JOLIE IS FILLED WITH GENEROSITY
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanAngelina Jolie has been making news lately both in the United States and abroad.
Here in the United States, Jolie attended the 4th Annual Women in The World Summit at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City last Thursday. This event was all about women and for women, empowering and inspiring in so many ways. Amazing guest speakers, stimulating panel discussions and attendees that represent some of the most powerful women in our nation such as Jolie, Meryl Streep, Barbara Walters, Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey give this summit worldwide appeal.
Dressed in a simple flowing olive-colored gown by Yves Saint Laurent, Jolie looked stunning as usual.
But it wasn’t about fashion on this particular day, it was about making a difference in the lives of others who may not be as fortunate. Jolie took to the podium to speak of the admiration for the 15-year-old Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai, whose bravery for her beliefs that an education is imperative put her in harm’s way. She was shot by the Taliban last October but is recovering nicely now with determination and prowess.
“Here’s what the gunman and the Taliban accomplished on that day,” Jolie said of Yousafazai. “They shot her at point blank range in the head and it made her stronger. In a brutal attempt to silence her voice, it grew louder — and she more resolute … calling on the entire world not just Pakistan to ensure the right for every girl in the world to an education. It is my right she said … it is our right.”
The teen herself then spoke via video as Angelina Jolie pledged a $200,000 donation to the Malala Fund established by Vital Voices to benefit girls’ education. The teen was ecstatic with joy at this dream come true. She couldn’t have made a better wish.
We find that Jolie’s work is certainly not complete. She is very passionate about making sure that girls in countries in Asia and the Middle East get a good education. Here in the United States, education is a tradition, but in these faraway countries, tradition takes on a different meaning and women do not always get favored to earn an education.
Angelina Jolie is the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Her latest venture is an all-girls’ elementary school that she has opened in a small village outside of Kabul, Afghanistan. She received great inner satisfaction knowing that 200 to 300 students eagerly enrolled as soon as they heard about the school. Jolie specifically targeted this location because of its high-refugee population and because educating boys is normally more important here than educating girls.
Jolie’s desire is to be able to build even more schools for children in need all around the globe. To raise funds in order to realize this magical achievement, ‘Style of Jolie’ Jewelry Collection is now available through the Kansas City-based jewelry store , Tivol. In collaboration with her jeweler, Robert Procop (the jeweler who crafted her engagement ring and other personal pieces), they will be offering this stunning and elegant collection to retail stores as well.
All profits earned from the sale of the jewelry collection will go to her foundation known as ‘The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.’ Not only will the funds go towards this newest school but promise lies ahead that many more schools will follow and children will look forward to learning about so much and preparing them for the world ahead.
Goodness does come from the heart and it is such a fulfilling feeling. I am sure that Angelina Jolie can attest to that.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, Beast TV, Robert Procop
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