Oprah: African Girls Deserve My Charity More than American Girls…
By M.I.A on Jan 1, 2007 in Oprah | | | |
The might O is always down for a good fight,this time she’s attacking American girls.
Let me take a chair and see ,who will win this one.
“Oprah: African Girls Deserve My Charity More than American Girls…
Oprah Winfrey is firing back at critics of her decision to build a $40 million school complex in South Africa - saying she didn’t build it in the U.S. because inner-city kids here don’t appreciate the value of a free education.
“I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn’t there,” the TV talk-show maven says in the current issue of Newsweek.
“If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don’t ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.”
The tough talk comes as the famously philanthropic Winfrey unveils her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa - a sprawling, 28-building complex for impoverished teens that features a yoga studio and beauty salon, among other luxuries.
The 22-acre complex has taken more than five years to build and has raised eyebrows in the U.S. and abroad, she said.
“I understand that many …feel that I’m going overboard, and that’s fine,” Winfrey said. “This is what I want to do. I wanted to take girls with that ‘it’ quality and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the world.”
Winfrey handpicked the 152 girls who will attend out of an application pool of more than 3,500. Winfrey has also supplied millions of dollars to educate needy children in the U.S. through the Oprah Winfrey Scholars program.”
Dan Miller | Jan 1, 2007 | Reply
You go girl! If you feel like contributing to Africain nations, then more power to you!
Flabby | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Its her money
Joe Ferrell | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I agree with Oprah. There is a culture of entitlement in the US so she should invest her time and resources in an environment where it would be best suited.
Having said that, I think there’s plenty of people in the US who would be grateful for any kind of assistance in getting ahead. I’ve just found that most of these kinds of people are immigrants looking for the American dream.
Michael Lubieniecki | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I agree. Kids in developed countries well not all of them obviously but a majority just dont give a toot about their education, they take it for granted and that’s why you see the kids who did’t care earning $7 per hour at bestbuy and walmart. What Oprah has done is unbelievable and a blessing to kids in South Africa who get a chance to learn their.
Billy | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I applaud her, I agree 100 % with what she is saying. Inner city american kids could care less about education and only want the latest must have item for their hip hop life styles. African kids want an education and will work hard to get it. Bravo Oprah
Eric Cartman | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
her money, she can do whatever she wants with it. Though I suspect this is more for PR then anything else, but she’s somewhat right. They’d appreciate the value of education more elsewhere, then in North America where we take certain things for granted.
enron | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
You can spend all the money you want on that continent, short of terraforming it into arable land, none of it is going to make any difference.
ZcWorld | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
help the people today
so they can help themself tomorrow
or
its better to drop $40 Million now
than 20 Billion in 20 years time
Anonymousface | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
It’s her money, let her do what she wants with it. I hope she builds a ski resort in death valley.
ZcWorld | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
help the people today
so they can help themself tomorrow
or
its better to drop $40 Million now
than 20 Billion in 20 years time
Augie | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
You know what she’s right. They will appreciate the free education more than Americans will.
frederick xor | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Frankly, I think it’s a waste. I think it’s great that she’s building it in Africa, but she spent $40 million to build 28 buildings, and she will only be educating 152 students there. She could’ve done a lot more with that $40 million and educated many more than 152 students. Plus, a yoga studio and beauty salon are not needed. It’s great to give them luxuries, but what they really need-and want- is an education.
Jules | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I support you Oprah! Anything done to help ANY child ANYWHERE is to be supported and lauded. People automatically look to the negative instead of to the 152 better educated, better cared for young women who will be emerging and making a difference to our future world. One love.
Mike | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
How come just girls? Are boys less worthy?
Quincy Dancer | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
People need to understand that our reach is global, things outside of your host country affects you locally. Depending on the need, put the money where it will do the most good. This is one of those needs. Kudo’s to Oprah.
Matthew Riddle | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
She’s right. Of course African kids need help more than American kids. That doesn’t mean she’s attacking American kids. By that logic, she’s attacking all kids other than Africans, just by giving something to those who are needy.
graphicartist2k5 | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
yeah, i’m sure that all those south african girls really need a damn yoga spa more than they need, oh i dunno, FOOD. and if miss winfrey wants to choose to ignore all those in this country that she could be of great help to, then that is her decision, but i hope she realizes that she’s setting herself up for a fall. how can she go and do all these things for girls in south africa, all the while choosing to ignore all the girls, if not other people, that live right in her back yard that need all the help that she could give to them? i’m sure that what oprah is doing will appear to everyone else as being an act of good will, but the truth is that she’s IGNORING those that really need help. oh, wait, she tossed money at needy kids through her “scholars program”. wowie. i’m sure that money will solve all the pain these needy kids have in their hearts that come with being poor and having all kinds of kids make fun of them. i’m sure that her “philanthropic” ways will make a difference to all these South African girls that have been just DYING to go to a damn yoga spa. what kind of “leadership” does oprah think she’s preparing these girls for? how to manage a yoga spa? give me a freaking break.
Brian | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Can’t say I agree O, while all kidsa need an education, feed those that have fed you over your years and helped build your empire……just a tthought…
Jonathan | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Who ever said making a difference in America was easy? If you ask me she isn’t TRYING hard enough. There are a lot of deprived childern in the US that would appreciate a chance at a free education. Building a school in Africa seems like an easy way to get plublicity. Maybe she should do what everyone else in Hollywood is doing and adopt a kid.
Steve Jobs | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Man, that Oprah sure is fat. Maybe she should use that money and hire a trainer.
ErnestO Stolpe | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Oprah it took me five decades to realize that “everything works it just doesn’t work everywhere”. Keep trying and as you already
know nothing beats a try but a failure.
Salud 2U
Lawrence Greene | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
“I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn’t there,”
———————————
It just isn’t there… Well Oprah, I guess tackling inner-city American schools is “just too hard for you”. I guess you don’t have the capacity to see that our American inner-city children have been quite brainwashed and misled by irresponsible parents as well as irresponsible, monetary-minded and indirectly genocidal corporations and businesses. I suppose that’s the case.
———————————
“If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don’t ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.”
———————————
Well… that just makes thing just dandy for you don’t it? It’s just so easy to help these girls from another country “who already have higher standards” to build a salon, yoga studio and other luxuries??????? Instead of using your resources “here” in America by creating a plan designed to attack the ignorance and mis-education of our kids here in our own homeland. How do you do that you say? Well my currently ignorant friend its easy, why not receive professional consulting from “untainted” educational organizations who seriously care about attacking the issues in our inner-cities with proven track records. That way programs can be developed which tactically address the inner-city issues. Hmmm, I don’t have nearly as much money as you and yet I thought that up, can you do that too?
