[PHOTO BY: Khetha "Bouga" Mkhize]
Just two months after its highly-publicized opening, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is coming under more criticism.
According to the upset parents, the strict rules of the Academy are hurting their relationship with their children.
SOME OF THE RULES
- Cellphones and e-mail correspondence are out of bounds during the week, and girls are only allowed to phone their parents on weekends.
- Parents can only visit their child once a month.
- The maximum number of visitors per pupil is four, and visits have to be approved by the school at least two weeks in advance.
- Parents are not allowed to smuggle junk food in to the girls past the matrons. (Their diet is fruit, yogurt and sandwiches)
[SOURCE]
Angela Conradie, whose daughter Michelle is at the school, says she’s just as upset about the strict visiting times.
“Michelle phones me in tears sometimes, and then I don’t know what to say to her,” says Conradie. [READ MORE]
Another concern for parents is the preservation of their culture. Some parents wanted “some aspects of African life and norms” to be considered by Winfrey. “Everything she has done so far has been wonderful and we are grateful for that, but I am praying that one of these days there will be a parents’ meeting where we can discuss the progress of the children and how to handle issues of culture,” said a grandmother who did not want to be identified.
She said there had been a death in her family recently and she had asked for the child to be allowed to attend the funeral, but she was refused because “it must be a member of the immediate family”. [SOURCE]
These rules may seem strict to all you non-private schoolers but there really not. These kids have a once-in-a-lifetime oppertunity to change their lives and surroundings. For most women in Africa hope is not a option, they deal with whatever is given to them (very little). It is too dangerous for a young African female to walk the streets; The laws are so screwed for them because most of the men don’t even care. I don’t know if this happens on the whole continent but I know in one village men actually concider their wives as pets rather then their partner. These girls have a chance to change how women are treated in Africa, and if what I read up there is true(mothers wanting to take their children out of the school) I strongly suggest these guardians rethink their decision. We’re too spoiled to know strict from reason and common sense.
Africa can be a tough place to live in and these kids are really blessed.
Let me explain something about African funerals. While it is true that Africans value the extended family it is impossible to attend all funerals. I dont.
I think it is right to allow the kids to attend the funerals of close relatives only. In my country, 700 people die daily from HIV/AIDS and that constitutes the reported cases only. If these kids were to attend all funerals I assure you that they would be out of school every week.
I will be starting my graduate degree this fall in America. It is the first time that I will be away from home and as much as I will be home sick it is the best thing for me right now. I cant even think about the funerals that I won’t attend.
Americans have such great education opprtunities that Africans can only dream about. Those Oprah girls are so lucky.
ARIES-
Please! South Africa nad Kenya are not even the same!
Have you been to South Africa?
I live there NOW!!!!!
Please don’t generalise and say’African Boarding Schools are the same’.
They are not!
The countries are not the same.I work for a media company producing magazine for East African countries.Kenyan’s and South Africans are very diffrent,our cultures and norms our not even the same.
We don’t get water from streams on hills! Our country is very developed.Especially J-burg.
We have great fruit and organic food.There is cereal and varied sorts of food available in this country.My point is our countries are not the same.Why must we eat porrigde coz you ate it in Kenya?
What happened to you does not apply to these girls,it’s not even the same country for pete’s sake!I think you need to pay a vist to SA and stop embarrasing African’s by generalising.
Oprah is trying-it’s early days and still a work in progress!
She will get the cultural aspect right eventually.There’s plent of time to
make adjudstments.
The school is still young.
on Monday, March 12, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
284. ThinkAboutIt said:
——————————————————————————–
#280 and 281 – You are so right, too often these discussions end in hateful rants towards one another. We have to learn to disagree without degrading.
No one sees the world exactly the same way you see it. You have your own unique perspective, and so does every other person.
We shouldn’t let your disagreements with others become an excuse for hatred or disrespect. Instead, we all need to sincerely try to learn from and understand those perspectives that differ from our own.
Often you can learn much more from someone who disagrees with you than you can from those with whom you agree.
When you refuse to even listen and totally dismiss differing opinions, it’s a sign of weakness and insecurity. But, when you can respect and welcome the different opinions of others, it can strengthen your confidence in your own opinions.
It’s just more productive when we can work together, agreeing to disagree, with respect, understanding and cooperation.
