Oprah Winfrey’s South African Leadership Academy for Girls to Close, Transition to Provincial Education Department
Oprah Winfrey announced plans to close her Leadership Academy for Girls, a school for underprivileged girls in South Africa, at the end of next year. The school, established in 2007, will be handed over to the provincial education department, while…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 31, 2026 —
Oprah Winfrey has announced that her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa will close its doors at the end of next year. The school, founded in 2007 to provide education for underprivileged girls, is slated for handover to the provincial education department.
The decision marks a significant transition for the institution, which has been a cornerstone of Winfrey’s philanthropic efforts in South Africa. While the academy will cease operations as a standalone entity, Winfrey plans to maintain her dedication to educating young women in the country through an enhanced scholarship program.
The Leadership Academy for Girls was established with the goal of empowering girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them access to quality education and leadership development. Details regarding the specific timeline for the handover to the provincial education department were not provided, beyond the end of next year.
Winfrey’s continued commitment to education in South Africa will be channeled into expanding her existing scholarship initiatives. This approach aims to support a broader range of students and educational pursuits beyond the confines of the academy.
The Leadership Academy for Girls has been operational for over a decade, with its establishment dating back to 2007. The future plans involve ensuring a smooth transition for current students and staff during the closure and handover process. Further information on the specifics of the scholarship program expansion is expected to be released in the future.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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