Alexandra is a high school student at St Ignatius of Loyola, Oakville.  She joined the VACorps program in June 2020 and participated in a remote internship at a local NGO that that empowers and improves the lives of girls from vulnerable communities through football. 

“I have just finished my remote internship where I was working on putting together a sports program design for a group of underprivileged girls based in South Africa. Although I would have liked to visit Cape Town in person, I have still been able to meet some incredible people and truly experience the South African culture within the comfort of my own home. I feel I have made a difference in these girls’ lives whilst they have changed mine. Some goals I had before starting this internship were to meet new people, complete my soccer program in its entirety, and help these girls. I feel I have reached all of my goals and am not left with any regrets or unfinished business!

While participating in fun cultural workshops and weekly buddy chats with my new friend in South Africa, I was able to learn and experience as much of South Africa as possible remotely. The buddy chats were always the highlight of my week and are something I will truly miss. This experience has helped me gain perspective, think creatively, and explore my interests. I have had a great experience with VACorps from the very beginning of my program and can’t wait to visit South Africa in the near future!”