From Oprah Winfrey to Madonna, these powerful women are donating millions for very good causes.

On Monday, Madonna returned to Malawi, the birthplace of her adopted children, daughter Mercy and son David Banda where construction of the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls officially began.
 
The legendary music icon and mother of three shared a little insight on the inspiration behind her project, "Growing up in a privileged life, I took education for granted, but coming to Malawi has taught me a lot of things and [I have] learned to appreciate what life gives." Maddona’s daughter Lourdes, 13, was present as her mother spoke to the crowd.

According to Extra, The Raising Malawi Academy for Girls will educate 500 girls in the impoverished African country. The singer stated, "I realized how much they deserve to be educated and so for me, the best thing I could do was to build a school, a unique school that will create future female leaders, scientists, lawyers, doctors and if this school is successful it will be used as a model to replicate it in other countries."

The $15 million cost was donated by Madonna with hopes that others will become part of her dreams to construct more school for the children of Malawi.

The Academy is located just outside the capital Lilongwe and is expected to be completed in 2011. What a perfect example of a compassionate human being giving back in such a beautiful way.

We love seeing celebs giving back.