world.”
Part of the funds for each scholarship are devoted to the provision of mobile broadband access so that children in rural areas can get access to the best online educational resources and connect with schoolchildren from other parts of the world. Launched in conjunction with the Broadband Commission for Digital Development’s call for ‘Broadband Inclusion for All’ and the 10-year anniversary of the Millennium Development Goals, Connect To Learn is the perfect example of how access to mobile broadband technology can help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

About Connect To Learn
Connect To Learn is a not for profit global education initiative designed by Ericsson, Millennium Promise, and the Earth Institute as Scientific Advisor, to ensure a 21st century secondary education for all - especially girls - by providing scholarships for secondary education, and using ICT to connect classrooms and improve access to quality educational resources around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.ConnectToLearn.org/ and follow us at http://twitter.com/ConnectToLearn and www.facebook.com/connectolearn.

About Earth Institute
Earth Institute, Scientific Advisor to Connect To Learn, is the world's leading academic center for the integrated study of Earth, its environment, and society. The Earth Institute builds upon excellence in the core scientific disciplines and stresses cross-disciplinary approaches to complex problems. Through research, training and global partnerships, it mobilizes science and technology to advance sustainable development, while placing special emphasis on the needs of the world's poor. www.earth.columbia.edu.

About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 80,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 206.5 billion (USD 27.1 billion) in 2009. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
www.ericsson.com
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress
www.facebook.com/technologyforgood
www.youtube.com/ericssonpress

About Millennium Promise
Millennium Promise is an internationally recognized and US-registered nonprofit organization founded in 2005. As the leader in the global movement to end extreme poverty, it is mobilizing a growing alliance of public, private and nonprofit partners who share its commitment to sustainable development and scaling-up effective ideas. Its mission is to achieve the MDGs by showing how the Goals are accessible and achievable, building momentum for success through advocacy, innovation and a practical, holistic approach to building sustainable communities. MP’s flagship initiative is the Millennium Villages project, providing operational support to the Millennium Villages, coordinating with EI on technical and scientific advice, leading business development and private sector initiatives, and acting as the primary fundraiser for the Millennium Villages. MP is also the center for public outreach and advocacy on the MVP. www.millenniumpromise.org
Call us to find out how you or your organization can partner with Connect To Learn.

Donate at www.ConnectToLearn.org or text CONNECT to 20222.

Source: PRWeb.

Un message de remerciements de Madonna aux supporters de Raising Malawi.

I Cannot Think of a Better Birthday Gift

By Madonna on 08.27.10

My birthday this week was such a blessing for me. I was surrounded by dear friends, my loving family, and by you.

The notes I received from the Raising Malawi family were simply beautiful—both in their kindness and their concern for the children of Malawi. Thank you for making my birthday so special.

The note from Sylvia in Great Britain is a message for all of us:

May Malawi, and its beautiful people, be raised through the generosity of those who share your dreams. Thank you for the work you do and the joy you give to your fans worldwide. We are all better people for being connected.

I love how Sylvia echoed the African philosophy ubuntu—I am because we are. We do share a common fate. And we must continue to dream of a better future.

That’s why it’s so important that we stay connected with each other. I hope you will help us raise awareness about Malawi by joining our Facebook community:

http://www.facebook.com/RaisingMalawi

Along with the birthday wishes, many of you took the opportunity to make a donation to our work in Malawi. Again, thank you all!

From Alvaro in Mexico City to Esther in Istanbul, your generous donations totaling over $18,000 touched my heart and will change the lives of so many children. I truly cannot think of a better birthday gift.

Thank you again for being a part of this community and the work most dear to my heart.

Gratefully yours,

Madonna

P.S. If you would like to donate to Raising Malawi today, I will match your donation—doubling its impact on the lives of the Malawi children.

Source: Raising Malawi.

Click to enlarge. Cliquez pour agrandir.

Officiel: Pas de concert de charité pour Madonna prévu au Malawi.

