LEARNING ABROAD • LEADING AT HOME
The Alexandra to America Scholarship gives exceptional students from Alexandra, South Africa, the opportunity to spend an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C., immersed in the city’s history, culture, and everyday life. Through visits to government institutions, museums, and famous landmarks that have shaped our nation’s story, the program offers a powerful introduction to the ideals and complexities of American democracy. As the scholarship’s founder, I designed it to include engagement with my high school community, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange and shared learning. This initiative continues my service journey to uplift the youth of Alexandra, with the goal of broadening global perspectives and inspiring students to bring those insights back home. Success will ultimately be measured by how participants turn what they’ve learned into action and opportunity for others.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Katlego Mokalake
Katlego Mokalake is a dedicated 19 year-old volunteer who supports community initiatives such as Phuthaditjaba Care of the Aged, Kacev Family Library, and Alexandra Youth Swim Academy. Known for his reliability and compassion, he helps distribute food and blankets, teaches swimming, and DJs at community events. Katlego stands out for his perseverance and positive influence on the local youth, for which he’s been recognized by philanthropist Linda Twala with a Gold Certificate of Appreciation. Through his leadership and example to others, Katlego is committed to uplifting others.
Lawrence Ruele
Lawrence Ruele is a well-known community activist dedicated to uplifting his township. He founded the Kacev Family Library to teach underprivileged children reading and writing. He also leads the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy, where children are taught the life-saving skill of swimming. His deep commitment to education and holistic development shines through his actions. Lawrence also supports the elderly by building toilets and showers to preserve their dignity, provides them with meals and blankets, further showcasing his compassion and devotion to improving the lives of others.
Learning abroad
Washington, D.C., along with the surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs, proved to be the perfect setting to give our South African scholars a truly immersive experience. From the moment they landed after a 14-hour flight from Cape Town, we set out to make every day unforgettable – beginning with a restorative hike in Great Falls National Park and continuing nonstop for the next six days. Each activity offered something new and meaningful, with one highlight quickly giving way to the next. It’s hard to say which moment left the deepest impact — receiving a U.S. flag from my congressman that had been flown over the Capitol on September 11th, or watching five home runs soar out of Nationals Park during a baseball game. Click below to browse the archive of photos capturing each day’s experiences.
CONNECTIVITY • CULTURAL EXCHANGE
One of the highlights of our week together took place at The Potomac School on Friday, September 26, when my Adventure, Food & Travel club hosted an authentic South African braai followed by a “Lunchtime Conversation.” Ever since I began my work in Alexandra, I’ve hoped to build real connectivity between our communities through cultural exchange. Lawrence brought traditional South African spices, which we used to prepare boerewors sausage and chicken. Mrs. Ball’s chutney was a surprising favorite. Student turnout was much greater than expected. Afterward, we gathered in a classroom where Lawrence captivated students with vivid stories of life in Alexandra. During an engaging Q&A, he showcased his fluency in 9 of South Africa’s 11 official languages. We wrapped up with a spirited South African-style Kahoot game, awarding the winners male and female Zulu headdresses, which you can see from the pictures.
LEADING AT HOME
The true success of this scholarship program depends on what Lawrence and Katlego do once they return home, sharing their experiences and inspiring others in Alexandra. Lawrence has already begun this process by teaching his mentor, Baba Twala, known as the “father of Alex,” about the meaning behind folding the American flag. Below are links to interviews, articles, and videos from town meetings where they’ve started to spread their message.
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Sowing the seeds of a better tomorrow
Contact
Dasha Minsky