———————————
“I understand that many …feel that I’m going overboard, and that’s fine,” Winfrey said. “This is what I want to do. I wanted to take girls with that ‘it’ quality and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the world.”
———————————
Poor Oprah, perhaps the lime-light has blurred your vision to reality somehow. The girls that have “it” don’t have a problem. There no problem contributing to their education, but you should possibly only contribute 30% to their cause whilst 70% goes into culturally and educationally cleansing our inner-city black youth… SO THEY CAN HAVE “IT” AND MAKE A DIFFRENCE IN OUR COUNTRY!
Oprah… you really need to drop the “I want to save the world…stupidly” act and come back to reality. If you take my “harsh comments” personally, then I’ll apologize right after you apologize to our inner-city youth for degrading them on issues they didn’t ask for…
Lawrence A Greene II
Lagreene02@yahoo.com
– if you have anything to say to me in response
B.W. | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
You can’t blame the kids in America for acting that way completely. It also the teachers who don’t care too and lets not forget America’s image of special and cool people being shown as Paris Hilton or Britney Spears not Albert Einstein or Nikola Tesla.
Bill Forshe | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
You go girl! Give up on America! Give up on its children! Give up on the future of America! Give up on children in similar situations as yourself when you grew up! They don’t deserve it, a foreign country does!
Bob Dabolina | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
So, do they all get Pontiac G6s also? Tell Oprah to take her phoney charity, roll it, and smoke it. I take it that the whole Rosey and Donald situation has been stealing her thunder lately. Gotta stay relevant! /roll eyes
Dave Caton | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Don’t care for Oprah personally,but guess what it’s her money,and like Warren Buffett she made it and can do whatever she wants to with it,who the heck are people to criticize her for not spending her money the way they want her to.
Get off your gimme gimme non philanthropic butt and try to do some good like she is.
Brian Duffy | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
$40 Million / 28 buildings / 22 acres …
only 152 students?
James Amistad | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
What at stupid NGR, who cares what that monkey does with her money. Just a monkey spending money on another monkey.
Lawrence A Greene II | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
“I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn’t there,”
———————————
It just isn’t there… Well Oprah, I guess tackling inner-city American schools is “just too hard for you”. I guess you don’t have the capacity to see that our American inner-city children have been quite brainwashed and misled by irresponsible parents as well as irresponsible, monetary-minded and indirectly genocidal corporations and businesses. I suppose that’s the case.
———————————
“If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don’t ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.”
———————————
Well… that just makes thing just dandy for you don’t it? It’s just so easy to help these girls from another country “who already have higher standards” to build a salon, yoga studio and other luxuries??????? Instead of using your resources “here” in America by creating a plan designed to attack the ignorance and mis-education of our kids here in our own homeland. How do you do that you say? Well my currently ignorant friend its easy, why not receive professional consulting from “untainted” educational organizations who seriously care about attacking the issues in our inner-cities with proven track records. That way programs can be developed which tactically address the inner-city issues. Hmmm, I don’t have nearly as much money as you and yet I thought that up, can you do that too?
———————————
“I understand that many …feel that I’m going overboard, and that’s fine,” Winfrey said. “This is what I want to do. I wanted to take girls with that ‘it’ quality and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the world.”
———————————
Poor Oprah, perhaps the lime-light has blurred your vision to reality somehow. The girls that have “it” don’t have a problem. There no problem contributing to their education, but you should possibly only contribute 30% to their cause whilst 70% goes into culturally and educationally cleansing our inner-city black youth… SO THEY CAN HAVE “IT” AND MAKE A DIFFRENCE IN OUR COUNTRY!
Oprah… you really need to drop the “I want to save the world…stupidly” act and come back to reality. If you take my “harsh comments” personally, then I’ll apologize right after you apologize to our inner-city youth for degrading them on issues they didn’t ask for…
Lawrence A Greene II
Lagreene02@yahoo.com – if you have anything to say to me in response
Melissa Carter | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
The shame here is not with Oprah. I have followed her visits to American schools. The attitudes of the children there would be disheartening. From my own experience growing up in the Cleveland school system I can relate.
We are more stuff centric that I wish we were. I certainly was. Education was a lost cause with me until college. It was the fear of no job, no money, no livelihood that kicked start my new set of priorities.
Oprah may want to make an immediate impact on the eduction of young women. She may be able to do that in S.Africa. Here she would have to unwind the fixation we have on stuff first. That might be more than even she is able to manage.
Richard | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Say it Loud !! I’m Black and I’m Proud
Furry Bear | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
$40 million… that’s a lot of Twinkies!
silg | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
i feel the same as oprah about american boys/girls that dont appreciate education
Kim | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Why does anyone have a problem with this? She’s so right about the kids in the US not wanting to learn and things like that. We’re all so “stuff” oriented. It’s sick. I’m glad to see that someone is making a difference in the world.
Kevin | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
American kids already get a free education. If they are screwing it up it is their and their parents fault, not Oprah’s. African kids have no opportunity to get an education whether it be free or not, so why not help out those who are most needy? These poor inner city kids still have roofs over their heads, new shoes, clothes that fit, food, clean water, air conditioning, TVs, Computers etc. etc. etc. Helping those that need it most is the right thing to do.
MichaelV | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I totally agree with Oprah 100%. Kids these days in the US of A or any rich and developed countries does not give a hoot about free education. They don’t appreciate the value of what they learn and how it will help them in the future. These inner city kids think that by attending and being present daily Monday to Friday in school is enough. And when they fail their courses they blame that its too hard or it’s the teachers fault.
Inner kids today are more concern about what music they can download on their Ipods or they’re too busy text messaging their friends during class.
It’s too bad that Miss Oprah does not want to run for president, but then that will be a demotion considering how the current morons in the government are running this country.
Bravo to you Oprah, educate those girls in Africa, treat them a luxurious spa. I’m sure any girls or women would rather spend a day with their friends in a spa being pampered than having sex with their boyfriends or spouse.
Long live Oprah and the girls in Africa.
Jimmy Brooks | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
That’s nice, help everybody else, BUT the country you’re originally from. Why don’t you help those who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina?
First Dr. Phil, then Rachael Ray, now this. This is just another reason to hate Oprah.
we coo | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
she coooo we
Jean-Marie Valcourt | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Like Melissa Carter said, the shame is not with Oprah. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is doing the same, investing millions in India’s school systems. Anyone of you criticizing him? These noble gestures should of made you proud to be called an american versus everything else going on at home or some war ravaged places.
