If each individual worked on what "they" could do to better themselves & their community rather than expending energy speaking of what others should do - the world would be a better place ...

Instead -

We watch football games on television and criticize what decisions the coach has made ....

We read tabloids about celebrities and we become the authority on their character & personality.

We rush out looking to become famous & rich . ..
We feed our egos with Botox, Diesel, Prada, and I-Pods ...

Yet - other than flapping our lips and drowning ourselves in vanity - most of us have done very little to assist in creating a better world

Oprah - thank you again for stepping up to the plate.
http://aidslifecycle.typepad.com/alc5tony/2006/11/a_thank_you_to_.html

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
tony
http://ynottony.com

tony eason, san francisco, USA / California

Nobody tells us how to spend our hard earned money. What is the problem if Oprah does the same? Spend her hard earned money where, how and when she feels best.
And at the end of the day, the money is going towards charitable causes and helping the underprivilaged. Should she put out an interview form to the public ... "How should I spend my money"? NO I don't think so.
We could never please everyone so we have to do what we think is right. And that is exactly what Oprah is doing.That is exactly what each and everyone of us is doing.

Annie, Brooklyn, New York

I think Oprah is doing a fine job in deciding where, when and how she wants to spend her money. After all whose hard earned money is it.
Who tells us how to spend our money?
At the end of the day, Oprah's money is going to a worthy cause and saving lives along the way.
Isn't that what charity is all about?

Annie, Brooklyn, New York

Dear Oprah, I think that you are fantastic in the way that you care for those children in South Africa.May your good work continue as you strive to improve the underprivileged children of this world.You are using the talents that The Good Lord of heaven gave to you in order to improve this world, there is not a doubt in my mind that you have a very big heart, by the way that you share your wealth with those in need.IT is people like you that make it possible for others to also have a go in life What impresses me the most is that you help all people and not only a certain group, I guess what I am trying to say is that you are not racialistic at all.You are in my eyes an outstanding Lady; and that history will know you for that.

Graham & Merryl, Dubbo, Australia

I think Ms Winfrey is a wonderful person. It's very sad that so many people are jealous of her success (and her money). Many of you seem to hold it against her that she is helping people in Africa. You say "charity love starts at home then spreads abroad" what do you think she's been doing with her talk show for more than 20 years? I litteraly grew up watching the Oprah Winfrey show and I can tell you that what she does every day helps countless of people in the States and abroad - helping people doesn't always require a check - Food for the soul also really counts...
My heart goes to Ms Winfrey, she will get through this just like she has gone through many things before.

Peggy, Montreal, Quebec Canada

It is so narrow minded and ignorant to rant about Opra helping another country. And who was it that compared Philidelphia with South Africa? Maybe you should take a trip over there my friend and compare these two places in person, because you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. America does indeed have all the necesary tools to be sucessful and there are many personal stories of people coming from nothing in this country and rising to the top because of perseverance, dedication and good old American benefits. Other countries do not have a tenth of the opportunity that is available here. I appluade Oprah for seeing past her own backyard and doing something worthwhile for those girls in South Africa. We are all people, no matter what continent you live on and we should all be focused on that fact. Why does it matter in what country someone is being charitable?

Tarryn, Boca Raton, usa

@Allen

What are you doing about education in US public school system? When was the last time you volunteered or got INVOLVED with an inner city school? WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HELP THOSE FOLKS OUT IN PHILADELPHIA?!! How much money have you donated to address the problem? Stop looking at Oprah to fix American schools that's not her job. Why don't you look at US parents and US government for starters. I guess you want her to also cure Cancer!

Oprah has already given MILLIONS of dollars to public schools in the US and historically black colleges. I'm on the East Coast. She gave Baltimore Public Schools millions of dollars. Guess what? They squandered it and used the funds extremely inappropriately. She's sent many kids to college on her dime and some of them have interned at her show. My cousin is one of them! She's not saint NOT by a long shot. But she does her best.

Madison, Washington, DC

As far as I can say, from a poor citizens viewpoint in another poor semi-developed society-India, is that this is another example where some famous person displays expresses very noble intentions in a grandiose public display,spends some money (equal to the cost of a small advertisement campaign),takes huge credit (and many tax breaks maybe) but fails miserably in investing the same effort a developed country institution makes in maintaining standards and achieving the goal or target set for itself. The publicity gained initially is all that is aimed for and not the hard work over many long years of time that goes into making a success of any endeavor. It is surprising that Oprah thinks a weekend visit is sufficient to rectify abuse by authority figures she herself had approved in the first place. It is time do-gooders with money just lent it to poor people who are smart enough to use it for their long term benefit most efficiently.

John Francis, Bombay, India

People need to realize how prevalent sexual abuse is in Africa and how much of a stigma is attached to it. Many kids don't even speak out about it because of "respect" for their elders. I have lived in Africa and I know that no matter how well you monitor kids and how tight your security is, these things still happen.

Lastly, get over the fact that she chose to do this in Africa! I know that there are people in America that are in need but education is FREE here and kids (with support from their PARENTS) have wonderful opportunities because they are born in this country! It is NOT that way in Africa.

As for the person who said "Charity begins at home", does that mean we shouldn't go to the ends of the earth with our charity as well? Oprah hasn't built a school in America but she has given so much to a variety of different groups in the States that I find the use of this proverb ludicrous.

