ACE in South Africa 2023

 

Student-athletes partnered with three organizations focused on self-empowerment and sustainable development projects in communities around Cape Town.

“Through this ACE experience, I came to understand that service is not just about giving but also about receiving – receiving the gift of perspective and understanding.”

– Jaden Abas, Stanford Wrestling

With Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy, students supported two Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers with teaching English to over 60 students three times a week as well as helping coach 30 youth at Vusa’s afterschool sports program. At Bluemoon, they assisted with refurbishing a children’s library located in Vrygrond. And finally at Ladles of Love, they volunteered at the sandwich hub making over 1000 sandwiches for distribution and working at an urban garden to promote sustainable agriculture in the community.

My time as a member of the ACE in South Africa team was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to interact with so many incredible individuals whether they were fellow student-athletes, other community volunteers, or members of the townships. Each gave me a deeper understanding of the community and a greater appreciation for the life I have been given.

– Rory Cavan, Duke Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field

Highlights of the program included learning more about the history of Apartheid through trips to Robben Island and the District 6 Museum as well as the unique environmental features of the area by visiting Table Mountain and going on a Cape Point Peninsula tour. Student-athletes also participated in Xhosa language lessons and a Cape Malay cooking class.