The result was a far cry from the grim state-funded schools, especially in the sprawling townships that sprang up under white racist rule, which are hopelessly overcrowded and lack even basic facilities like books. They are also plagued by gang violence, drugs and a high rate of pregnancy among school girls.

Despite government efforts to improve the school system, the education department said last week that two-thirds of the 1,667,000 children who started school 12 years ago dropped out, and only five percent of the total intake did well enough in their studies to be eligible to go to university. The class started in 1994, the year of the country's first multiracial elections, and its members were dubbed "Madiba's Children" after the clan name for Mandela, who came to power with the onset of democracy.

Winfrey selected the 11- to 12-year-old girls from 3,500 applications across the country. To qualify, they had to show both academic and leadership potential and have a household income of no more than 5,000 rands (US$787; euro600) a month.

"I went to their homes. I met their teachers and their parents. I know all of them by name. Their story is my story," she declared.

Winfrey, who is childless, said she was building a home for herself on the campus to spend time with the girls and be involved in their education.

"I love these girls with every part of my being. I didn't know you could feel this way about other people's children."

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