K Johnson, Ringgold, GA, USA

I believe the first problem is the blame that seems to be on Oprah for starting this school. Unfortunately problems like this arise everywhere and their shouldn't be critiquing of her and how she spends her money. In addition to building this school she has spent millions of dollars with America. She did a lot for the Hurrican Katrina tragedy among many other things. If she wants to spread her generousity throughout the world, why is that a problem?

Thi issue is that these girls may have been abused by someone who was trusted to care for them. Oprah knows exactly what these girls are going through from her own past. Let's all just hope for the best for these girls and that this situation doesn't keep other people from wanting to help out in the world or within their own country.

Kay, Las Vegas, NV

It is very difficult to hear that this controversy has beeen reported. I believe that Ms. Winfrey--has a very good heart and a excellent plan for educating the young women of South Africa. As is often the case when someone starts a good work; trouble is not to far from the doorstep. I will pray that justice is done and that this good work can continue.

Minister D, Highland, IN

Typical, a person so dead agaist abuse should find herself having to address this issue. Whilst 22 million is a healthy investment to secure the education of the girls who attend, the price of their integrity and well being is incalculable. To assume that someone fo such celebrity status would be capable of moniotring the performance of the school and it's staff is unrealistic. Whilst Oprah may have the best intentions at heart, the effects upon the children in question if the allegations are proven to be true would be catashtrphic. In short if a celebrity wants to make a diffrence then the celebirty life style they enjoy would need to be sacrificed otherwise, as in this case, their efforts could prove to be of more harm than good.

carolene thompson, london, england

Lets not be judgemental and provincial in our thinking about Miss Winfrey. But instead lets be judicious in our thinking and comments. Time is the ultimate litmus test as to the success or failuer of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. One incident does not define the validity of the school. Let the investigation continue. Truth will prevail. Miss. Winfrey obviously, and rightfully so, is concern about the safety of the students, faculity, staff and the image of the school. Remember, this school was designed and developed with certain criterion, goals, and objectives in mind. The school is in it's infancy stage. As with any new project, there will be birth and growing pains. Give Oprah a chance to address and rectify the problem, before condeming her and the entire project.

Leonarde, Bowie, Maryland

Give the woman a break!
I went to boarding school and know very well that these institutions can attract some serious weirdos - it is however, impossible to screen every member of staff. What Oprah Winfrey has done in building this school is brilliant, and she should be praised for it, not criticised. So what if it is not in the USA, I am sure she gives a lot of charity at home as well. The point is, she has put herself out there and is now therefore vulnerable - if anything goes srong with that school she will be blamed. Tough call for any other aspiring philanthopists - I hope it will not put them off.

Annika M-Stanley, Dashanbe, Tajikistan

“Mama Oprah?” Excuse me while I gag. Reality check: Oprah is not a saint – she is a very rich woman with a do-gooder image to maintain. The only reason she made the visit is to make sure her image wasn’t tarnished by allegations at her tax break, er, school.

Christine, Minneapolis, MN, USA

To Allan- Oprah intentionally chose Africa instead because she said that when Americans are given things they don't appreciate it and often waste it. She has researched Americans in poverty and knows how bleak the results of giving them money is. Give a wino money, they buy alcohol. Give a welfare mother money, it goes to her hairdressers, not to help the children.
Radelo, Boston, Mass USA

ok so dont give them money----just because you are born in this country does not mean you have a chance at being succesful..yes there is opportunity here but there is also circumstance--she didnt give the south african parents money she built the school.....why didnt she build the school here there is a historically all black womens college in greensboro nc that could use here expertise and guidance and money but she will not give it the school i south africa is not going to be blessed because a judeo-christian proverb says charity love starts at home then spreads abroad---

Charity at Home first, Atlanta,

To Allan- Oprah intentionally chose Africa instead because she said that when Americans are given things they don't appreciate it and often waste it. She has researched Americans in poverty and knows how bleak the results of giving them money is. Give a wino money, they buy alcohol. Give a welfare mother money, it goes to her hairdressers, not to help the children.

Radelo, Boston, Mass USA

Oprah has done pretty well,she is indeed a true African.I hope African leaders will learn a lesson or two from her.Instead of keeping all their stolen money in foreign bank accounts,they should give a thought to the less-priviledged.
Olaolu Olusina,Lagos,Nigeria.

OLAOLU OLUSINA, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Now this on top of all the other crimes at this "school". The place is being stripped bare of anything of value that can be removed. Not much learing going on in this sorry place!

O should invest a little time money and effort to help the black community of say, Philadelphia which looks as bad or worse than Johannesburg.

Allan, Bellevue, WA USA

I'm glad Oprah is investing in the future of South African women. And, it's good to see that she's actively involved in running the Academy. Too many people just throw money at a problem - as a tax right-off - and don't do the follow-up work.

Marita Teale, Surrey, U.K.

i would like to more about applying for my girl child except the monthly earnings; and further more to have your prospectus.

Noncedo, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

I feel that Oprah is a wonderful person for taking her time and spending her millions on this school, but sometimes no matter how hard you work to get things right one bad apple can spoil the whole basket. I have no doubt that Oprah will set things right in no time. The folks who are able to participate are grateful, I'm sure, for the opportunity she has provided, but the media is always going to be looking for bad things to report, that appears to be their job. It doesn't change the fact that she's a very generous and charitable woman and more people should emulate her.

James in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA

I wish I had £350 a month.

a. rogers, forlì, italy