Oprah Winfrey announced that her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa will close after the 2027 academic year. The campus, located near Johannesburg, will be handed over to the Gauteng provincial government as part of an original partnership agreement.
Key Takeaways
Oprah Winfrey announced the closure of her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa after the 2027 academic year. The campus will be handed over to the Gauteng provincial government as part of an original agreement. The academy has educated over 1,000 girls since its opening in 2007 and boasts a 99% higher education attendance rate among graduates.
Source Claims Check
1 Difference Found| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Of Graduates | 1 Difference | Majority says >1,000; Daily Mail says <900 by 2027 | ▼ |
| Academy Closure Date | Broad Agreement | End of 2027 academic year | |
| Higher Education Attendance | Broad Agreement | 99% of surveyed graduates attend higher education |
The academy, which opened in 2007 and has educated more than 1,000 girls, will transition to a national scholarship program supporting academically talented girls at leading schools across South Africa. Winfrey emphasized that the mission to invest in young women's potential continues beyond one campus.
The Gauteng education department pledged to preserve the academy's legacy of academic excellence and ethical leadership. Education MEC Lebogang Maile stated that the department is committed to ensuring the institution continues to serve the people of Gauteng while honoring its established vision. Current students will complete their education with uninterrupted support.
The closure marks a shift in Winfrey's educational investment strategy, aiming to reach more young women across South Africa through scholarships. The academy has demonstrated significant success, with 99% of surveyed graduates pursuing higher education and working in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, and business.
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