MADONNA APPEALS FOR GIRLS SCHOOL HELP

The pop superstar has filmed a brief video message about the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls and posted it on her website.

Introducing the new message, Madonna writes, "After witnessing the potential of Malawi's girls firsthand, I made it my mission to give them an opportunity to become their personal best."

In the video, shot in a hotel room, the singer says, "There are very few girls in Africa in general who are encouraged or allowed to go to secondary schools so, after spending a lot of time there, I realised that one of the ways I could help was to build a girls school.

"I would really be grateful if you would get involved and help me in any way you can with donations, spreading the word, visiting my website, reading about the progress we've made so far.

"Please visit our website. I would appreciate any help you could give us."

Madonna has been a regular visitor to Malawi in recent years, and adopted son David from an orphanage in the country.