Oprah Winfrey has caught the attention of educators in the U.S. when she formed a school for girls in South Africa. Many are wondering why South Africa? Why not the U.S.?
South Africa vs. United States
Oprah wanted to have control of the project. The United States is deep in regulation, ACLU challenges, and many other issues. By locating in South Africa, she could have the project run as she intended.
January 2007
Opening day was January 2nd, 2007 for the first of its kind all-girls school. (This does not mean that boys are given every educational opportunity in South Africa that they deserve. )
Why Girls?
Stephanie Hanes, a correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor, writes that when a country improves education for girls, its overall per capita income increases and its fertifility rate drops. Other studies show that educating girls does
- create higher crop yields
- lower HIV infection rates, and
- reduce infant mortality
UNICEF Speaks
Sarah Crowe, a spokesperson for UNICEF in Johannesburg states, "With education, the girl child will grow and
- be a better mother,
- be better able to understand the importance of her own children being educated, and
- be better able to provide for her children.
The Statistics
Sadly, less than half of South Africa's girls complete primary school. Only 26 percent enroll in secondary school. The statistics for boys are not much better. 56 percent of boys complete primary school and only 33 percent of boys attend secondary school. 44 million boys ages six to 11 are denied an education compared with 60 million girls.
Why More Uneducated Girls?
Girls are deprived of education because of
- Pregnancy
- Field work
- Financial reasons. (If a family must choose between sending a boy or a girl to school, they will choose the boy.)
- AIDS. (When a family member falls sick from AIDS, girls stay home and tend to the ill.)
Other Philanthorpists
Oprah Winfrey is not alone in her recent generosity to education. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given generously to New York City public schools and schools in Asia and Africa.
Oprah's Dream
Winfrey says, "I know that this Academy will change the trajectory of these girls' lives. They will excel and pass their excellence on to their families, their nation, and our world."
Related articles: Tension at Oprah's Academy, Same-Sex Classes in Milwaukee,
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
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