Oprah Winfrey will close the prestigious girls’ school she founded in South Africa after the 2027 academic year, shifting her philanthropic focus toward expanded scholarship opportunities.
A pivot from campus-based education
The decision marks the end of nearly two decades of campus-based education provided by the institution. The school has long served as a cornerstone of Winfrey’s commitment to empowering young women in South Africa through high-quality, specialized education.
While the physical campus will cease operations, the media mogul intends to expand her scholarship programs. This move suggests a strategic transition from maintaining a centralized boarding facility to providing a wider range of students with the financial means to pursue their education.
Timeline and impact
The school will remain operational until the conclusion of the 2027 academic cycle, providing a clear window for current students to complete their studies.
By moving away from the campus model, the focus shifts toward a more flexible scholarship framework, potentially increasing the number of beneficiaries across different regions of the country.
This development signals a new chapter in Winfrey’s educational initiatives in Africa, prioritizing broader access to funding over the management of a single, high-cost institution.
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