Oprah's back in Africa and building another school. But her $40+ million Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg has come under pressure after being accused of denying the students email access and cell phone privileges during the week and banning junk food in the school compound. Some of the girls, who are quietly complaining that the school rules are a bit too strict.
"I saw the newspaper article where two parents were quoted. I called those parents and they were very surprised that their comments about the school were interpreted as they were. They said to me that they do believe that the school is strict but it's necessary for it to be strict. They said the school is strict but their children also love the school and are doing well in the school and one of them said 'my daughter now has rosier cheeks", says Oprah.
Oprah is insisting that her number one priority is the well being of her handpicked students; "I would say this about the complaints. I am not bothered by the complaints because the number one priority for me is the safety and wellbeing of the children and if you look at any private school or any public private school in South Africa and around the world, there are rules, there are rules", Oprah explains.
Oprah says, "We have a visitor's policy that says you can't bring more than four guests at one time to family functions because the school is going to eventually hold 450 girls. We're making rules now that will be applicable three-four years from now. Every year we're adding 75 more girls. You can't have more than four family members because there's just not enough room."
Anushka Meyers' daughter, Mbali, is one of Oprah's girls. She completely disagrees with the complaining; "Why must they complain about this? I don't know why they must complain about this because it's a nice thing. It's an opportunity for our children. If it wasn't Oprah, I don't know, I really don't know. They must say thanks and stop complaining. At least we see our children. The school is strict but yes, it's a nice thing because if the school is not strict they'll never learn. For me it's fine because we can't disturb the children there. If we see the children now and then we're disturbing them. It's nice to see them once a month. It's fine because they're great at school."
Meyers adds; "I'm happy and she's happy and if she's happy, I'm happy."
When asked about her daughter, Meyers responded; "Yes. She's phoned me every week and she's told me she's very happy and she's doing great in school."
Oprah concludes with; "The drums of Africa still beat in my heart. They will not let me rest until every black boy and every black girl has had their chance to prove their worth."
If Oprah phones parents, what do you expect they'll say? They still could admit they found treatment 'too strict'. Of course they don't want to jeopardize the seemingly golden opportunity for their daughter, which they are allowed only to see once a month. THis is simply outrageous; there is no justification for this, Oprah.
Children have a right to see their parents; a breach into the internationally acknowledged basice rights of every child.
Terrible.
