Angelina 'Must Be a Saint,' Say Bicycle-Receiving Namibian Kids

By PopEater Staff Posted Aug 19th 2009 08:23AM

Back in 2006, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt earned their charitable reputation when they agreed to donate a reported $4 million to children in Africa from selling photographs of baby Shiloh. Part of the donation -- about $10,000 -- went specifically to buy 72 bicycles for children in two schools in northern Namibia. In a new 'Life & Style' feature story given exclusively to PopEater, the magazine talked to children who say Angelina helped give them a better future.

Without a bicycle, some children had very difficult routes to get to school that would impair their studies and leave them struggling.

"I had to get up at 5 a.m. and leave home in the dark to get to school on time," 16-year-old student Emiliana Shikongo told Life & Style. "It made me very tired." Using a bicycle, courtesy of Jolie, takes just minutes.

"Now I can stay at school until 4 or 5 p.m. to finish my homework and still get home before dark," she said. "Now my teachers and parents are happy with my performance - already I have improved my average, and my aim is to be getting 100 percent. I know with the bicycle I can do it."

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Angelina's Bike Donations

Life & Style travels to Namibia, where hundreds of children say Angelina Jolie has given them hope for a better future.

Life & Style Magazine

Angelinas Bike Donations

Life & Style travels to Namibia, where hundreds of children say Angelina Jolie has given them hope for a better future.

Life & Style Magazine

The children attending the Okanimekwa school in Namibia have never seen an Angelina Jolie movie or read about her and Brad Pitt in magazines. Yet they're certain how they feel about the star. "She's a very special person, and we'll never forget her," 16-year-old student Emiliana Shikongo tells Life & Style. "She must be a holy person," adds another student.

Life & Style Magazine

Angelina changed the lives of the 589 children at the school - along with thousands of other Namibians - after giving birth to daughter Shiloh in the African nation in 2006. When Angie and Brad sold Shiloh's baby pictures, they said that the proceeds, a reported $4 million, would go to help children in Africa and other parts of the world.

Life & Style Magazine

"She's a very special person, and we'll never forget her," Shikongo said of Jolie.

"I think Angelina Jolie must be a saint," said student Andreas Kristofelius, 17.

Improving their marks in school can change the lives of the Namibian students, who, with an education, could grow up to become doctors or teachers and help improve the future generations of Namibia.
"The bicycles have made a huge difference," said math teacher Daniel Kapendye. "It's become easier to motivate kids to learn and do well."

To help set up the charitable organization, Jolie reached out to former Miss Universe Michelle McLean. Together, McLean and Jolie helped send money and donations to not just schools but orphanages, soup kitchens and early-childhood-development training for teachers.

"Angelina said the donation was Shiloh's legacy to Namibia," McLean told Life & Style. "She was excited about the bicycle project. She knows vast distances prevent a large number of kids from attending school every day."

Tags: angelina jolie, AngelinaJolie, brad pitt, BradPitt

Comments

(282)

Saturday 22 August

By Yesenia

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"joey" quite funny that you know what kinda deseases Angelina has, you must be a big fan!
All the people commenting badly about Angelina have issues! I mean what is it that you do? you see an add about her and just decide to comment as if you are all gods that can judge her?? dont get mad at her for not helping the children in the US, thats why we have welfare and all types of assistance that other countries don't have! its pretty sad and pathetic that people are even mentioning that she should help the kids here "instead" of the kids in other countries. Why don't you go ask the rest of the rich population to do that??? She chooses to help the kids in other countries because they need the help more than the US. So go critisizing and requesting help from Mariah Carey or something! Plenty of celebrities not helping at all! Go critisize them!

Wednesday 19 August

By Megahot1

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It is nice to see Angelina has done something significant to help the helpless for that one has to give her credit. It is nice to see news of a good deed done by her. Maybe the proliferation and rubbing our nose in her lifestyle is more Brad's doing. One can only pray God works in Angie's life to show her that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but he has a plan for her life. One should understand this is not judging Angelina but speaking out to say what one does in life is important in what happens after this life. It would be negligent of one not to give warning now, and if the warning is ignored then that is her choice. It is only my duty and opinion that is spoken here. One might notice unlike liberals no one is seeking legislation to force my viewpoint.

By Debra

And no one is forcing me to tell the world that YOU are a MORON! Just sayin'

By BBD

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

That's rich, coming from someone who calls themselves "Megahot1". Believing in Christ doesn't necessarily make you a moron, but your judgement of those who help others isn't very Christian. How many bicycles have you given to poor people lately?

Thursday 20 August

By Daisy

"One can see your real handy with words". I believe you meant "YOU'RE", and yes, I am quick to agree you're a moron when you are criticizing people being handy with words yet you can't even know the difference between your and you're. I "PERFER" (as you say) you change your name from Megahot to Megadumb :)

By Lisa

ONE should not preach to ONE that doesn not want to hear it!!!!!

By t

Come on all she did was get them bikes- what the ehck does that have to do with all the crap you are saying

By ellen

How about helping the kids in the United States.

By Nancy

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

I agree, how kind (and superficial) this "saint" is...How about she continue her "good deeds" to the children of this country, people are so wrapped up focusing elsewhere when there are many who need assistance here.
Her attempts of kindness detour the fact she's an adultress (not taking any credit from Brad).
Don't worry about us "liberials" we see it too !!!

By Pat

Of course you are judging. In fact you are suggesting that she is headed for hell. But I guess you're not huh. You have never sinned I am sure. Angelina did not commit a sin by falling in love with and establishing a relationship with Brad Pitt. Another point to consider no one can "steal" a husband from another woman.

