If anyone understands the pain and shame that comes from physical and sexual abuse, it is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey has put up her own money to catch predators, frequently speaks before legislators to appeal on behalf of children, and started a school for underprivileged girls in Africa. That’s why the news of alleged physical and sexual abuse in the past weeks at Oprah’s school for girls comes as an utter shock.
Allegations have come forth in Oprah’s school, The Leadership Academy for Girls that states that some of the women headmistresses inappropriately touched and beat the girls. One girl ran away from the school and told authorities of the abuse that was taking place. Oprah Winfrey has been horrified over the allegations and has publicly apologized to the parents of the girls who attend the school. She has also flown to South Africa several times in the past week to deal with the allegations.
There is no doubt that this comes as a devastating blow to Oprah. Oprah is to be commended for overseeing the problem first hand and for attending the school. One can only assume that if these allegations are proved true that Oprah is going to be overwhelmed with the reality of what happened to the girls that she has invested so much in.
Oprah has publicly apologized to both the students and their parents and has even gone so far as to give her home phone number and her email address to the students so that they may contact her at any time. News media is reporting that the parents do not blame Oprah Winfrey for the abuse; they feel that she truly cares for the children. Oprah even goes so far as calling the students of the all girl school her daughters.
So far, two headmistresses (or matrons as they are called) have been suspended and the principal of the school has been placed on paid administrative lead. The girls have stated that the principal did not act in their best interest and failed to do anything about the abuse.
It should be of no surprise that Oprah would visit the school and address the girls’ needs on such a personal level. She has also hired a special team of American investigators, as well as a team from South Africa, who will investigate the allegations. Oprah has also made available professional psychological services to assist the young girls through the trauma and abuse that they had endured.
Many people are voicing their opinions stating that they think that Oprah will try to cover up any allegations due to the fact that she has the money to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.
I disagree completely. I don’t think there is any subject that Oprah is more passionate about, than the safety and well being of children. I believe that if the allegations are proved true, Oprah will see to it that the children who were involved will be made financial restitution and there will be no cover-ups taking place. I believe Oprah will make sure that the perpetrators will never be in a position to harm children again.
Appreciate the article, could be even better if you were more objective in your writing. Good work otherwise
Comment by sdfsasd — November 5, 2007 @ 8:49 pm