Bill Said:
Cosign 101%
I wish where we can come to a place where we can “agree to disagree” without resorting to insulting another person’s Intelligence, Education or Ethnecity.
Well, if the parents don’t like it then they can take their girls out of the school. But they most likely won’t because it’s Oprah’s school. Oprah can always drop the school and move on. The parents knew what they were getting into, now they want to complain? TRhat’s why you should read all your contracts before you sign on the dotted line.
I did not get a chance to reqad anyones comments BUT i can say that her rules arent strict at all. Actually these types of rules are very common in boarding schools and Day schools in third world countries and some European countries. I attended 1-9th Grade in Kenya, these rules applied then and that was over 10 years ago. Its part of discipline which i feel american schools really lack, having attended both. This is just my opinion by the way. I wont be back to read anyones comments who feel insulted by my opinion.
I FIND THIS WHOLE THING VERY FUNNY AND IRONIC-
Didn’t Oprah say that she didn’t build an acedemy here in the US because “inner city” children would NOT appreciate it “all they want are sneakers and ipods”
BUT NOW-
These African girls and their families who she has basically bent over backwards for are complaining.
I would like to ask her, NOW WHO IS UNAPPRECIATIVE?
Maybe inner city kids over here would have appreiciated a 40 MILLION dollar school and graranteed college tuition more than she thought.
OPRAH SHOULD HAVE PUT HOME FIRST, BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT HER PRECIOUS AFRICANS ARE ALREADY STARTING TO BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS THEM.
@ Bill Says
i woke up this morning did my daily text and prayed. And realied I had to publicly apologise for all the cursing and demeaning things I said.
I just hate when I am not accepted by some African Americans simply based on the fact my mother is Jamaican and my father is African (Zaire) and I was born in London. I have been in Chicago on and off for 11 years. My wife and kids are from here and we lived in London for several years and came back. But it seems as though there are those who feel like we (blacks from other parts of the world) have no right in America because we are “takers”. So many foriegners come here seeking opportunity and are hated for it. WHY?
I mean the mere fact people thnk Oprah should of helped American black children out, is basically criticing the way the woman spent her own money. She did a great thing a positive thing. And if the girls rebel after coming from their backgrounds that would show blatant disregard and ungratefulness. Some people in the post are assuming so much:
that the girls are becoming ungrateful already?!?!? (sources please)
That the girls are becoming materialistic??
and that Oprah is a sell out for not embracing her own country’s educational problems.
SO yeah it hit a nerve, but I realise there will be many people still subliminally fighting for their 40 acres and a mule in america. When I really feel that no matter where blacks are in the world we are fighting for our rights / reparations / a global acknowledgement for our historical persecution.
So this will be my ast post and I will ignore the taunts and hate. And continue to educate my childen the best way possible. But thanks on the excerpts from THE COVENANT
peace
@296 Point of View…
I still think you are ignorant,
A) what the hell does the first African American who did not give up their seat on a bus have to do with this post???…
B) I suffered from Bulimia for over 7 years and was a vegetarian for 3… And just because a person is a vegan or a vegetarian, they are in no way licensed nutritionists… And what nutrionist do you know that would say a have a candy bar or other junk food rather than fruit and yogart???
And C) I for one never said anything about supporting Oprah because she is a black woman! You were the one who brought up the race card issue when you stated that people should not support her on the basis that she is black and can do no wrong… and then insinuated that Oprah amongst others deep down inside did not like being black… Don’t get it twisted sweetie!!! I simply called you out for trying to act like you knew the way she or anyone else feels about themselves inside…
Stop trying to make this post about things that it is not about just for the sake of argument… When you come with something relevant to the topic at hand, maybe then you will have some credibility… I’ve already stated this once but apparently I need to state it again… GROW UP!!!
303. Nthabi, I have never seen an elitist attitude like yours from the Kenyans or Ghanians who live in American! We go to lunch, visit each others homes and room together in college! You probably think Americans are spoiled too!
If it were not for Black Americans, you would still be in SA or J-burg having your water delivered by truck rather than fetching it from a stream like you describe the Kenyans! Why would you put your own Kenyan brother down? I guess the attitude of a theif is that they deserve what they take!