Shame on us, for not being able to teach our children right from wrong, for being so jaleous and blinded that we forgot all the goods that Miss Oprah have done, I will leave you with that ” La critique est aisee, mais l’art est difficile…”.
Nick | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I’m pretty sure Paris spent more than $40 million on a dress that was used once for a party, only to be thrown out and never worn again. And let’s not forget the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on SUVs, Sports Cars, houses, and jewelry by countless Hip-Hop stars. Furthermore, take a look at Donald Trump and his self-perpetuating television exploits, for-profit hotels, and other institutions that make greed acceptable and desirable in the United States. Capitalism is a good thing, don’t get me wrong. However, I can’t understand how individuals feel they have the right to hand out judgment so freely on matters of charity. Until I have the clout that this exceptional human being has, I am in no position to say that she used her money wisely or not. Moreover, if this is a publicity stunt, which it very well could be, isn’t this a much more classy kind than say, kissing Madonna?
Bob Dabolina | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Yeah, but at least Bill Gates helps out his OWN country.
The bottom-line is this: If she’s not part of the solution, then she’s part of the problem. I mean, cmon!!! She’s turning her back on the same system that helped her black ass get to where she is? How the hell is that right?
OK, I totally hear what she is saying about valuing ’stuff’ over education. But again, what is SHE doing to help fix the system that SHE is a product of?
To all those people saying, “It’s her money.”. You’re absolutely right and you’re all a bunch of sheep. Had she did this Detroit, MI, she knows DAMN WELL that she wouldn’t be getting nearly as much publicity. She’s a fake wannabe philanthropist who is obviously trying to makeup for her own shortcomings.
And props to whoever mentioned Katrina because I sure as hell didn’t hear here name when that came up. Fat bitch.
bob dabolina | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Utt ohh, the Oprah Cookie Patrol must be out because comments are suddenly being deleted. It figures, the Mighty O can’t take a little criticism when she gets called out for what she is really doing. The system was good enough for her but now, it’s not good enough for her money. BS. And all those following along are a bunch of sheep, as stupid as she is.
j30 | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Fuck Oprah, racist bitch!
Marty Lyle | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Ms. Winfrey does not address why inner-city (black) children do not value education — and it is not free, by the way — it is paid for by taxpayers and administered by educrats who are barely accountable for their own performance, let alone the children’s. She makes no attempt to consistently instill these values to her enormous audience — rather, she pours money into a designer “school” that will make her feel good about herself and will help a tiny number of children in a foreign country. Naturally, the starving are grateful for even a scrap of bread — with yoga studios and salons, she is serving dessert to kids who have not had their dinner.
Excellence in academics is considered “acting white” in the inner city, and any black student who cares about performing well in school is not respected by his/her peers. There are so many deserving and promising black students out there. Why doesn’t she seek them out and reward their efforts? Would that be too elitist?
The inner-city kids who get all the media attention kill each other for a pair of shoes. They admire “gangstas” and “hoes.” They cultivate racism and cry oppression whenever something doesn’t go their way, and they learn this race-baiting from the black leadership, like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Cynthia McKinney. But, they’re “victims” — right?
Until the black community abandons its “victim” mentality, stops rewarding thuggish behavior, language, music, etc., and begins to recognize and promote a good education as a genuine, universal value — the key to escaping the ghetto, this cultural bankruptcy will continue. To everyone’s detriment.
anon | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I don’t understand all this attacking Oprah. She could quietly buy herself a yacht and a personal theme park and nobody would complain–yet instead she does something to help people and she just gets shit from people for her efforts.
So her complex is excessive and, in some ways, a PR stunt. But what’s wrong with publicity for education of girls in Africa? I’m a big believer in education, and I see no reason to criticize her for this. Oprah is a public figure–she’s not going to quietly slip millions in aid to local authorities in Africa to build schools. She’s going to pull a big stunt. And she did. The idea is to bring the world’s attention to the matter, and few people can rouse up the public better than Oprah. The fact is, she’s got 150 girls getting educated and living the good life. People are going to react. People in South Africa are going to realize what’s available to them. Do you think the South African government wants people to prefer being educated by an American television personality? Granted, I’m only speculating, but at the very least 150 girls (every year?) are going to be having a damn good time. And who knows? They may take that education and infuse some Oprahlanthropy into those around them.
And what about snubbing American inner-city schoolchildren for the Africans? As Oprah herself clearly knows, and many of you have agreed, American children are stuck in a cultural crisis where education is less important than raw materialism, and the “thug life” is glorified. Having grown up around DC, I’ve seen how spectacularly school systems can fail, despite the fact that they spend a very large amount of money being thrown into the system. Oprah may seem like an all-powerful being of social revolution, but for all her book clubs and eating tips and philanthropy, there are things that she alone can’t fix. I’m reminded of Bill Crosby’s speech about the counterproductive black culture a few years back–it’s an endemic crisis that celebrities can’t wave their magic money-wands over and fix.
Maye sometime down the road when African children are taking American kids’ spots at Harvard will this country realize that attitudes have to change.
I think Oprah is doing her part to solve the American problem–sometimes a little tough love is necessary.
lish | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I’d like to see her take her show, her stupid XM station and her girlfriend and move to Africa, but she isn’t doing that is she? I have no respect for her any longer.
adam | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Not that I disagree with her wanting to make a positive impact in Africa, but I must ask myself why the need for so many luxuries? If South African children are more concerned than inner city American children with wanting to get a “proper” education, why the need for a yoga studio and beauty salon? Couldn’t that money be applied towards employing higher quality teachers? And supplies needed to make the educational environment the absolute best it can be?
Also, I think we should ask ourselves, Oprah included, why do inner city kids, according to Oprah, prefer consumption over a formal education? Could the incongruence between the language of modern education and the language of youth today? Couldn’t you say these inner city kids are hallmark examples of American culture? Everyday we are educated in the practices of consumption, we all forge our identities out of the objects we consume. One could argue consumption rivals Christianity as the dominant religion here in the U.S. Oprah makes these inner city kids sound like idiots when they are only doing what their culture has bred them to do. Perhaps the money shouldn’t go into developing a multi-million dollar “modern” looking school; perhaps it should go into reforming the present educational system which is largely based on outdated information and teaching methods.
