Natalie Portman Celebrates the "Power of a Girl"

She’s always willing to lend her helping hand, and Natalie Portman is contributing to the organization of the next “Free the Children” project.

The launch of the group's new “Power of a Girl” initiative will focus on raising awareness and funds for the schooling of young women in developing nations.

The “Black Swan” star released a statement, saying, "With women comprising 70 percent of the world's poor, investing in the education of girls is one of the best ways to end the cycle of poverty.”

In a video announcement, the actress explains a new contest she's created that encourages people between the ages of 13 to 21 in North America and the U.K. to sign up at freethechildren.com/girls and raise money for Kisaruni, Free the Children's new all-girls' secondary school in rural Kenya.