Why Oprah Winfrey Is Closing Her South Africa Girls’ Academy

Oprah Winfrey has announced the end of her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa . This doesn’t mean she won’t invest in education again, Winfrey says it is the beginning of a new initiative that will allow her to offer scholarships to girls in the country. 

The idea was inspired by her meeting with Mandela in 20000. During their discussions, they agreed that education will curb poverty. Construction of the school began in 2002, and the first students were accepted in January 2007. The school has educated academically talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Photo: Instagram

According to Winfrey, the decision to open a new chapter is because she believes the current model has completed its mission. 

“The dream was never simply to build a school. It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women,” Winfrey said in a statement. 

Her focus is on scholarship programmes that will support girls across South Africa.

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She said:

“I’m excited that this next chapter will allow us to reach even more young women across South Africa and continue the promise that began more than 20 years ago,” 

Her representative said the programme could support twice as many girls as the current academy model. She said:

“That is the core of the decision to shift to this new model after seeing the success of past students ,”

The academy has produced more than 1,000 graduates since opening in 2007. Every student from the first graduating class gained admission to universities and colleges. Many former students have gone on to careers in many industries.  The school’s philosophy is based on teaching young women to become leaders of tomorrow. 

Photo: Instagram

Current students will be allowed to complete their studies before the facility transitions. It will then be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education. 

Students who are still completing their studies during this transition will continue to receive aid. Future beneficiaries will be offered different scholarships opportunities. 

Although the residential academy is coming to an end, Winfrey insists that her commitment to South African girls remains unchanged. She believes the new scholarship model will provide young women the opportunity to attend excellent schools and pursue higher education.