PeacePlayers Global Exchange: 10 Life Changing Days in One Blog Post
october 1, 2024
SHARE
The 2024 Global Exchange, hosted by PeacePlayers South Africa, was an incredible success, marking a historic moment for our organization. For the first time, PeacePlayers youth leaders from around the world came together in South Africa, the first-ever PeacePlayers site, to share in this life-changing experience. The sixteen participants from the United States participated through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Sports Visitor Program.
Participants developed a deep appreciation and connection with the people, culture, and history of South Africa, gaining a heightened understanding of what it truly means to be a PeacePlayer. These young leaders returned home not only with unforgettable memories but also with a renewed commitment to using the power of sport to unite and inspire their communities.
To get a feel for the energy and full impact of the exchange, check out the additional highlights below.
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site Visit
Young people from Northern Ireland, the United States and South Africa pondered the notion of freedom when they visited the site where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 for fighting apartheid. At the Capture Site museum, they learned about the history of oppression in South Africa and the fight for freedom and equality for all. It’s hard to describe how meaningful it was to be able to experience this together.
Nelson Mandela Day Social Action Project
Coaching in the Community
Our participants put their leadership skills to use by coaching the next generation of PeacePlayers at South Africa partner schools, Sukuma Primary and Bhekaphambili. At Sukuma, school children greeted the Exchange team with Zulu and Indian dances, and amagwijo singing on the side line during the session. After the seriously impressive welcome, Global Exchange youth coached a basketball practice for the kids, ALL ON THEIR OWN!
"One of the highlights of the program has been the opportunity that some of the young people have had to coach local primary school students. Being able to go into a school with young people from a different county and do an amazing job of representing PeacePlayers and teaching them basketball skills makes us so proud" - Jasmine Cooper, Director of PeacePlayers Detroit
38th City-Wide Tournament
Global Exchange members volunteered and competed at the City-Wide Tournament (CWT) at Hoy Park, an annual event that brings together hundreds of children from across the greater Durban area for a high-energy day of basketball and community building. This year was especially significant as, for the first time in PeacePlayers’ 23-year history, we hosted Leadership Development Program (LDP) participants from PeacePlayers Global sites at the CWT. We had 550 participants, 100 volunteers, and 30 Global Exchange members taking part.
This mid-year CWT featured youth playing in mixed, co-ed teams with players from different schools throughout the day, further facilitating interaction while promoting gender equity and social cohesion through competitive basketball games.
Media Coverage
Above: Nasiphi Khafu, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, is interviewed on SABC News
Left: Above: PeacePlayers Global Exchange is featured in Berea Mail SA, page 10 of the August 2nd issue.
Keynote Address by U.S. Consul General Josie Ratcliffe
We had the immense privilege of hosting U.S. Consul General Josie Ratcliffe, who delivered a keynote address at our Opening Ceremony and attended the City Wide Tournament.
"Our South African cohort can tell you, in South Africa -- sport is more than just a pastime; it's a crucial element of the national identity. I am excited to see how PeacePlayers South Africa leverages this by using a more emerging sport in South Africa like basketball to bridge divides and develop leaders in communities affected by inequality and violence." - Consul General, Josie Ratcliffe
Thank you to our Partners!
Thank you to George Khoza and Mokgadi Masenya from Brand SA, as well as Miss Earth South Africa, Zabelo Hlabisa, who joined us throughout the week!
