Madonna has explained to her Malawian critics that her motive for being in the country was because she “cared deeply” for the children there.

The 54-year-old pop diva had to take her stance following tension between her and the Malawian government over several aid projects that she is involved in, the Telegraph reported.

Whilst visiting the Consol Homes Orphan Care Centre outside the Malawian capital Lilongwe, the singer said that regardless of the challenges that she has faced, she has still not forgotten her commitment towards the children, the orphans, but specifically all kids of Malawi.

On this trip, Madonna, who is Malawi’s biggest global philanthropist and a champion of the country, has faced criticism from the education minister over schools financed by her charity.

Minister Eunice Kazembe had denied that Madonna’s charity had built 10 completely new schools, saying that they had in fact “built 10 classroom blocks.”