No Benefit Concert Scheduled In Malawi
July 27, 2010

This past weekend, reports circulated regarding a Raising Malawi benefit concert in Blantyre, Malawi. These reports are entirely false; Raising Malawi and Madonna have no plans to host such an event.
To learn how you can support the work of Raising Malawi, please visit: www.raisingmalawi.org

Source: Madonna.com.

Reports of Madonna Concert in Malawi are False
By Raising Malawi on 07.26.2010

This past weekend, reports circulated regarding a Raising Malawi benefit concert in Blantyre, Malawi. These reports are entirely false; Raising Malawi and Madonna have no plans to host such an event.

Source: Raising Malawi.

Madonna 'projette une récolte massive de fonds pour le Malawi': L'événement 'Walk Out of Poverty' ('Sortir de la Pauvreté').

Madonna 'Plans Massive Malawi Fundraiser'

25 July 2010 14:17

Madonna is following in the footsteps of Bob Geldof by planning a Live Aid-style global fundraiser to benefit Malawi, according to reports.
The pop superstar, who has adopted two children from the impoverished nation, has poured money into the region through her Raising Malawi Foundation and is said to be organising a new charity concert to boost donations.
Madonna has reportedly recruited U2 frontman Bono to perform at the Walk Out of Poverty event, which will take place in September (10).
A source tells Britain's Sunday Mirror, "Plans are in place to make this the biggest fundraiser the world has ever seen. Madonna is throwing everything into it. She knows the bigger the event the more money will be raised."
The publication claims 60,000 fans will be given free tickets to the stadium concert in Blantyre, Malawi.
Geldof raised over $225 million (£150 million) for famine relief in Africa with twin concerts held in London and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 1985.

Source: Contactmusic News.

Madonna plans Malawi fundraiser
July 25, 2010
By WENN.COM

Madonna is following in the footsteps of Bob Geldof by planning a Live Aid-style global fundraiser to benefit Malawi, according to reports.
The pop superstar, who has adopted two children from the impoverished nation, has poured money into the region through her Raising Malawi Foundation and is said to be organizing a new charity concert to boost donations.
Madonna has reportedly recruited U2 frontman Bono to perform at the Walk Out of Poverty event, which will take place in September.
A source tells Britain's Sunday Mirror, "Plans are in place to make this the biggest fundraiser the world has ever seen. Madonna is throwing everything into it. She knows the bigger the event the more money will be raised."
The publication claims 60,000 fans will be given free tickets to the stadium concert in Blantyre, Malawi.
Geldof raised over $225 million for famine relief.

Source: CANOE/JAM! Music.

Madonna
Photo: Andres Otero/WENN.

Madonna est arrivée en helicoptère à LawnFest surprenant les invités.

Who's That Girl? Al Fayed school festival guests left stunned as Madonna drops in by helicopter
By Carol Driver
Last updated at 10:58 PM on 12th June 2010

With just 500 guests, a hog roast and Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a school fete is not the usual place you would expect to find the queen of pop.
So it was more of a shock than a surprise for guests when they spotted Madonna wandering around their charity event.
Wearing a beige jacket, grey trousers and brown sunglasses, the American star arrived by private helicopter after flying in from her home in Central London.
The 51-year-old then walked past the bouncy castle, a circus workshop and a face-painting stall where speechless children and parents starred at the singer.
The Material Girl made the appearance yesterday with Mohammed Al Fayed as a favour to the former Harrods owner.
His daughter, Camilla, had organised the festival on the grounds of the New School at West Heath, Kent – which used to house the boarding school attended by Princess Diana.
Madonna landed a few hundred yards from the school before being ferried by car to the LawnFest music event, headlined by Lemar.
The event was held to boost bursary funds at the school, which aims to rebuild young damaged lives through education.
Madonna was escorted by security to a private tent where she spoke to the Christina Wells, principal of the school.
Ms Wells said: ‘We could never have expected such a huge star would have wanted to visit us.
‘Madonna is very interested in the school because she loves to support underprivileged kids and she was particularly keen when she found out about the work we do.
‘I was very nervous when I met her but she was very lovely.’
Camilla Fayed - a Young Persons Ambassador at the school for children with emotional difficulties between the age of 11 and 19 – started raising money for the school when her father was made patron.
Mr Al Fayed bought The New School in 1998 as a tribute to his son Dodi and Diana after they were killed in a Paris car crash.
A source said: ‘Madonna was personally asked by Camilla Fayed to attend.
‘She was more than happy to lend a hand and support - as she always is with charity work. But it was bizarre to see one of the world's biggest stars at such a normal event.
‘She looked completely out of place.’