ARIES was not embarrasing Africa…just telling it like it is! But, you sit and pretend that you made South Africa what it is today! You can thank the same white British who stole America for developing everything in Africa! You only provided the labor! And, the infrastructure still lags far behind America where all roads are paved in the cities!
280. bootylicious, before you start crying, go back and read post #291. BELLAH, you’ll see why some American dismiss Western Africans who look down their noses! Bellah is totally out of line, but that’s the attitude of the elite families from Western Africa, Nigeria and the other desendants of slave traders think about Americans!
Most Africans come over to America or they landed in the UK with government grants or the “blood money” of forefathers, and forget were they came from! You want American culture so bad, well, the girls and parents at the Academy are giving you primetime example of what something for nothing will do to a person! Now, who’s spoiled!
Education is a high premium for Africans, because its their ticket to America! Without the English language, math and pledge alligance to the US flag, you can’t get a Visa! There is a story for every African who comes to America! Trust me!
There are two kinds of boarding schools, those for the gifted and those for the troubled!
A school for gifted girls does not need all the bars on windows and locks on doors! These girls were chosen because they were the best or they showed promise! None of them were disciplinary! So, why does Oprah want to lock them in for weeks? Isn’t that how Frankenstien was created?
In America, we have another kind of boarding school for troubled children. Those institutions are called reform schools or juvenile hall! The rules are the same as the Academy!
And, isn’t Africa’s school system is primarily vocational to prepare children for a better life in America? hehe!
294. bakunzi, since you seem to want to get at me so bad, here is a number for you: (310) 217-7638. Call anytime, day or night to hear what I think about you!
bakunzi
My Brother: Do NOT feel as though you have to apologize to me
*or anyone else for that matter.
I wasn’t offended by what you said:
You know why ?
Because you are a GROWN MAN, and you have a RIGHT TO YOUR OPINION !!!!
I learned a long time ago to respect people for their opinion, EVEN IF IT DIFFERS FROM MINE.
Read my Post @ #304.
It’s actually a repost of something that THINKABOUT IT said.
We HAVE to LEARN to respect each other on this Blog.
It’s really ridiculous for one person to ATTACK another.
I don’t know WHY Daphne & meatloaf CHOSE YOU to pick on, but I personally have a problem with that.
For some reason Daphne is very angry.
I don’t know at who or why
Meatloaf is actually a friend of mine, and you have to take what he says with a grain of salt.
He actually likes it when you debate him.
He really just baiting you.
He won’t respect you until you answer him
Anyways,
I’ve learned through my many months of posting on Concrete Loop that I can actually LEARN from people I have a differance of opinion with.
I actually learned a LOT from YOUR Point of View
I’ve never had a problem with anything that you said.
Profanity doesn’t offend me…Profanity reflects a person emtiion at a given time, not their lack f intellect.
I hope you don’t leave or stop posting on Concrete Loop because we need to hear (read about) EVERYONE various LIFE EXPERIENCES & Opinions !!!
That’s the beauty of Blogs
The exchange of Ideal & Opinions.
Peace My Brother, I have no beef with YOU.
Your probably feeling a little sensitive now because someone attacked you or they don’t understand where your coming from.
Don’t let that keep you from Posting.
Your Brother in America
Bill
I agree with #310 and 307 SMH.. hey this post was heated lol
@Krystin
Do something about it? I’m helping kids over here in Africa where i’m at. I was talking to Daphne not you, so mind your business. She is complaining that Oprah’s helping African kids who have nothing. Black America needs to put their foot down and stop playing with the children’s education. You might not be a spoiled one but a lot of Black Americans are. Everyone talks about America.
Someone of another race? When was America a race and if it is why are you called African Americans? Wouldn’t you be called just American? I have no problem with anyone. Blacks in America and Caribbean are all my people. I just don’t like what she said about Oprah helping Africa. And why is Black America always blaiming White America for the problems since you say you are tired of hearing Africans complain. Maybe the Whites over there are tired of Blacks complaining. All you can call yourself is an African American, but do you know what tribe your from like most White Americans? Learn to respect Africans cause we are you to and the White man just wants you to think your different from us.
Meatloaf-please get it right!
Yes we were colonised by Britian,that is a fact-so what?
