Earlier this week, In a Perfect World — an organization that creates and supports programs in arts and education around the world — celebrated the opening of a school built in the southeast African country of Malawi. It was the second Malawi school erected in honor of Prince, the first built with money donated by Prince fans.
After In A Perfect World founder Manuela Testolini announced plans to build a school in the village of Ng'ozo last year, fans reached out to contribute to a second school in the village of Chimbwinda. In an interview with Billboard magazine, Testolini said, "After we announced the Phaso School, I received an email from Prince fans — NPG UK and the Purple Army — who wanted to contribute and be part of something that was tangible. So I asked if they'd like to work toward a second school. To me, this is their baby.
"Anybody who knew Prince knows that he encouraged people to follow their passion," says Testolini. "He asked me, 'In your perfect world, what do you want to do?' He was always about empowering communities, whether here or abroad. And he expected us to do the same."
Below is a video thank-you message from In A Perfect World to Prince fans:
In A Perfect World has established 22 schools and education centers in seven different countries — Mali, Malawi, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Nepal, Senegal, and Nicaragua — hosting over 3,800 students.
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