Building a Dream:
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy

ABC, Monday, February 26 , 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT and
Saturday, March 3, 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT

This year, Oprah Winfrey opened a Leadership Academy for some of the poorest and brightest girls in South Africa who showed leadership potential. Oprah believes that it is only through education that South Africans will build a brighter future for themselves and their country.

Oprah Winfrey would like to invite you and your students to follow these special 7th and 8th grade students on their journey as they leave their homes and families to meet new friends, test their skills, and face unexpected challenges with the hope that they'll be invited to attend the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls-South Africa.

For Your Classroom

Let Building a Dream: The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy open your students' eyes to the lives of students in South Africa. Encourage them to watch this special primetime event with their family and friends. Then, lead your students through a meaningful conversation following the program.

1. What did you learn about education in South Africa? What were some of the obstacles students like Zodwa and Mahlatse faced every day just to attend school? How would you feel in their situation?
   • Facts to share: In the United States, the government provides all children with a free education and requires them to attend school. Some of the smartest South African children from disadvantaged and dangerous communities do not have the opportunity to go to school. Their families cannot afford to send them because of the cost of required uniforms and annual school fees.
   
   
   
2. Do you know how many South African women between the ages of 15 and 24 can't read?
   
   

   1 in 5

   1 in 10

   1 in 20

   
   
   
   • Facts to share: Almost 1 in 10 South African women between the ages of 15 and 24 can't read because they have not been able to attend school. When girls learn to read, they are empowered to improve their lives and the lives of their children.
   • Follow-up: What does an education mean to girls like Lesego and Thando? What do they hope to achieve for themselves and their country? How are they similar or different from the dreams you have?
   
   
   
3. What did you learn about AIDS/HIV in South Africa? What does it mean for the future of South Africa?
   • Facts to share: In 2005, 5.5 million South Africans were living with HIV/AIDS. An estimated 18.8 percent of adults ages 15 to 49-the generation responsible for raising children, running government, working for and owning businesses-were living with HIV. That's almost 1 out of 20 adults.
   
   
   
4. Ask your students to write a letter to Oprah and the girls about their dreams for the future. What would they do to make the world a better place? How will they be a leader in their own lives? What are their hopes for the girls attending the Leadership Academy?

For more discussion questions and ideas for your classroom, visit www.oprah.com/presents/2007/academy/kids/kids_questions.jhtml.