OPRAH WINFREY - WINFREY DENIES SCHOOL IS TOO STRICT

OPRAH WINFREY has denied allegations her newly-founded school in South Africa is too strict - insisting it provides students with a "safe" and "structured" environment to learn in. The media mogul set up the $40 million (GBP20.4 million) Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in January (07) in the small town of Henley-on-Klip, south of Johannesburg, with the aim to give 152 girls from deprived backgrounds a high quality education. But parents have recently (MAR07) complained of the rigid rules and regulations which prevent the girls from using mobile phones and sending emails during the week. They have also been banned from bringing food in for the girls and can only visit if they are approved by staff at least two weeks in advance, according to TMZ.com. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation has dismissed these allegations, stating that while parents are discouraged from buying the students junk food, they are not prohibited. A statement released by the Foundation says, "Our goal is to protect the health, welfare and well-being of the students at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. As with other boarding schools, we provide a structured, safe and nurturing environment in which the girls can learn and develop."