This program on FUSION (www.fusion.net is part of the Fusion Media Group, a division of Univision Communications Inc.) will document the personal journey of five girls from the inaugural graduating class of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Airing on Sunday, January 15 at 8:00 PM, the stories showcased personify how access to education can empower young women and girls all over the world to do incredible things.Â
Viewers will get a one-of-a-kind experience as host Kimberly Brooks – a former Harpo staffer and now Fusion correspondent – sits down with inspiring television host and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey, to discuss a wide range of topics, including: Why Oprah started the Academy, what Oprah’s relationships are like with the girls who attended the Academy and why Oprah chose Kim to visit the school with her almost a decade ago.
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Each of the stories showcased personifies how education can empower young women and girls all over the world to do incredible things. While access to education has enriched the lives of the young women who graduated from the Leadership Academy, the documentary also delves into the challenges that come along with such a life-altering opportunity.
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In an interview, Winfrey notes that on average many of the girls had experienced six major life traumas before even coming to the Academy – from violence and sexual abuse to dealing with the deaths of several family members. Kimberly Brooks talks with OWLAG graduates Bongeka, Thando, Charmain, Debra and Mpumi about dealing with those traumas at a young age, as well as the personal pressure to succeed after life at the Academy and the challenge of balancing their lives in the U.S. with their South African roots.
