By Mr Lee
Mbyana ya Mahungu
A young volunteer from Alexandra, Katlego Mokalake, is back home after an inspiring week-long educational and cultural exchange in Washington, D.C., where he represented township youth as part of the Alexandra to America Scholarship.
The 16-year-old Grade 10 learner from Highlands North Boys High School joined an international exchange programme that ran from 23 September to 1 October 2025, aimed at empowering young people from under-resourced communities through global exposure and learning opportunities.
While in the United States, Katlego visited some of the country’s most iconic sites, including The White House, The Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum. He also spent time with learners from The Potomac School in Virginia, where he shared insights about life in Alexandra.
As part of the cultural exchange, Katlego and his chaperone, Lawrence Ruele, hosted an authentic South African braai for their American counterparts, serving local favourites and teaching them about South African traditions. The event ended with a “Lunchtime Conversation,” where learners from both countries shared stories about their upbringing and reflected on the lessons learned through the visit.
“This opportunity means more than just travel — it’s a chance to learn, to grow, and to show other young people from Alexandra that our dreams can reach beyond our community,” said Katlego. “I’m proud to represent where I come from.”
The Alexandra to America Scholarship was created by Dasha Minsky, a senior student at The Potomac School and founder of Uplift Thru Art, a programme run in partnership with the Afrika Tikkun Foundation. The initiative provides art materials and creative support to children at Phuthaditjaba Centre in Alexandra.
Minsky said her first-hand experience volunteering in Alexandra inspired her to create the scholarship.
> “Working in Alexandra gave me a new perspective on the world,” she said. “I wanted to give young people there the same opportunity to explore, learn, and see the world from a different lens.”
Her efforts were supported by the Lingham Foundation, which helped bring the vision to life.
Community leader Lawrence Ruele, who accompanied Katlego on the trip, said the experience has the power to transform lives.
“When young people from Alexandra are given the chance to learn beyond their borders, they return home with confidence, perspective, and purpose,” Ruele said. “This trip will inspire not only Katlego but many others who see what’s possible when communities work together.”
Back home, Katlego continues to serve his community. He volunteers at Phuthaditjaba Care of the Aged, the Kacev Family Library, and the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy, helping distribute food, assist with swimming lessons, and even DJ at local events. His dedication earned him a Gold Certificate of Appreciation from community philanthropist Linda Twala.
Ruele, meanwhile, continues to dedicate his time to uplifting Alexandra through community projects that promote reading, education, and youth development.
“Katlego’s journey shows that talent and determination can come from anywhere,” said Ruele. “All young people need is opportunity — and belief.”
