Photo: Daniel Kedar
Forget Dancing With the Stars. Czech supermodel Petra Nemcova is on to bigger and better things: This week she opened a new school in Haiti for kids displaced by the massive earthquake of 2010. It's the 51st school she has built around the world in the past five years, thanks to her foundation, the Happy Hearts Fund, which is dedicated to helping children in natural-disaster areas. Nemcova herself survived the Asian tsunami of 2004 while she was on vacation in Thailand. After seeing the devastation it brought, she decided to do something to help—and the idea for her foundation was born. Since then she has opened schools in nine countries—from Thailand to Congo to the U.S.—benefiting more than 31,000 children. Next she is turning her attention toward Japan.
The new school in Haiti—a kindergarten near Port-au-Prince that will house 102 children who were previously taught in makeshift tents—is the second learning center Nemcova has opened in Haiti. In 2007, she opened a computer lab in the sprawling slum of Cite Soleil, which we wrote about for Marie Claire (see a slideshow here). Nemcova always partners with local nonprofit groups to build the learning centers; for the latest school, she worked with local group Fondation ProDev. Says Nemcova of the school, "It marks the first of our next 50 schools at a time when Haiti is also celebrating a new beginning, for a new Haiti."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Abigail Pesta is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes for major publications around the world. She is the author of The Girls: An All-American Town, a Predatory Doctor, and the Untold Story of the Gymnasts Who Brought Him Down.
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published