for Q

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Education changes everything.

I founded In a Perfect World to inspire and empower children to change the world. Here at home, we mentor teens, teaching them about global issues and how to be of service so that they can become change-makers themselves.

Overseas, we empower children by building schools in high-poverty rural communities, because I know that illiteracy drives poverty and education empowers children to reach their full potential & secure a brighter future.

Once someone is educated, that is something that can never be taken away from them. Then, and only then, do they have the chance to make real change.. for their families and for their communities.

Education is the key to everything else.

My journey.

Since 2009, I’ve embarked on a magnificent journey across 7 different countries, building schools in remote villages with no access to proper education. Places where children were traveling long distances to the nearest school. Other children were simply learning under a tree or inside an unsafe makeshift structure, leaving them exposed to the elements and insects. None of which is conducive to learning.

IAPW Manuela Testolini reading with students in Malawi

Malawi, the warm heart of Africa.

This October, I traveled to Malawi to inaugurate our 29th school. I choose to work in Malawi because it is one of the least developed countries in the world and upwards of 90% of adults living in rural communities cannot read or write.

Every inauguration is special, but this was even more so, because I dedicated it to my friend and mentor, Mr. Quincy Jones. As In a Perfect World’s first Ambassador of Change, Q exemplifies what it means to “be the change”.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the community with music and song and dance. It is an amazing feeling that I wish I could impart on everyone. There is nothing quite like it.

The inauguration.

The students, their teachers and even the headmaster all prepared speeches, poems and dances in honor of this momentous occasion. The Chief of the village also attended, telling me that they thought that they had been forgotten by God until somehow I found their village hidden between two mountains.

Then and now.

This is the “school” the children were learning in. Earlier this year, Malawi outlawed these structures because children were being struck by lightening. It is amazing the things we take for granted. But now, hundreds of students are attending classes in a safe and secure structure, with dedicated teachers who also appreciate a proper place in which to teach. Inside, there is a plaque bearing your picture and a dedication from me and In a Perfect World. I told them about you and why you’re so important to me and to so many others. We are ALL thankful for your inspiration!

Old House

New House

Take a peek.

I hope you’ll enjoy this short video of the inauguration and dedication ceremony. You’ll get to see some of the kids and their parents, teachers and community leaders. The narration is an excerpt from the poem that I commissioned for you last year, written by my friend Gina Loring. I hope this video conveys not only the community’s gratitude for their school but also my gratitude for you ❤️

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December 25, 2018