Source: Mail Online.

Surprise visit: Madonna is greeted by Mohamed al Fayed as she arrives at The New School in West Heath, Kent.

Star-struck: Stunned parents and children take photos of Madonna as she attends LawnFest with Al Fayed.

Madonna makes a speech to parents alongside school principal Christina Wells, left, and Al Fayed.

Guest of honour: Madonna is given flowers as she arrives with Al Fayed.

Family affair: Madonna attended the event as a favour to Al Fayed whose daughter Camilla, left, organised the festival.

Madonna au dîner de l'AmFAR en 2008 pour 1 million de dollar donné à Raising Malawi.

In Pictures: amfAR’s Cannes’ AIDS Gala And Madonna’s Charitable Bag
Posted: 20th, May 2010

TO the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS 2010 fundraiser at the Hotel Du Cap, Eden Roc, Cap D’Antibes during the Cannes Film Festival. Some charities the celebs like: Aids charities is one. But as Roger Freidman notes, it can be a case of you back my charity or I’ll scratch ours.
When Madonna appeared in Cannes two years ago at the annual AmFAR dinner, she auctioned off her handbag and generally carried on… Now I’ve learned that AmFAR donated $1 million to Madge’s Raising Malawi charity to get her there…
Or as he said in 2008:
So say what you will, Madonna’s presence was her donation to the cause.

This year, the great and good helping the needy by grandstanding over nibbles and drinks were – and who cares for the showbiz so long as good is done, right: Russell Crowe, Karolina Kurkova, L’wren Scott and Mick Jagger, Gerard Butler, Svetlana Metkina, Paris Hilton, Benicio del Toro, Giorgio Armani and Kristin Scott Thomas, Fan Bingbing, Karl Lagerfeld, Marion Cotillard, Michelle Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Kate Beckinsale, Naomi Campbell and Vladimir Doronin, Victoria Silvstedt, Emily Blunt, Chris Tucker, Camilla Belle, Mischa Barton, Ivana Trump, Harvey Weinstein, Elizabeth Banks, Tom Ford, Carine Roitfeld and amfAR Chariman Kenneth Cole, Patti Smith, the ubiquitous Hofit Golan, Rachel Bilson,Shermine Shahrivar, Roberto Cavalli and Eva Cavalli, Anna Julia Hagen and Mallika Sherawat…

Source: Anorak.

Elton John chante "Like A Virgin" de Madonna au concert de charité Rainforest à NY.

Rainforest Fund's 21st birthday charity concert

Sir Elton John performs Madonna's "Like A Virgin" during the Rainforest Fund's 21st Birthday Celebration benefit concert at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Source: Evening Standard.

Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John highlight Rain Forest show at Carnegie Hall
Jim Farber
Friday, May 14th 2010, 4:00 AM