Sadly, I think she’s sending the wrong message. She’s basing her actions on culture-bound knowledge, and though her intentions are good, she may end up doing a tremendous amount of damage. Her reach into the actual instruction of the students is questionable, so I know I can’t assume the school in South Africa will emulate education here in the U.S., but her statements about a yoga studio and beauty salon lead me to believe she isn’t considering the local culture. Students deserve more than formal instruction, although it’s my argument that we should find a way to reform modern education into something dynamic, organismic, tailored to each individual student in a way they can connect on a deeper level with the material than just surface memorization for the hope of passing an exam, but is a yoga studio really what these “hand picked” (which reinforces another American reality: competition and elitism) students want? Perhaps, but I’m skeptical. And let’s take a moment to think about the consequences of hand picking students. Shouldn’t all children have the opportunity to get an education? With $40 million dollars, I would hope she could find a way to accommodate more than 152 students. But back to the original question, why don’t we find some amenities that suite their needs, not those of people here in the United States. I doubt Oprah has done extensive research on the needs of South African children other than they may not eat three meals a day and “lack” two story houses with green lawns so, oh gosh, they must be living in poverty! Let’s give them a multi-million dollar school, a great lesson in the ways of American over-consumption. Indeed, however, this is assuming all of this money will make it there. It usually doesn’t as we can see from the trillions of dollars that have been poured into Africa to “fight” poverty. Perhaps the problem lies with those planning these “big pushes” not consulting locals on the ground to see what exactly it is they need.
Oprah, again, is probably well intentioned. I’m not arguing that. But sometimes good intentions aren’t enough. Making plans here in the U.S. for children in South Africa when you lack sufficient first-hand knowledge of what is actually needed on the ground can lead to disastrous consequences. It seems counter-intuitive to question the act of giving, but it is necessary. After having said all this, I’d like to know more, about her plans, about her experiences with South African children, who the money is going through, etc. because at present, this post is little more than a rant based on scant evidence.
Karen | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I’ll bet for $40 million, and 22 acres Oprah could find 152 very grateful homeless children in America and not just in the inner city.
We have too many children that are not able to go to school because they do not know where they will be sleeping from one day to the next, and many do not have the means to go into the inner city to find programs. Many are out in rural areas.
Finally, what about the originals natives of this land? Many American Indians live in absolute proverty on reservations.
Josh Sutton | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I’m not quite sure what to say in reguards to this issue. Sure I’m in favor of supporting other countries, hell, our damn government has been spending the last 5 years trying to help these other countries walk for themselves, and we’re still over there holding their hands.
I guess there’s not much to say but, America is too busy helping other countries than they are focused on their own. It’s a shame we have to drive down city streets and see someone homeless under a bridge, or a school in a low budget area more focused on how they can afford school books, or how about a good library collection, yet people are too focused on “luxaries” ….heh, even Oprah. You know I’m not saying she hasn’t done a share for some communities, but to criticise her own country and the kids in it, no! They only see what they’re shown, all those TV ad’s for the newest and cooles toy or video game, you sure don’t hear about a contest giveaway being a tutor session, or an educational bookset (you get the idea) it’s focused on what’s “cool” what people want someting “expensive”. Why dosent she invest her money into a way to intise kids to want to learn and not play with video games or MP3 players or chat rooms. She could come up with an alternative way to help children enjoy and WANT to learn.
…..But instead it seems she just threw her hands up and tried the next best thing, 300 miles away….
feel free to respond - wifibre@gmail.com
missfitz | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I need to stick up for American kids.
They’re under a lot of pressure, especially kids born into low socioeconomic status. The reason they don’t value education is because our culture doesn’t value education. Think about who earns more– a marketing exec or a professor?
Obviously, if respect is marked by dollars, education is not how it is earned in America. Teens, especially those in inner cities, are acutely aware of this.
Children aren’t born with a set of values– they are learned or absorbed. One primary teacher and psychologist of the current generation is the advertisement and sales industry, hard at work teaching American children to become consumers rather than citizens.
Does anyone else see the irony in a TV entertainer blaming children for the lessons they’ve learned from immersion in a television-advertisement culture?
That said, I applaud Oprah for her philanthropy– it’s important to provide an education for children, no matter where in the world.
epc | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Yes it is her money but as usual she make poor choices and promotes causes that are of questionable value. Africia needs not only education but peace and prosperity which she cannot deliver.
She made her money in the US and as such chariity always begins at home. If there is extra then surely it can be directed elsewhere.
What was her total $$ contribution to NO ?? What % of her wealth does she donate to US vs other causes.
I am not a fan as I feel she is narcissistic, phoney and vain.
When do we start taking care of our own first and then others ???
PJWrabel | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I thought and was always taught that charity begins at home. There are a whole lot of children in the U.S. who need as much or even more help.
Manick Iyyadurai | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Wow, Oprah proved she can walk the talk. Great idea, but i’m a little confused by the luxuries in the school. Also the numbers don’t seem right.
Missy | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
The school will start off with 152 girls and eventually take on more. The bugs have to be worked out first I guess. She did say that on her show, she also said an endowment will be left for the school when she dies.
I applaud her efforts though, the girls that she chose have all either been brutally raped, had their families killed in front of them or had almost all of thier immediate family wiped out by AIDs. When asked why only girls she said that boys are educated the girls have to either stay home and take care of dying family members or it’s just not as important to educate a boy over a girl.
One thing that made me shake my head though was when she was asked why only black girls and was told that she was being critisized by white people for not allowing in white girls she said “It is not important to me to appese(sp?) the white people of this country”.
Chris | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
I smell FUD.
Good job Oprah!
If the American kids (and parents of those same kids) have their heads that far up their asses then let them continue to struggle until “they welfare check come in da mail nekst munf.”
Lawrence A Greene II | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Alright…all you “whiney poo poo Oprah is trying ta saving da world don’t criticize her” cry babies need to grow up.
To the following who also made a comment…
graphicartist2k5
Brian
Jonathan
B.W.
Bill Forshe
Bob Dabolina
Jimmy Brooks
Bob Dabolina
Marty Lyle
lish
adam
Karen
epc
PJWrabel
Thank you for speaking loud about how ridiculous this stunt is. To all you sheep, wake up from yer sleep. To you few racists I saw in there, go back to your trailer park and shut up, this is too complex for you!
As a man born from Gary, In. I can tell you first hand that the importance of taking care of where you’re from is much more important than making this aimless contribution. Again, Oprah, my previous comments still stands. Be more conscious on local issues.
