Oprah Winfrey Celebrates 9th Graduating Class of Her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa just celebrated its 9th graduating batch, and Oprah made sure not to miss out on the fun by attending the ceremony herself.

It's been more than a decade since Oprah began her very own leadership academy for girls. Now, she celebrated another milestone with the group as she watched her 9th graduating batch move on from their program.

Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela conceptualized the idea of putting up a school after acknowledging that education is the key out of poverty.

CELEBRATING HER 9TH GRADUATING CLASS

In celebration of the wonderful feat that her 9th set of graduates accomplished, an all-girl band from their academy played a beautiful musical piece for Oprah and the graduates.

On Instagram, the proud founder of the school is seen dancing and celebrating with her students for the wonderful gift of education.

THE CREATION OF HER ACADEMY

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls was made to create a safe space for the next generation leaders of South Africa and the world. There, they educate, nurture, and empower their students to be at their best so that they could be the best.

The school was a gift that she promised to South Africa, specifically to the town of Madiba, which was Nelson Mandela's home.

THE SCHOOL WAS A PROMISE TO NELSON MANDELA

In 2002, Oprah made a promise to Mandela that she would put up a school in South Africa. Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela conceptualized the idea of putting up a school after acknowledging that education is the key out of poverty.

Now, Oprah is overjoyed that yet another batch of graduates was developed and molded by the institution she put up.

OPRAH'S ONLY REQUEST

Just like her other batch of graduates, the young ladies were accepted into universities and colleges around Africa and the United States, which brings them one step closer to achieving their dreams.

As for what Oprah asks from them in return, it's to do their best wherever they go.

" Each graduating class continues to strive for their personal best because that is all I ask of them for this great gift of education - their personal best. Each class continues to aim to bring positive change to their communities, their hometowns, their families and of course to themselves because what I know for sure is that education continues to be the key to transforming lives."

OPRAH WINFREY'S DEDICATION TO EDUCATION

Aside from her school for girls, Oprah also provides college education in the United States. She has donated a total contribution of $25 million to Morehouse College and has been doing so for more than three decades.

These are only some of the many philanthropic works that Oprah has been doing through the years, and with such a kind and generous heart, there's no doubt she's bound to do more in the future.