For nearly 20 years, Oprah Winfrey has helped young women in South Africa through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a school she built in 2007 for students from disadvantaged families.
More than 1,000 girls have graduated, with many becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers and leaders. Winfrey called the academy one of the greatest achievements of her life.
Now, the school will close its current form at the end of 2027. Instead, Winfrey plans to launch a larger scholarship program that will support even more girls across South Africa.
Students who have not yet graduated will be moved to other schools, with Winfrey covering their tuition until they finish.
Although the campus will continue as a school under government management, Winfrey says the next chapter will focus on reaching more young women and creating more opportunities through education.