David C | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
Some thoughts. 1st, the same copyright cartel culture that made Oprah rich, is also the same hype over substance culture forced on US kids that degerates them. So her judgement is sort of hypocritical. 2nd, people in Africa and the US are more than capable of helping themselves, they don’t need a handout, but the political and economic liberty to help themselves. (eg, nothing solved that 10 million starving Chinese problem like giving them back their private property rights in the early 60’s) Oprah would probably be doing these kids more of a favor shiping firearms to Africa to empower individuals and families. 3rd, the US public school system is a perfect example of what happens when schools are run by government and not privately. We demand that society owes them a public education, well now they act like it. and 4th) money to solve poverty without liberty and morality leads to catastrophy.
unimpressed | Jan 2, 2007 | Reply
While I applaud and commend Oprah for trying to make a difference in this world and building a school for poor African children, I must say that I am absolutely sick of people like her using inner city black kids as their verbal punching bags.If it’s not her, it’s Bill Cosby.It seems that everytime these rich black celebrities need to make a point about something, they always go for the easy targets to lash out at against and it is a very disappointing trend among the black elite in our country.I don’t care what a childs’ circumstances are, whether they come from the inner city, suburbs, or SOuth Africa. ALL children need guidance, love, compassion and little help along the way in order to become productive citizens. “It takes a village…” I don’t believe that ANY child shoud be left behind just because someone is “frustrated”. After all, if someone had given up on Oprah during her nightmare of a childhood, where would she be today? How dare she make those statements!
doom! | Jan 3, 2007 | Reply
South Africa is a cesspool now. All of the people that have any brains have left for Europe or the US. She may as well flush the money down a toilet. It will have the same effect.
Glenn Parrish | Jan 3, 2007 | Reply
Oprah already gives millions in this country for education. I think the African school is good, because the people who benefit will help others in the community. I even like the yoga and the salon; you have to have healthy citizens to have a good economy (and fashion has saved more lives than medicine).
The part that sucks most is she’s right; kids in america don’t want education, they just want toys and stuff. They don’t deserve the help.
Inner City Teacher | Jan 3, 2007 | Reply
I’ve personally taught in a third world country, and I currently teach in an inner-city school. My preference? Third World. The children do value education more. I’ve lived there, seen it, worked with them on a daily basis. I can’t wait to get back to a third world country to teach!
Lani D. | Jan 3, 2007 | Reply
Wow. I’m shocked. Simply shocked at some of the ignorant comments on here. When you have done your research on the ridiculous amount of humanitarian work Oprah has actually done here in America then you can say something. She has put hundreds of kids through college. She built and furnished a whole friggin neighborhood of houses for Katrina victims. She donates MILLIONS to charities that help AMERICANS. What have you done to help? Are you people kidding me! She hasn’t abandoned America. The real sheep are the people who will read one article and assume it tells the whole story.
Orach Moooooooo | Jan 3, 2007 | Reply
Orcah has the gall to speak about education!?!?
The idiot who didn’t know how to pump her own gas?
The vapid airhead who only recommends books that are the intellectual equivalent of people magazine?
Good thing the school has a beauty salon, she needs it. Too bad it doesn’t have cosmetic surgery.
Willie Syn | Jan 3, 2007 | Reply
I don’t really care what Oprah does with her money. I’m sure that she has given lots of money to people in this country and now she gives money to people in other countries and look at what happens. LOL! All I want is to find a job where I can make enough money to support my self and get some healthcare (things start to go bad on your body after 50). I wish someone reach out to me to try help me reach my potential but I guess I’m destined to live with my depression and self-hate (I’m Americanized). The world seems broken and the repairs never seem to work. We’ve tried money. We’ve tried prayer. Make my image into a crop circle and worship me. I’ll jump up on your couch and we’ll have a big wedding and the world will be o.k.
Scott | Jan 4, 2007 | Reply
Oprah may do whatever she likes with her money. I thank God that somebody who is wealthy is actually parting with some of their excess.
As for apathy towards education in America, I would agree that it exists across the board, however reasons vary vastly between the suburbs and the inner city. It is one thing for a suburban, middle-class child to breeze through their education not really caring, because they come from a comfortable home and almost expect that when they grow up, they’ll live the same way. Education is a given, not something to fight for.
In the inner city the lack of desire for education comes from the complete inability to identify its connection to success. Afterall, the few who make it out of the proverbial ‘ghetto’ cannot touch everyone, and the much stronger force is that of poverty, oppression and hopelessness. School is thought of as that place you have to go. It is a negative place where few if any teachers treat you with respect and you act accordingly. Imagine living in a community where you don’t know a single person, or a person’s relatives who has EVER gone to college. Where it isn’t discussed as an option because of the extreme cost. Now imagine that you are surrounded by violence, gangs, drugs and high school drop-outs. I find it amazing that anyone ever pulls themselves out of that.
Those inner cities are where Oprah should begin next, but not by building schools. She, or someone, needs to create mentoring programs to take some teen’s interest and really show them how they could someday make money at it. Then show them that the bridge between their dream and their success always involves some form od education. After the student’s interest has been sparked, you take them and show them how colleges work, where financial aid and scholarships for disadvantaged youth are coming from and how to get their hand on that money. Once you make an education relevant to a student, they have to at least respect it, even if they ultimately aren’t successful.
Tonyfrompa | Jan 5, 2007 | Reply
I live in the the inner city and Oprah is right. Most of the kids dont care, they are just caught up in the american culture( video games, ipods, music videos)
I have read all the remarks here and i cant believe that most people are mad that she didnt spend this money here. The school is for girls who families make less then $800 PER MONTH, thats $9600 per year. Remember we are all in this together. and by all I mean the whole planet. Just because they are not americans does that mean we shouldnt care about them. We as americans need to stop thinking us first and the rest of the world second all the time.
Brent | Jan 5, 2007 | Reply
Most people are missing her goal I think. She has picked the best and the brightest in the hope that they will be future leaders and help Africa more than $40 million ever could. I think it’s a wise investment and I see her succeeding in that goal as she has with everything else in her life.
Oh and she plans on having over 400 girls attending by next year.
For all that are complaining about the money going there instead of here… it screams of selfishness and entitlement. She doesn’t owe anyone a thing. If you think that schools here need assistance then get off your ass and assist!
gibby | Jan 5, 2007 | Reply
you go oprah it you money do whatever you want with it…
Michael Lofton | Jan 6, 2007 | Reply
Oprah’s millions have yet to reach a South Los Angeles, Compton, Harlem, Oakland, Detroit, etc., etc., and should anyone doubt this all it takes is one visit to see that Oprah’s millions have yet to touch these areas.
Oprah even said it herself….
…in that according to Oprah, inner-city Black children are more concerned with “hiphop clothing and culture, purchasing ipods, etc., etc.”
…meaning not only is Oprah truly not concerned about the plight of the many poor of Black Africa, she brands every inner-city Black child as placing more importance in “hip hop culture”, “owning an ipod”, than having any interest interest in learning or making the best of an educational opportunity.
Nathaniel | Jan 6, 2007 | Reply
yeah, I agree with Oprah.
