ACE in South Africa 2025

13 ACE in South Africa participants spent three weeks in Cape Town, where they supported three local organizations: Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy, SEEDS Trust, and Ladles of Love. Through VUSA and SEEDS Trust’s education programs, the student-athletes engaged in lessons and activities with young children in Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDs) through songs, games, and stories. They also assisted with VUSA’s after-school programming, coaching soccer, rugby, field hockey, and more. With Ladles of Love, the team contributed to local food distribution initiatives. Together, the group contributed more than 884 hours of service across the three organizations.

The children we worked with embodied invaluable qualities – gratitude, resourcefulness, hospitality, and resilience. Someday, I hope to express those qualities in my life as effortlessly as they do in theirs.

– Ellie White, Duke Women’s Lacrosse

Beyond their project work, the ACE team explored South Africa’s history and culture, visiting Cape Point, Table Mountain, and the District 6 Museum. Before their departure, the team assisted in setting up for Ladles of Love’s Mandela Day celebration on July 18, a day honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service.

This trip showed me that the most meaningful impact often comes from conversations, from showing up with curiosity and kindness, and from genuinely getting to know the people around you.

-Ella Johns, Duke Women’s Cross Country + Track & Field