So what’s the deal with Madonna and Malawi these days? The pop super star made headlines when she adopted David Banda – a 12 month old Malawian boy last October. Some of the dissenting commentators stated adoption across racial lines is not “healthy” for the adoptee in the long run: social isolation and lack of African perspective and “connection” were some of the reasons stated. Some even tagged the idea “Hollywood fad” given the adoption if another African by Angelina Jolie.

Since 2006, Madonna has been to Malawi twice; she is also collaborating with a nonprofit organization (Raising Malawi) through a grassroots initiative that aims to “foster sustainable solutions for the Malawian people, especially its most defenseless children. She’s also working on a documentary about the orphans of Malawi.” More information can be found on the Vanity Fair website.

She [Madonna] is spearheading the construction of The Raising Malawi – Consol Homes Orphan Care Center, a place where children can come to eat, learn, read, and play in a safe, nurturing environment. This will also be where the children will be taught the principles of an SFK-based curriculum that is being co-created with local Malawian teachers to address the specific challenges in Africa. – RaisingMalawi.org

Madonna activities with Raising Malawi stems from her involvement with Spirituality for Kids – a foundation that “teaches children spiritual wisdom and practical tools so they can meet life’s challenges with confidence and success.”

It appears the widespread condemnation following Madonna’s adoption of David is a misstep given the extent of her involvement in humanitarian/charity projects in Malawi. Her adoption is certainly not a fad; well, to me, even if some commentators – particularly those with strong ties to Africa – consider her “an unfit adopter” given her antecedence. This is sheer baloney.

Image: Madonna and daughter Lourdes with 19-month-old David Banda, on a visit to the Malawian orphanage Home of Hope, April 2007, Getty/AFP 1mages.

Related posts:

1. Africa: An Attractive Place to Adopt Children?