Why did Oprah Winfrey start a girl's school in South Africa and not here in her own country, the U.S.A.?

Question

Why only girls? Why not boys? Why not in the U.S. and why was only one white kid enrolled?

Answer 1

Because she likes to pat her own back. Blow her own horn. She spends a lot of time saying, "see what I did? Ain't I good? Ain't I? I'm good huh? Did you see what I did, for all those poor people... did you see, huh? Huh? Huh? Did you see? I'm good, I'm good."
She makes me sick. She gets more publicity in Africa. There are too many like Oprah in the US that do the same thing. She'd get better publicity in Africa when there are people right here... like in New Orleans that need a new school.

Answer 2

Actually there is a really good reason why she did this. I don't know exactly the percentages or stats off-hand but basically black women/girls in South Africa don't get a chance to get an education. As soon as they can, their families use them to cook, clean, help other siblings and then get married and all over again. They don't have any hope over there, it's very tough. Oprah has been over there many times and saw this to be a great need and was able to fulfill that dream for so many young black girls. I think it's her way to give back for the blessings she's had in life. I applaud her for that. I really respect people that do good with their money. Americans are very rich and would not appreciate this gift like these poor girls in South Africa. Think about it, apartheid, aids, poverty, war, and violence over there makes it very hard. We know nothing about this ourselves. Why not give someone over their a fighting chance? Kudos to Oprah - I think it's wonderful!

Answer 3

As stated in many of the answers above, but I'd also like to add, that Oprah has donated money and time to many, many US schools. Especially those in poor neighborhoods. Don't know where some of you are getting your information about this, but lets set the record straight. Oprah has done for the US first and foremost before she went out of the country. Remember she's been on tv for nearly 20 years!
What are you talking about Bakfanlin? Oprah HAS built homes and schools for children in New Orleans.

Answer 4

because Africa's economy is pretty low. Most of the time theres no time for school because of all the work theres to do there. Lots of kids in Africa need education. The U.S has enough w/ the many public schools there is. Mainly its the kids choice if they want to go or not. Africa doesnt have that much schools anyway. Only the rich would prolbably able to attend, because most kids have to help out in their homes to have what they need.

Answer 5

cuz.. she grew up in a period where she was looked down on.. women are always below men.. she is doing a wonderful thing for those girls in Africa.. There are tons more celebrities that could do for American children.. But, they choose not to.. Oprah is a grown woman and can do as she pleases.. She gives a lot all the time( cars, money, whatever/ect.. ) to random people.. She made her money.. She should spend it as she pleases..

Answer 6

"Say what you will about the American educational system—it does work," she says. "If you are a child in the United States, you can get an education." And she doesn't think that American students—who, unlike Africans, go to school free of charge—appreciate what they have. "I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there," she says. "If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school."

Answer 7

There are so many opportunities for children in the USA to attend schools - with many in and surrounding most neighbourhoods.

South Africa is povery stricken - particularly amongst the black population. Girls are given less opportunity than their male counterparts as they are expected to help in the household.

Furthermore, you can watch the episode in which the school was opened. There is a cross-section represented in those that were accepted. The different races and ethnicities were visible.

Finally, its her money and it was her promise.

Answer 8

We don't have as many problems as Africa has.Plus I don't care what anyone says a lot of Americans are not thankful for what they have.Those people are

Girls in Africa don't have as much of an opportunity as the boys in Africa.Basically the boys kind of get most thing and the girls don't.

The people doing poorly are mostly black.Anyway I think there was a white kid there.

Answer 9

Well she said that she started a girls school because girls don't usually get to go to school in S. Africa. She was on Ellen and mentioned something about how there isn't free public school there. That the parents have to pay to send their kids to school. And how they can't afford it. So if they do send their kids to school it's usually the boys.

Answer 10

I am so tired of hearing people whine about this. First of all; Oprah's money. Second; she's done PLENTY in this country. Third; they need it worse than we do. Fourth; she's doing a hell of a lot more than the rest of us, for the most part. Finally.....because she wanted to!