Give up on inner city folks altogether, I say. They aint worth the trouble. Let ‘em perish.
Bashment | Jan 7, 2007 | Reply
I have family in Africa.Having attended high school in Africa (not South Africa, but Kenya, in East Africa), I would have to agree with Oprah on this one.
The unemployment rate in most African countries is between 30 - 40 percent (we go into panic mode here in the States when the unemployment rate hits 6 percent!). As a result, Africans realize the only way to be competitive in the job market is to have a great education.
Unfortunately, most kids can’t afford to go to school, and even if they could, there just aren’t enough high schools and colleges to absorb all the kids. This leads to the high number of Africans flying to Europe and America in search of higher education and jobs.
Statistics apeak for themselves. Africans are the most educated immigrants in America (better than even us Americans!), with about 88 percent (I think) having at least 2 years of college.
I do not intend to castigate our American kids, but my experience in highschool in Africa to my experience in college here in the States is that most American college kids do not appear to be motivated to do well in school (and these are the ones that actually made it through high school!). They are not dumb. They just don’t care! While most immigrants try their best to get straight ‘A’s, I found many American kids were just aiming for a ‘C’!
Most of our kids feel they are entitled to the good life. They don’t see the connection between hard work and success. It’s ironic that African kids believe in the American Dream more than American kids!
Somebody in here criticized Oprah for living in a $51 million mansion while criticizing inner city kids for craving material things. Oprah did not simply crave those same things, she worked hard and now she is in a position to buy those ‘material things’ instead of asking for a handout. And, anyway, do you expect a billionnaire like Oprah to live in a cardboard box just to prove she is not materialistic? It’s her money. She earned it. As far as I’m concerned, she could build a home on the moon for all I care!
As someone else rightly said in here, the rest of the world shits on Africa. Why are we mad that one person chose to help Africa insted of shitting on it like everyone else?
The U.S. government, whose job it really is to fund public education in America, spends $450 billion on the war in Iraq, while neglecting American inner city schools. Why are you putting the responsibility of rescuing America’s public school system on Oprah’s shoulders? She is just one person. Why don’t you write your representative, your senator, your governor, or the President himself?
A Teen | Jan 8, 2007 | Reply
You know, I have been reading American history in class lately, and have been appalled at how earlier generations viewed the poor and working classes.
It was doubly cruel to read the voices of political leaders and powerful family dynasties, who didn’t think a Black or poor person had any rights to a decent life, education or future.
Fast forward to the year 2006 when America’s first female billionaire shockingly mouths the same spirit damaging word and thoughts. This black icon who came from nothing and became something because others fought and died for her future.
I am sickened that she can condemn Black hip-hop artist who spread their own brand of self-hatred and annilation around the world.
But to see and hear this vastly rich and popular icon stand on the world’s stage and say “I’ve given up on Black children. To hell with ‘em. I’m moving on!” is so damaging that I cannot begin to tell you just how crushing it is!
Such a priviledged woman, who is standing on the shoulders of every known and unknown soldier of the Civil Rights Movement, and denouncing all of it with one swipe of her blessed and bejeweled hand.
Marvia Sapp | Jan 8, 2007 | Reply
I don’t know why so many people have chosen to disregard the fact that:
Oprah has been funding her alma mater U of Tennessee with over 20 million per year to underpriveliged minorities for the past 15 years. She regular gives money to other schools as well.
And, after Katrina hit, she was one of the first responders on site HANDING OUT FOOD HERSELF (she was looking quite rough, though). The fact is, while her latest project may seem a little overboard, she has, and still continues to support U.S individuals as well.
She also did not say that she had given up on American children, but simply stated her reasons for not building her huge complex here.
You can hate Oprah all you want, but at least get your facts right before you start blasting people. People should be aware of how ignorant their arguments sound when half of their statements are false.
Crissy | Jan 9, 2007 | Reply
I understand the educational needs of children in Africa, but I do not let it blind me to the needs of the inner-city youth in my backyard.
I raise funds that provide healthcare and scholarship funds to Ugandan children AND I volunteer in a program for inner-city youth that promotes sound decision-making and recognizing self-worth.
I can do my part at home and abroad. Oprah can’t accomplish this and she makes more money in one day than I will all year.
Marti | Jan 13, 2007 | Reply
Shame on you Oprah! Blaming the children for their lack of enthusiasm for education.
Why not put the blame squarely where it belongs? The education system is broken. We throw more money at it never considering that SOMEONE should be held responsible and suffer SOME consequences for UNeducating of the children of this nation, while accepting gazillions of our tax dollars.
Perhaps beginning with the NEA?
Here is a link to an article some of you might find interesting.
Detroit School Establishment Turns Away $200 million Gift.
http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=5811
How much did Oprah spend in Africa??? 40 mill? That is 160 MILLION less than the Detroit school system TURNED DOWN. I didn’t hear any hysterics over that… other than my own, that is. I won’t be waiting to hear Oprah tackle the above subject on her TV program. (Too many NEA members in her stupefied audience, I think)
I wish those little girls the very best. It will be interesting to see if they become as much of an elitist as Oprah, won’t it?
Marti | Jan 13, 2007 | Reply
Shame on you Oprah! Blaming the children for their lack of enthusiasm for an education.
This was omitted from the above post?????
Marti | Jan 13, 2007 | Reply
Hmmm, and now it’s back? Oprah Cookie brigade? Censoring the posts?
Mike | Jan 19, 2007 | Reply
Oprah spent 40 million to build a 28 building
s complex with a yoga and beauty salon to educate 150 kids! Thank of your own high school. Mine was one single building with 1200 students. She could have educated the top ten percentile of all the students in South Africa with that kind of money, but then hey, there would be no aromatherapy. Hell she might have even had enough left over to let in a few white kids. Nah, what am I sayin, that’s crazy talk.
Emarie | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
I am troubled that such a general statement would be link to Oprah. Surely this is out of context. If there is any truth to the mindset of the “American Girl” it would be that the gifts are offered to them when it is not assessed as a need by the reciever and the gifts may be overwhelming. Also, that they’re be given a challenge for obtaining it. I myself was a product of the “Projects”. Those that have no access may have a more visible desire, but we all want to be successful. We do not have the same experience and understanding of what it takes to be truly successful. I have had help from many, but mostly what I needed was encouragement and an open door which caused me to fight mentally to present myself as worthy.It was also better for me that it was not just a gift of money but a relationship built. We have not seen the fruits of the 40 million dollar gift, but in time as they acquire as we have in America and the struggle lessen I grant you the appreciation will start to reveal the similarities of her “sister” and show that we are all the same.
