The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls officially opened in a small town south of Johannesburg Tuesday with such stars as Sidney  Poitier, Tina Turner and Mary J. Blige among the star-studded crowd in attendance.

Located in Henley-on-Klip, the $40 million facility houses 152 students from poor backgrounds and fulfills a promise she made to former President Nelson Mandela six years ago to help educate South Africa's young girls - which would in turn, help transform their nation.

"I wanted to give this opportunity to girls who had a light so bright that not even poverty could dim that light," Winfrey said at a news conference. "I know that this academy will change the trajectory of these girls' lives. They will excel and pass their excellence on to their families, their nation, and our world."

Winfrey's Academy is not without its critics, who would rather see the wealthy television personality build similar schools on American soil to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of this country.  Addressing the criticism in the latest issue of Newsweek, Winfrey says children in America's urban areas don't appreciate the value of an education as much as young people in South Africa.

"I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there," she said. "If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school."

The 22-acre Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls has taken more than five years to build, and was born out of a conversation between Winfrey and Mandela in 2000. Mandela reportedly told the talk show host, "You should build a school here."

Winfrey, who has donated millions of dollars to education in America through the Oprah Winfrey Scholars program, said she decided to build the academy in South Africa rather than the United States out of love and respect for Mandela and because of her own African roots.

"This is a lady that has, despite her own disadvantagedbackground, become one of the benefactors of the disadvantaged throughout the world," read a statement from Mandela, who was also in attendance at Tuesday's opening. "Oprah is not only investing in a few young individuals, but in the future of our country. We are indebted to her for her selfless efforts."

Some critics have also questioned the need for including among the school's 28 buildings a yoga studio, beauty salon and other luxuries.

"I understand that many ...feel that I'm going overboard, and that's fine," Winfrey told Newsweek. "This is what I want to do. I wanted to take girls with that 'it' quality and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the world."

The campus also boasts computer and science laboratories, a library and theater along with a wellness center.

Winfrey continued to reject notions that her school is elitist and unnecessarily luxurious during Tuesday's ceremony, stating: "If you are surrounded by beautiful things and wonderful teachers who inspire you, that beauty brings out the beauty in you."

Winfrey's academy accepted 152 girls ages 11 and 12 from 3,500 applications received from across the country. To qualify, the applicants had to show both academic and leadership potential and have a household income of no more than $787 a month. Eventually the academy will accommodate 450 girls.

By educating girls, Winfrey said she hoped she could help "change the face of a nation."

"Girls who are educated are less likely to get HIV/AIDS, and in this country which has such a pandemic, we have to begin to change the pandemic," she said.

Winfrey said she planned a second school for boys and girls in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. Winfrey also announced plans to build a home for herself on 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," she said.