Saving the rain forest can bring out the sincere side of anyone, it seems - even Lady Gaga.
At Thursday night's all-star fund-raiser to preserve those endangered parts of the world, a very ladylike Gaga sat poised at the piano at Carnegie Hall and delivered a sober version of one of the most earnest pop songs of all time: "Stand By Me."
Accompanied by Sir Elton John on her next song, "Speechless," she rendered the melody with operatic gravity, moving into John's own "Your Song," as if the two hits - and the two stars - were made for each other.
The result may have done just as much to benefit Gaga's evolving image as it did to aid the world's wildlife.
It handily put her in the company of the pop classics. It also delivered a sure and savvy contrast to the rest of the night.
For their entire 21-year history, the Rain Forest concerts have kept their events on the light side, letting top stars have fun with songs from their own catalogues, and those of others, while hosts Sting and wife Trudy Styler cheer them on.
Much of Thursday night's event tried just as hard to keep things camp as Gaga did to play it straight - with equally rousing results.
Let's see: We had Dame Shirley Bassey belting out not one, but two, gaudy James Bond themes - "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever" - before going even further over the top with "Hey Big Spender."
Even at 73(!) her brassy voice has lost none of its volcanic vibrato.
Next we had surprise guest star Bruce Springsteen, who turned up to do a gut renovation on Bryan Adams' hit "Cuts Like A Knife."
He turned it from a toy-rock bauble into a Solomon Burke-like slice of soul.
But it was John who stole the show. Taking a deep, and well-advised, breath, he dove into Madonna's "Material Girl" and "Like A Virgin" while a kick line of go-go boys in Speedos flitted around him with moves worthy of Cirque Du Soleil.
Genius.
Those last two theatrical outbursts arrived during the show's second half, which meant to salute the '80s, though apparently not everybody got the memo.
Nile Rodgers offered up his chic hit from 1978, "Le Freak," while John reached all the way back to the '60s for John Sebastian's "Summer In The City."
(Sebastian himself accompanied the gigantic 40-plus piece band on guitar, but did not sing).
For a finale, the whole troupe (which also included Debbie Harry and Mary J. Blige) came out to sing a kitschy oldie that has somehow become the song of the hour: Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."
Sung in this context, its chorus' statement of faith seemed downright political - which may just have been the smartest mix of camp and sincerity of this entire wonderful night.

Source: NY Daily News.

Sir Elton John is surrounded by dancers as he performs Madonna's 'Like A Virgin' during the Rainforest Fund's 21st Birthday Celebration benefit concert at Carnegie Hall Thursday, May 13, 2010 in New York.
Photos: AP/Jason DeCrow.

Photo: Madonna avec Lourdes à Bent On Learning.

Madonna with Lourdes at Bent On Learning in New York on April 28, 2010.

Vidéo: Madonna visite le Malawi.

itn — April 5, 2010 — Madonna and her adopted and biological children visit a development project in the Malawi.

Les villageois du Malawi louent Madonna.

2010-04-09 09:37
AFP

Mphandala - Villagers serenaded US pop star Madonna late Thursday at an orphanage she bankrolls that caters for 8 000 orphans in impoverished Malawi.
A local band and a choir sang songs praising Madonna as she visited the centre in Namitete, 50 kilometres from Malawi's administrative capital Lilongwe.
She was accompanied by her biological daughter Lourdes and Mercy 'Chifundo' James, who was adopted by Madonna last year from the poor southern African nation.
Yacinta Chapomba, director of the Consol homes orphanage centre which is financed by Madonna, said the villagers view the pop diva as their mother for constructing the centre which is complete with a 2 000 capacity hall.
"We are grateful to you for your kind gesture," she told Madonna. "The people of this area take you as their mother."
Some 8 000 orphans and vulnerable children come to the centre to learn, get fed and clothed. Some old men and women also come here to eat lunch.
Madonna's charity Raising Malawi benefits some 25 000 orphans throughout Malawi, where there are over a million orphans due to parents dying of Aids.
"I am happy my small contribution has lifted the lives of many," Madonna told the cheering villagers.
"It pains me as a mother to see children suffering because they can't get food or clothes. I want to use what I have to make the world a better place where everyone will enjoy life."
She said she would visit Malawi, calling it "my second home, " twice a year.
Madonna first visited Malawi in 2006 to controversially adopt David Banda, who is now four. She adopted her second Malawian child Mercy, also four, last year.
Madonna, who arrived on Monday to lay the first brick for a $15m academy she is building in Malawi, was expected to leave on Friday.

Source: News24 Africa News.