From South Africa to San Marcos: Connecting Youth Across Continents
There is something transformative about stepping foot in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The shock of the cold, the instinct to jump out, and the quiet realization of how vast the world truly is as you gaze out to the horizon that never seems to end. For Club kids Lavendar, Onwabile, Yonganini and Mangaliso, this moment marked one of many meaningful “firsts” that came to life during a journey that was years in the making – one that began 10,300 miles away.
This past December, four youth and two staff members, Sonto Ngubane and Boitumelo Ramasodi, from the Boys & Girls Club of South Africa spent 12 amazing days in Southern California, thanks to the support of the Pacific Youth Foundation, as part of an initiative to build international friendship among Club youth.
BGCSM was honored to host the South Africa group for the first week of their trip.
Alongside Sarah Young-Sheppard from the Social Emotional Wellness Initiative, the Club designed a full itinerary showcasing the best of the region. The youth spent a sun-filled day at the beach in Carlsbad, and for the first time ever rode bicycles. They explored the San Diego Zoo – and marveled at animals they have never seen before like the polar bears, pandas, gorillas and koalas. They took in the sights of Coronado and even tried tacos for the first time at Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista, a group favorite.
With their visit happening over the holidays, they even experienced the magical wonder of seeing the impressive lights and festive decorations of Candy Cane Lane in Poway. One night at the Club, the group enjoyed a homemade Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the traditional fixings.
After their adventure-filled days, the team was able to rest and refresh at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in San Marcos – perfectly located just one block from the Club’s main Clubhouse. The hotel generously provided accommodations at no-cost to the group, ensuring our youth and staff had a comfortable place to recharge each evening and that their modest budget was able to stretch even further during their stay.
Among their favorite experiences of the week for the youth was a special Leaders-in-Training (LIT) summit at the Club’s Teen Center, where they connected with LIT teens from across the region including, Boys & Girls Clubs of Whittier and Pico Rivera, Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City and Boys & Girls Club of Fontana.
“I will never forget the teen day because it helped us get to know each other’s personalities, interests and skills, and also allowed me to learn about many different Clubs,” Onwabile shared.
Lavendar reflected on the similarities they found despite the distance: “Even if we’re from different places, we have so much in common...We think of the same things and laugh at the same jokes.”
This exchange carried special significance for two of our own teens, Dean and Isa, who had the opportunity to visit the Boys & Girls Club of South Africa in the summer of 2024 as part of service trip. Now serving as the hosts, the pair joined the South African youth for a day trip to Disneyland, enjoying one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations together. Their shared experiences created a full-circle moment of connection and friendship.
“Two years ago, I got the chance to learn and explore all there was to offer in South Africa in both the cultural and tourist aspects,” said Isa. “Now that they’ve had a chance to experience what it’s like over here, we have a kinship coming from both perspectives. It’s comforting knowing that there are others who understand what it’s like to be changed by this opportunity.”
At their core, Boys & Girls Clubs are about creating spaces where young people can connect, learn and grow – and sometimes, that space stretches across an ocean. When youth and teens are given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and build relationships across communities and cultures, they gain more than just memories; they gain perspective, confidence and a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. That is the lasting impact of connection – and the promise Boys & Girls Clubs work every day to fulfill.
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