Oprah Winfrey was recently given a two month Progress Report for Oprah's Leadership Academy for Girls from the Headmistress. And the report is a good one! From an initial class of 152, they are at 151 with one girl having to return home due to illness. There was also one girl that wanted to leave because of homesickness but she is now one of the happiest there. Oprah said; "There was a little girl who was really, you know, having some homesick issues. She is now the happiest girl. I say to her every time I see her, 'I'm gonna remind you until the day you graduate, that you were the one who wanted to leave.'"

The school has been a Godsend to the girls and, according to the Headmistress, have said; "We've never had a chance to study in peace. We've never had a chance to study without noise, never had a chance to study without violence."

Another girl was quoted as saying; "I prayed and prayed for a chance to have a new beginning at this school because this is a lifetime opportunity and I want to make the best of it," and another student said. "Education is very important to me. I want to be a doctor and cure HIV/AIDS. Education is my bridge to service."

After reviewing the Progress Report, Oprah told the girls; "I really felt like I was giving this school to you all, but what you have given me is so much more! So thank you for being such wonderful girls, such wonderful girls, really. Girls, thank you."
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