Murphy | Jan 27, 2007 | Reply
It never ceases to amaze me how we who don’t have much envy others. I don’t keep up with much, but I know that while our government fiddled during Katrina, Oprah went about gathering help and putting it out there for those who needed it. Grant it, she could not help them all, but ask those who received help what they think about Oprah, while they are still waiting for their government, insurance companies, etc., to assist. Ask those American students who are in college now because of contributions from Oprah. Ask those black colleges what they have been able to do with her contributions. Now once you have the answers to those questions, ask her for more! Ask about her failed efforts on behalf of the inner city! What is wrong about yoga and spa experiences? These young ladies will be living at the school. They will not be studying all the time. Why can’t they get their hair done? The school was built for growth. It’s attendance will grow each year, not unlike start up schools here in the states. Look, all I want is a new bedroom set and living room furniture, but I don’t expect Oprah to get it for me. It would be nice but I’d rather that money help somebody, anybody. I am proud of the fact that she does, in fact, study her moves before making them now, and that she realizes she can’t take it with her. The saddest thing is that if she sent you a check (those of you who complain) you’d have no complaint. She’d be the greatest person on earth. Well, she can’t just help each of us, but I feel that everything she does for somebody else, she does it with love and we can share in her glory. We who pay taxes, ought to face that fact that our government is spending billions of dollars in Iraq that should be spent on education, medical care, etc., here in the states. Is Opray supposed to fill in the blank spaces we have allowed our legislative and administrative branches create? I don’t think so! And you can just imagine how much of those billions going to Iraq come from her. She contributes alright! She and Bill Gates come from a generation that knows something must be done and they are to be applauded for WHATEVER they do because many before them, DID NOTHING!
Honey | Jan 29, 2007 | Reply
Go, Oprah! You are the best. Helping others is a thing that is hard for other people to do. You’re setting a good example.
ALCIDIA | Feb 10, 2007 | Reply
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH OPRAH. THESE CHILDREN IN AFRICA ESPECIALLY THE GIRLS, NEED ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET TO BETTER THEIR SELF ESTEEMS AND FEEL THAT THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT THEIR FUTURE AND WELL BEING. I THINK OPRAH IS ONE OF THE GREATEST FEMALE THERE IS. SHE’S WILLING TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN REAL NEED, AND THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT SHE REMEMBERS WHERE HER ROOTS ARE FROM AND GIVES BACK TO HER PEOPLE. HOW MANY MULTY BILLIONAIRES AND MILLIONNAIRES DO WE KNOW THAT DON’T REALLY CARE ABOUT HELPING. WITH ALL THE MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES, THERE SHOULDN’T BE THAT HIGH OF A NUMBER OF HOMELESS PEOPLE, STARVING CHILDRENS IN THESE THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES AND EVEN HERE IN THU UNITED STATES.
Indian boy. | Feb 17, 2007 | Reply
I don’t like Oprah, she’s just another black women looking for attention, just like her black brothers are. I would never attend any of her shows, and all the people who go there look like zombies. It’s quite funny & sad. Oprah cares about her image & pockets than you or anyone else. She’s not as philanthropic as you think.
Dk | Mar 5, 2007 | Reply
Billy said,
Wrote on January 2, 2007 @ 9:16 am
“I applaud her, I agree 100 % with what she is saying. Inner city american kids could care less about education and only want the latest must have item for their hip hop life styles. African kids want an education and will work hard to get it. Bravo Oprah”
While I do agree with some of your statement, I must say its not just hip-hop lifestyles that kids are spending on. There are a wide array of teens who are being spoiled by their parents, whether they live in a upper-class environment or a middle-class environment. I won’t even mention lower-class because those parents don’t even make much to support the families they have, which is a sad but neglected truth in America. I’m only saying this because I believe your comment tried to equate the kind of people who live those ‘lifestyles’ with the kind of kids Oprah mentioned. Its not as black and white as you think.
Dk | Mar 5, 2007 | Reply
Jimmy Brooks said,
Wrote on January 2, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
That’s nice, help everybody else, BUT the country you’re originally from. Why don’t you help those who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina?
First Dr. Phil, then Rachael Ray, now this. This is just another reason to hate Oprah.
She actually has done that, and is continuing to do so. Your statement would be another reason to hate for someone to hate you, but I don’t know you just like you don’t know her.
Dk | Mar 5, 2007 | Reply
Well to all the people that have a problem with Oprah’s school and how she’s neglecting her own country and this and that and the other, why don’t you work and earn and amass as much millions and billions as she has, correct all the problems she’s made, so you all can be happy about it? See, that doesn’t sound so hard, does it? There, we can finally stop the bitch and moan whine about how much of a racist fat black bitch she is and get back to our deskjob at work.
well done | Mar 28, 2007 | Reply
I think that oprah has done a great job and i hope that she keeps going they need all the help they can get from everyone wheather an american, australia, new zealander, even african all do the same and help then if we all help one day they will be just like us living a normal life and helping the lifes of others!!
Cyril Brennan | Apr 6, 2007 | Reply
The only thing for sure is the world will be a better place when Oprah’s fat ass dies.
tnc | Apr 15, 2007 | Reply
Stop hating on Oprah. She does give back to the U.S., to its children, and its education. And stop complaining on about what she does with HER money. At least she’s doing something here in the U.S. and internationally. Ask yourself, what you doing to help U.S. children value education?
Jack | Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
Geeesch..
Oprah Winfrey. LOL. Wasn’t she on the article spotlighting sensationalism in America just a few years ago (her and Geraldo)? Now she’s the big kahhoona..Well I don’t buy it…Just listen to her talk and go turn your brain on….narcissistic is being polite…And, America can have Doc Phil too….BTW…The Big O’s charity is indeed starting at home….She’s is from AFFrwica….
You should have learned from your Neighbours to the North, don’t heroize people..they have zero heroes up there because they are smart..ask the Germans…
Bring back The Mike Douglas Show and The Brady Bunch
Fallen Angel | Oct 20, 2007 | Reply
I would like to say THANK YOU to Oprah, before I say anything to her, I would like to ask everyone WHY ARE YOU HATING?????? I live in South Africa & I have to say that she has done everything she can to help America but you people are very much UNGRATEFULL!!!!!
