Year: 2007

Over the holidays the media was abuzz when Oprah Winfrey opened her school for girls in South Africa. No stranger to charitable endeavors, this one however struck a nerve with all kinds of people. While many saw the effort as a positive one, others questioned the racial mix of the school and why Oprah chose Africa instead of the USA. I’m on Oprah’s side for this one. Out of all the celebrity Africa efforts Oprah has been one of those who has properly used her celebrity status to focus on the true issues. From her support of Bono’s Product RED to her feature on blood diamonds, she’s used her talent to focus on the issue at hand though it’s been with mixed reviews. I think the school for girls is a good idea which is sure to be duplicated by other celebrities. For all the criticism she has received, I think this is one move that deserves some recognition. And it surely sets the pace for Africa initiatives in 2007.