Oprah opens a school in South Africa

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Oprah Winfrey's long-awaited school opens Tuesday — fulfilling a promise she made to former President Nelson Mandela six years ago and giving more than 150 girls a chance for a better future. The $40 million academy aims to give 152 girls from deprived backgrounds a quality education in a country where schools are struggling to overcome the legacy of apartheid. Winfrey's academy received 3,500 applications from across the country. A total of 152 girls ages 11 and 12 were accepted. To qualify, they had to show both academic and leadership potential and have a household income of no more than $787 a month. Eventually the academy will accommodate 450 girls. The 28-building campus boasts computer and science laboratories, a library and theater along with a wellness center. "I wanted this to be a place of honor for them because these girls have never been treated with kindness. They've never been told they are pretty or have wonderful dimples. I wanted to hear those things as a child," Oprah said. What an amazing woman, isn't she? Hope all those rich people in the world help those less fortunate too.