Educating the Future

At the end of the year 2000, Oprah Winfrey promised $10 million of her own money be put towards a school for girls in South Africa. Two years and more than $40 million later, she successfully broke ground. This particular school would take disadvantaged young girls and fill them with knowledge and skills. Knowledge and skills learned in this school will then be passed on to future generations to come.

The academy is a private institution for girls, grade 7-12. In August 2006 the school became independent. All the teachers employed are from South Africa. Oprah is convinced the key to tomorrow’s future is educating today’s youth.

Finally, on the 2nd of January of this year Oprah cut the ribbon on the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls- South Africa in the Gauteng Providence. The doors were opened to the first 152 students, unveiling 28 buildings. These buildings included a library, wellness center, gym, theater, dorms and dining hall, and science/computer labs. Not to mention sports fields. Classes the girls will take will concentrate on the basic curriculum of language, math, science, and social studies. However, life orientation, leadership, and art/culture classes are also included.

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I always admired Oprah, even if I can’t stand her show, for how much she donates to Africa especially. I believe this is a fresh start for most of these girls. It is also a fresh start to educating Africa. All people ever say when they talk about the spread of AIDs and diseases are that it is because they aren’t as educated. Well, Oprah took the first step in helping educate those who need it.

Photo/Article source: www.oprah.com