I think it is evident that God has been working in Angelina for a very long time. The bible says you will know a person by their "fruits" (deeds) Angelina and Brad are saints. No one is perfect. Even King David, Gods favorite, sent the husband of Bathsheba to the front lines in battle so that he would die and David could take her for his own.

Angie and Brad are two of the finest people on earth. Instead of buying into the whold hollywood scene they are citizens of the world, using their time, talents, and resources to do good works throughout the world. They have helped more people in their life, so far, than almost anyone else I can think of, except Mother Teresa. They like Princess Diana use their fame to bring to light the misfortune of others and create positive changes.

By Nick

No human being is perfect...Each and everyone has flaws. Angelina Jolie, although bestowed with a god-given beauty, isn't perfect either, but she has a GOOD HEART. She has embarked, on her own, to help the needy. YOU PEOPLE, who are quick to critisize her - WHAT GOOD DEED HAVE YOU DONE, LATELY ? As far as she and Brad Pitt, not being married...IT IS THEIR CHOICE, But I'm convinced that they COMMITTED TO EACH OTHER. I believe they, have a distinct purpose in these world!

By D. Newland

I say it is those who bought Shiloh's photos who were the ones who benefitted those children. Had the money come out of her actual earnings, which for all of us would be coming out of our own mouths, then it would be her actually doing something. The kids do have someone who demonstrated that to give is a blessing unto your life. So, in that respect, her life will be blessed. But a poor man giving his last dime is more worthy of a blessing than a rich man giving half of all he had.

By Terry

Angelina Jolie is trying to make the world a better place for ALL. She has done this in a beautiful and very classy way. Being an Ambassador for the U.N. is a tough and challenging job. Being a mother to six children is an even more challenging job. She is doing both with grace and beauty. Judge not, lest ye be judged. It seems that people like "Megahot1" (oh, my, the name is VERY transparent) cannot stop from envying others - why not be happy for the success and happiness of others? Try it! You might find yourself a little less judgemental and a little happier!! Angelina Jolie has matured - maybe you need a little maturity, too.

By yesenia hernandez

What the hell are you talking about! CAN YOU SPEAK ENGLISH PLEASE???!!!! Angelina is a saint! and those with out any sins please throw the first STONE! Shut up please your ridiculous!

By Kay

Why don't the rich/mega celebrities of the US step up and help the children of the US? Jolie chooses to help the needy in other countries. That's her choice and right. Stop criticizing her good deeds. Question all the celebs that use their money on their own vices instead of helping others. I now choose to give to animal rescue, shelters as they need assistance, too. Think about the millions that will be donated for the upcoming MD telethon by Jerry Lewis. There is plenty of $ in this country to help needy kids here.

By chokea

I am confused. Wasn't it Christ that hung-out with all kids of people and told the people who criticized him that they had no right to judge someone else? The idea with Christianity is to live the "morals" as much as you can, not to beat other people over the head with them.

By Katzenmutter

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What do liberals have to do with it, anyway? And why do some folks have to link EVERYTHING to politics. Foolish and divisive.

By Just Say No to Nutz

What absolutely amazes me is that you somehow thought YOUR opinion and beliefs are of ANY interest to others. That's pretty narcissistic and grandiose of you Megahot1. And yes, your name really fits with narcissism and grandiosity. (Oh, I'm a licensed MH behaviorist - I have the quals. to read and understand the meaning of your diatribe). Thank God you're a dying breed. We are so appreciative to see the young generation is returning to the TRUE intent of Christ's teachings - "Love One Another" There is so much hate and judgement in fundamentalist christianity. I do think Christ would be extremely disappointed to see how his teaching centered in love, kindness, generosity, acceptance of others, caring for the poor and sick, and forgiveness, have been skewed to fit what fundamental "believers" want, rather than what he taught. I have bumper stickers on my car, one says "Pardon me but you have your Christianity on Backwards!" and the other says "The Religious Right - Enforcing Biblical Law While Ignoring Biblical Principle." (can be found on cafepress.com) And yes, I am a christian and sing in our choir. But our teachings are centered on Christ's love and forgiveness, not "fire and brimstone". Trust me, it feels so sweet and right inside when one focuses and the principles rather than finding ways to judge and diminish others to boost one's own low self-esteem.

By billy

What would you have Brad and Angelina do??They are filthy rich but do try to help others out.Brad was in New Orleans helping after Katrina.Im very curious.You fundamentalist Bible quoting nutcases are an interesting lot.Please tell us what they should do to be ok in your eyes.

By Ashley

First of all, why is anyone bringing her bedroom life into this at all? Plenty of "good" people were adulterers, Abraham Lincolin got syphilis from a prostitute, does that ruin his legacy? Not at all. Angelina did a very good thing by giving these kids bikes, which ends up being a nice long term benefit (education, good career, giving back to others in need).

As for the people complaining why she doesnt help kids in her own country...she does. But one thing you guys need to know is that even those of us in the lower class live in luxury compared to children in third world countries. I was on welfare as a younger kid and even then I knew that at the shelter, I was bathing in the same type of clean water that other kids (in other countries)had to walk 10 miles for. Even when I was four I gave my brand new toys and shoes to missionaries who I knew were going to poor kids in bad countries.

Dont get me wrong, I know that there are plenty of children (and adults) who need help here in the united states, and when I finish school and college and get a good job, I'll do my best to help fellow citizens. I just think the criticism about her helping another country is just ridiculous, especially when clearly they're in poorer living conditions than almost any american can even imagine.

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