My point was not all African countries are the same.I don’t have anything against Kenyan’s but I dislike the fact that we perpetrate the stereotype to African American’s that we all live in trees and villages and fetch our water from streams.It is not true.I don’t appericate people going on about a contry they are not even interested in visiting as if they know it.
I have contributed in making my country what it is!
I stayed during aparthied and fought,wheather that meant being beaten by the police and being locked away in detention.Have you ever been arrested and beaten for what you belive in Meatloaf?
Have you ever had some-one spit on your face and spray you with rubber bullets because you are Black not caring about the fact that you are female?Don’t tell me about making my country what it is!
I did not immigrate to another country.I am still in my country,learing and making it better.If I visit another country I come back home and enrich my own people with the knowlege I have gained.How will Africa ever improve if we are all running away and always trying to be citizens of the west?
I have been to both the UK & the States.They are very diffrent.I wouldn’t even compare the two-the cultures and people differ.
Yes I am a woman living in SA.You may call me spoilt if you like,just because I didn’t fetch water from a stream.I didn’t have to,there are no streams in the city.I went to an all girls private catholic boarding school.We had some extreme rules.
Unfortunately it comes with the school.As times(aparthied was abolished) changed certain rules were adjusted.
Yet the school has still maintained the status quo.It is possible to make adjustments and still maintain the standard.
I know this because my younger sister goes there too.
If i ever have a daughter I will send her there too.
Oprah’s school seems similiar to what most girls boarding schools are like here.Excpet they have gotten an understanding of the cultural and traditional aspects of our country.Given time she may learn to understand it too.
Oprah chose children from townships who live in shacks or don’t have parents.It does not mean because you don’t have running water,somebody is doing you a favour by suppling you with it.
That is the point I am making to Aries.
I will repeat this,she is doing a fantastic thing.No arguments.
Drop the stereotypes.You have no idea what some of us have been through.
Hey Bakunzi,
Co-signing will Bill on the above. And thanks for the shout-out. We all have a difference of opinions and sometimes it gets a li’l heated. I, myself, try not to do the ol’ back n’ forth on the boards, but don’t let it discourage you from voicing your opinions.
I’m sorry to digress from the topic…
Bill do you really know Meatloaf?
on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
316. Nthabi said:
——————————————————————————–
I’m sorry to digress from the topic…
Bill do you really know Meatloaf?
Bill Said:
MeatLoaf is my CL Brother.
Nthabi :
…..Oh, and Just because Meatloaf is my brother doesn’t mean that we share the SAME opinions.
We actually disagree when it comes to THIS particular post on Oprah Winfrey’s school being to strict…
I think Oprah is a Modern Day Missionary doing God’s work.
I think her rules are just fine
Peace
Bill
I didn’t mean that you should share the same opinions.That’s what makes CL intersting to read.
I meant have you physically met him.
You’ve answered that so it’s cool.
Respect to Bill and Bam Bam,
Thanks a lot for that. And just to clarify Bill, I felt I had to apologise because I used curse words and called people ignorant and stupid and was apologising for that! No one should hurl insults at one another. But I did and I apologise, so that was that.
But I appreciate this format where we can reconcile and share deas. I always tell my kids to be ultra mindful of other people’s culture and their opinions because they might have something to learn from.
but I will never stop posting. But I will try to contain my anger….. but now I know MEATLOAF likes to push buttons. kewl!
on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
322. bakunzi said:
——————————————————————————–
Respect to Bill and Bam Bam,
Thanks a lot for that. And just to clarify Bill, I felt I had to apologise because I used curse words and called people ignorant and stupid and was apologising for that! No one should hurl insults at one another. But I did and I apologise, so that was that.
But I appreciate this format where we can reconcile and share deas. I always tell my kids to be ultra mindful of other people’s culture and their opinions because they might have something to learn from.
but I will never stop posting. But I will try to contain my anger….. but now I know MEATLOAF likes to push buttons. kewl!
Bill Said:
Man..DO YOU !
If you feel like cussing go ahead and cuss !
Sometime it’s best to let that rage out THIS WAY (by Blogging) than another way (Yelling at people at work)
I find Concreteloop a great way to laugh, relieve stress, and be MYSELF while I’m at work !!!
It’s also a great way to communicate with others all around the world.
Don’t change…Do & Be YOU.
That’s what makes YOU such an important part of ConcreteLoop !!!
Your brother
Bill