Change A Child's Life

It is relatively safe to assume that everyone has heard the name “Oprah Winfrey” before. As one of the most influential women in the world, this lady has done amazing work trying to bring change to people’s lives all over the world. One of her initiatives to bring about this change was starting a school for girls in South Africa, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) ten years ago, which was inspired by her own humble beginnings and disadvantaged background. The purpose of this school is to offer educational opportunities and pathways to success to academically gifted girls from difficult backgrounds that have the potential and commitment to succeed in life and become change makers in the world.

It was thrilling news to receive the update that one of our Junior School of Excellence (JSE) beneficiaries, Sisipho, has been accepted to OWLAG to start high school in the year 2018. Sisipho is 12 years old and has been a United Trough Sport beneficiary for the last two years, and we were definitely not surprised that she would make the cut for such an opportunity. A very bubbly, confident and beautiful young lady, Sisipho has shown determination and commitment in everything she does at the JSE. She has a very warm personality and a strength beyond words that inspires her peers to always aim high and reach for their goals, no matter what.

Sisipho recalls how nervous she was throughout the selection process. The first round was in April in the form of written assessments here in Port Elizabeth with other girls, which was done at the University. As confident as she is generally, she could not control her nerves as just the thought of the name “Oprah” was pressure to perform. Following that, she was called to attend a two-day camp at OWLAG, which she had to travel to by plane in July. The next round was a home visit by the representatives of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in September and she got the final news of her acceptance in October. 

One of Sisipho’s dreams is to study at a University in the States when she is finished with high school, and personally meet Miss Oprah Winfrey. She prays that her grandmother, who she lives with currently, can witness her graduation in a few years. She strives to make her grandmother proud and to set a good example for her younger brother.

We are absolutely very proud that she will be getting such a prestigious opportunity and wish her all the best in her new venture! Sisipho has a strong head on her shoulders and we will be looking out for her in the next few years!