Madonna is offering a rare glimpse into the lives of her twin daughters, Estere and Stella, and their philanthropic efforts.
The pop icon shared insights into her family’s charity work, including her daughters’ deep connection to Malawi, the country where they were born and adopted from in 2017.
“The girls have a lot of empathy for vulnerable children in need of life-saving medical care, and they are very grateful to live in a country where medical care is readily available,” Madonna told PEOPLE.
Madonna has been involved with Raising Malawi, the organization she founded in 2006, which focuses on providing healthcare, education, and other vital resources to children in need in Malawi.
Through this organization, she met Estere and Stella, leading to their adoption in February 2017. “We are so much closer because we have a common goal, and that is making Malawi a better country for kids to grow up in,” Madonna said.
Around the same time, Madonna opened the first pediatric hospital in Malawi, the Mercy James Centre. Over the years, she has been candid about her journey with adoption.
In a 2017 PEOPLE interview, she reflected on the experience of knowing a child was meant to be a part of her life. “It’s inexplicable,” she explained.
“It’s like saying, ‘Why do you fall in love with the people you fall in love with?’ You look into the eyes of somebody, you feel their soul, you feel touched by them — that’s it.”
In addition to her adopted children, Madonna has two biological children, Lourdes, 28, and Rocco, 24. Her five adopted children also include David Banda and Mercy James, both 19.
Estere and Stella, now 12, have traveled with their mother on numerous adventures, including attending concerts during Madonna’s Celebration tour.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.