Superstars Tina Turner and Mariah Carey joined Nelson Mandela for the opening of Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa yesterday (January 2nd, 2007).
The $40 million facility has been the dream of Winfrey who funded the school to give underprivileged girls like herself a chance in life.Oprah herself came from poverty to become the media billionaire she is today.
"I know that this Academy will change the trajectory of these girls' lives," said Oprah Winfrey in a statement. "They will excel and pass their excellence on to their families, their nation, and our world."
"This school will provide opportunities to some of our young people they could never imagine, had it not been for Oprah. The key to any country's future is in educating its youth. Oprah is therefore not only investing in a few young individuals but in the future of our country. We are indebted to her for her selfless efforts. This is a lady that has, despite her own disadvantaged background, become one of the benefactors of the disadvantaged throughout the world and we should congratulate her for that," said Nelson Mandela.
Oprah broke ground for the school back in December 2006.
Mariah and Tina attended the opening in support of Oprah and the school.
