Oprah Winfrey Surprises Students at Her South African Leadership Academy During Model UN Event

Henley-on-Klip, South Africa – Philanthropist and media mogul Oprah Winfrey recently made a surprise visit to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in Henley-on-Klip, South Africa, delighting students during a Model United Nations (Model UN) event. The unexpected appearance, described by one attendee as causing the "kids go wild," underscores Winfrey's deep personal connection to the institution she founded. The academy, affectionately known as OWLAG, provides world-class education and leadership opportunities for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds across South Africa.

The visit, recounted by a volunteer on social media, highlighted the profound impact Winfrey has on the students, many of whom refer to her as "Mom O." The volunteer, initially unaware of the identity of the arriving dignitary, stated in a tweet, "> so that’s how I met oprah, surprising the students from the school she built in africa." This personal engagement aligns with Winfrey's long-standing commitment to the academy, which she views as her "greatest legacy."

Established in 2007, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls was conceived after a conversation between Winfrey and former South African President Nelson Mandela in 2000, where they discussed the transformative power of education in combating poverty. Winfrey has invested over $140 million into the 52-acre campus, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare girls for leadership roles. The school focuses on nurturing tenacity, courage, and resilience, alongside academic excellence.

OWLAG has seen over 525 young women graduate, many of whom have gone on to attend prestigious universities globally, including institutions in South Africa, the United States, and Europe. Winfrey frequently attends graduation ceremonies and maintains close ties with the alumnae, celebrating their achievements. Her surprise visits, like the one during the Model UN event, reinforce her hands-on approach and dedication to the students' holistic development, extending beyond financial support to personal mentorship.