The
Students
"Men have always ruled the world, but that's all over now, because
we are coming and we are coming in a storm. I believe girls are going
to take over the world. Men have been in control for long enough, but
don't worry; we are prepared to share power." — 17-year-old
schoolgirl Yoliswa Sibeko
Female students chosen for admission will be those who
are academically talented and exhibit leadership skills in their community,
but whose families cannot support their educations. The academy will begin
admitting 75 students in grades 7 through 12 and will continue to add
students in the 7th and 10th grades until 450 students are accommodated
in 2007.
The School
"It is very important to me that the school reflects the spirit of
this community. I will be overseeing even the smallest details. As I sat
down with my staff the other day and we were talking about the library,
I said, 'There is no fireplace in the library. This is the girls' home.
They need a fireplace in the wintertime to read.' So, we will have a fireplace
in the library. I believe we will make this school a home. I want it to
be a home for girls and a good neighbor for residents." — Oprah
The academy will be located on 22 acres of land in Henley-on-Klip,
Meyerton, in Guateng Province. The buildings and landscape will offer
a safe and nurturing educational and residential environment for girls
and will maintain the architectural integrity of the surrounding community.
It will include state-of-the-art classrooms, computer and science labs,
a library, an auditorium/gymnasium, an amphitheatre, sports fields, modern
dorm facilities and a dining hall.
The Oprah Winfrey Foundation will contribute $10 million
to build and maintain the academy with additional funding from the Guateng
Department of Education. |
