One of the most respected and celebrated actors in Hollywood, Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman is known not just for his acting skills, but also for his reserved demeanor, authoritative speaking voice, and his inclination towards blues music. Freeman, who has enjoyed extensive success in the entertainment and dining industry, is also a prolific philanthropist.

Along with other Hollywood figures, Freeman has done a number of charitable actions. Freeman’s philanthropy includes activities in community service, disaster relief, and the use of cleaner biofuels in the United States. One of his very public philanthropic engagements is with the Granada Relief Fund, an organization with aims to help victims of natural disasters.

Education is also one thing Freeman is passionate about, though his attention is more attuned to the education of young women, especially in poor countries in Africa where poverty is the norm. Freeman believes that every girl should take their rightful place in the classroom.

Millions of girls in Africa are not educated because of poverty. Lacking the important yet simple elements of learning, like pencils, books and school clothing, these girls are blocked out from attaining quality education and a great chance of bettering their lives and that of others.

Freeman believes that because of their status in life, young African women settle for a life where they are not equipped with the tools and other academic skills and will remain poor and undeserved. In his goal to bring education to the young women of Africa, Freeman aligned himself with Camfed, an organization that strives to bring quality education closer to African women.

Freeman continues to urge the private sector to lend a hand in educating and bringing out the infinite potential of these women and help raise themselves out of poverty and steer toward a better future.