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Parenting has been recognized as a full-time job for decades by parents as well as others who simply comprehend the life-long duty of responsibilities, and concerns which a parent takes on. From the moment of conception, a parent is born as they begin to prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for their journey in parenting. And through this journey of parenting, the true joy begins at birth. Once a child is born into the world it is an over-whelming emotion of joy, love, and happiness. And to say the least, it is a miracle.

There are many women in this world who understand the importance of a parent without ever having a child. Oprah Winfrey is a perfect example of one who understands the important role a parent has in a child's life. It is true that the world is who raises our children, and not just one or two persons. It's true that our teachers, doctors and nurses, priests, community leaders, etc. contribute to our childrens education, well-being, and happiness. She understands the needs for the child as well as the needs for a parent when it comes to raising a healthy and happy child, instilling good morals, a good education, a well balanced family environment, financial responsibilities, and so on. She also knows that due to her personal commitment to her television show "Oprah", it is best not to have any children. In doing so, she would be spreading herself too thin, and her child, herself, and the t.v. show would suffer as a result.

However, Oprah is the type of woman who holds the characteristics which a warm, loving, and caring mother would have. Because of those characteristics, naturally, she has found a way to allow herself to fill an important need in the world. A way to be a mother to children who have been less fortunate, who need her. That has been through the "Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls South Africa". It opened in the start of the year in 2007, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The academy received 3,500 applications, however, 152 Girls who are less fortunate between 11 and 13 years of age were accepted into the academy. "I love these girls with every part of my being. I didn't know you could feel this way about other people's children," she said.

In March of 2001, the academy suffered a tragedy when they encountering sexual violence and harassment. Like the many acts of violence we have here in the states which families experience much too often, Oprah was a mother of heart-break as well as

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