I hope to be accepted at her school for grade 10 in 2008 & people have to undersatand that they are being selfish & not considerate about other countries except for America so if you feel like judging Oprah look at yourself & the axample in you & ask yourself what have you done to help America instead of judging her for helping people who appreciate EDUCATION than AMERICAN SPOILED BRATS & IF I’M A FOOL FOR SUPPORTING HER THEN SO BE IT. NEXT TIME IF YOU THINK OF CRITISISING OPRAH TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR BEHIND & TELL ME WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO IMPROVE AMERICA OR THE WORLD FOR THAT MATTER. OPRAH IS NOT THE ONLY CELEBRITY & LET ME TELL YOU WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO KNOW THAT YOUR PARENTS CAN’T AFFORD TO TAKE YOU TO THE SCHOOL THAT YOU LOVE SO MUCH, LIFE IS NO FAIRYTALE & BECAUSE OF OUR FINANCIAL STATUS AT HOME I MIGHT EVEN DROP OUT OF SCHOOL SO SCREW YOU & YOUR BEHIND IF I’M A FOOL & OPRAH’S A BITCH & IT TAKES THE BIGGER FOOL TO SAY SOMETHING AS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING TO OPRAH.
THANK YOU OPRAH YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW GREATFUL OR HOW THANKFUL I AM THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE STILL ALIVE.
Vsibz | Oct 24, 2007 | Reply
She did a very good thing I totally agree with her. I think kids in Africa will definetly appreciate it more, they need the education, opportunities to survive, to prove their worth something. Whereas in America a child’s needs may be the latest gamestation, ipod or whatever. Priviledged kids, take their opportunities for granted than someone in Africa who can make better use of it. Some moan about how much their parents or teachers don’t love them and become rebellious when they have a roof over their heads and free education provided for them. When they grow up their lives are so messed up you wonder… didn’t they get like 11yrs of free education to be something!!
Even if she was seeking attention, she’s making a difference not like people constantly sitting on their backsides criticizing her that she should give the money to them.
Anyway I like the way Oprah is thinking, she does not forget who needs her help the most. And focuses on the developing countries because they are part of the wider community, who knows what amazing things can come from that part of the world. She knows how to use her money and still remain a respected celebrity.
Tiffany | Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
I think Oprah is doing a really good thing. Sure there is people who need help America, but that isn’t her job to take care of America it’s the president’s. So she has every right to help some one in Africa because it’s still a good act and at her school that she built i’m sure there is food so what does it matter that she’s giving them a luxury that most of us americans can do ourselves instead of spending it on junk food and movies. And cell phones it’s not a bad thing to go to yoga classes. And a beauty jparlor is a great idea i mean how many woman americans do u see not wearing any make up compared to all the girls in africa wearing. So what if she’s giving them things that we already have chances to do every day.
Lenora | Dec 2, 2007 | Reply
If you ask a 15 year old wat they want for dinner they’d say pizza…if you ask a 15 year old if they rather read or watch TV they’d say TV…but whos to blame if they’re culture views education as a chore and nutrition as a bore. You CANNOT ask young people what they want. You GIVE them what they NEED. If i had my choice i would have never ate brocolli. But now that i’m grown, I know what brocolli can do for me. Jus like education. The girls in South African are brilliant and wonderful for wanting education but i kno TOO MANY girls that are struggling and want the same thing but if we as a Americans dont start valuing education then how do we expect our children to. REMEMBER we live in a country were Entertainers are more renowned and praised than scholars…aint dat a trip
David | Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
Hey you ignorants!!!
Last word… a bundle of nations in this world tried to help Africa. Until today no money dumped on that land made up any good.
So the last word is, that was money for NOTHING!!!
John Doe | Jan 11, 2008 | Reply
oprah. I hope your fat ass dies. 40 million for a school for 152 kids. Your just doing this for popularity. As an american student currently, i can you first hand that we are not ungrateful. We are very glad to have an education, and a school to go to everyday. Doing this in africa is pointless because america has been developing for only a couple centuries and look at us, were an amazing country. Look at africa its been around for thousands of years, and look at them there is nothing good about it. Every day you see the commercials saying support this little african girl. F off, leave us alone, and look to your own damn country for support. Oh yeah i forgot none of your country has any way to support you. You people barely have enough food to eat. What do you need a yoga room for. Screw you oprah go get some surgery done, you fat bitch.
the truth | Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
Firstly it’s not her money!!! Are you imbeciles stupid enough to think she spends her money on anything other than herself? Did you know all those gifts ect she gives her audience are in fact promotional items given by the companies to be distributed free of charge for publicity??? The money to build her goddamned racist school in Africa comes from “Charities” which you idiots throw your money into!!!!! And then she hand picks all BLACK only….despite 99% of the money is from white contributers. Despite the fact that in Africa white girls are being gang raped daily by blacks and have the highest rate of rape and murder in the world!!! And by the way, not one of her chosen “Poor girls” are in fact so poor. They are handpicked from the elite. All daughters and relatives of powerful ministers n politicians in Africa. She is building a new race regime. In addition to the money to build the school the governments have been given large sums (stolen from you dum white trolls) to “ethnically cleanse” the land!!! For all you asshole Oprah fans that means rape and murder all whites. And the real reason she didn’t build a school in the US….because Hispanics and Asians constitute the maximum number of children below the poverty line….and also hispanic and asian children are known to work hard despite their poverty. You think that racist bitch would ever put money for deserving children??? Oh no…it has to be black only!!!!
Joan | Apr 27, 2008 | Reply
hi
i think that kids should have a oppetionety i belive they have great sence of humor
bebe | May 9, 2008 | Reply
its true! i worked in an a school in brooklyn, ny. they could care less of the opportunities they have. poor people in america have cable! why do you think african families come here and are super succesful? because they may be poor but their priorities are in place.
KoUrTnAy | Sep 12, 2008 | Reply
I think thats is a very good couse n people needa stop actin like butt wipes n think of someone else besides there self. so yall who has a problem with this needa get a life.
peace
KoUrTnAy | Sep 12, 2008 | Reply
good job ophera dont let stupid people stop u from doing wat u love to doing which is helping people i just had to add that
Princess | Oct 24, 2008 | Reply
She is taking your money and paying for these kids. Who’s money you ask? Causcian Americans. I get emails with Oprah junk on it. I delete them. She is only worth $100,000.00 to $200,000.00 a year. Her worth is overinflated. As long as you keep paying her, she will keep taking it. She is crazy, and you all are too.
AtALoss | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
Why for God’s sake, doesn’t she start sex education and give out birth control pills, or pay for mothers who already have two children to have their tubes tied or men to have vasectomys?? It makes me sick to my stomach to see these people breeding like rabbits. One woman on a documentary today had 8 children and she looked to be about 25 herself. she could not afford the 4 cents a day that she needed for water so her children were going around with scabies and infections. STOP THE BREEDING and then maybe we can afford to help feed the children. That’s just wrong!