The Mission

"The school will teach girls to be the best human beings they can ever be; it will train them to become decision-makers and leaders; it will be a model school for the rest of the world."

Winfrey's mission includes catapulting impoverished girls into the roles of future leaders, a much needed endeavor in a country plagued with violence against women.Although on paper, South Africa has been free of apartheid for twelve years, statistically girls under ten years of age become victims of rape, HIV infection continues to spread in epidemic proportions in both children and adults. In terms of unemployment, 36% of women struggle and face illiteracy.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls—South Africa is a boarding school for grades 7–12. It is the school of Oprah's dreams, but to make it a reality, she has to find the perfect students. "This is a school for leaders," Oprah says. "This is a school for powerful girls who will use their power in service to their nation and to our world."