It all started during her visit with Nelson Mandela in December 2000. She promised to build a high-profile school for girls. Two years later (2002), Oprah collaborated with Nelson Mandela and (then) Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmai for "Building a Dream". Build a dream is Oprah's slogan. She began her stardom through the power of the media and became the most popular and award-winning host of her own show, "The Oprah Show," where she has formed special bonds with her audience for over 25 years. Her success as a media leader and global philanthropist has made her one of the most admired and respected public figures today. Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is a boarding school founded in January 2007, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was designed to help women who are “disadvantaged girls from disadvantaged backgrounds”. Oprah's main goal for the academy was to academically mentor these underprivileged women and help them unlock hidden talents to make a difference in their lives. The $40 million Leadership Academy features a state-of-the-art library worth approximately $75,000! Specifically, the school features a 28-building complex that includes computer and science labs, classrooms, dormitories, a health club, a hair salon, and a theater, all built on a 52-acre campus. It will allow underprivileged girls, from classes 7 to 12. However, only 152 girls can be seated and have been selected, but the school has received over three thousand applications. According to New York: Amsterdam News, by reviewing 3,000 applications, Oprah quickly realized that making a choice would not be an easy task. 484 students were asked to take tests on academic and leadership skills. Oprah arranged over 200 interviews, during which TV... half newspaper... would give every girl at the Academy financial assistance in her first year of tertiary education. Above all, with this event, Oprah wanted to share the manifestation of her dream: that when you invest in a girl's education you invest in a nation. Additionally, after graduating from her final year, Sadé Pietersen gave an emotional speech about her experience at the Academy and how she sees herself in the years to come. Now, in 2013, Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy has more opportunities than ever! They visited Michelle Obama at the White House, went to Spizzwinks at Yale University and went on American tours. The latest rumors say that Oprah also wants a co-education school in South Africa. This isn't just Oprah's job, definitely not! He has donated millions of dollars to: Peace over Violence, Free the Children, Clinton Foundation, Worldwide Orphans Foundation and many others.