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. SurviveHi, I’m Sasha Minsky, recent graduate of the Potomac School and class of ’28 at Harvard University. Please join me on my service journey to uplift the lives of the wonderful boys and girls of Alexandra, South Africa through greater exposure to organized sports. My journey began in September 2019 when I collected ‘pre-loved’ baseball equipment and donated it to the Alex baseball club. Over the next three years, I expanded my reach to combat drowning in the township and, by January 2023, we launched the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy. My sister, Dasha, is also actively involved.
people in 2.2 square miles
people drown per year
drownings occur in poor areas
drownings are children
The township of Alexandra is a vibrant but impoverished community in desperate need of support. Drowning, in particular, is one of the leading causes of death due to the frequent flooding of the Juksei river that cuts through the center of the township. By creating the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy, I’m committed to doing my part to introduce water safety to the children of Alexandra, since I believe that teaching them to swim should be a fundamental part of their upbringing.
Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s fun, but I am always ready for lessons. I enjoy wearing fins especially. They make me feel like a mermaid. I definitely want to keep swimming in high school.
I’m happy to learn how to swim. I enjoy being here and learning. I used to panic a lot before getting in the water. My heart would beat fast. I wish to one day be very good.
I’ve learnt a lot of things such as not littering in the pool and not holding back when it comes to swimming and diving.
It’s a great opportunity that we got given to learn how to swim. I have learnt a lot of things so far.
This is an amazing programme. Although I was taught at a young age, I see the importance of teaching the children of Alexandra. And it definitely is a skill that save lives.
Sometimes I feel so scared before getting in the water. Now I look forward to every lesson.
It’s a very good program. Especially for the children from a township like Alexandra. The challenges that we have in our country, with flooding and drownings, they will not only be able to rescue themselves, but also others. This gives them an opportunity that they wouldn’t have otherwise gotten.
I’m happy with this project as a lot of kids from the townships are not exposed to different activities such as swimming. We are glad to come and add what we know about water safety and imparting knowledge for the benefit of our kids.
The project really is going well. As a parent of one of the children in the programme, I think that the Sea Lions are doing an important job. I support the programme fully.
The project is very good especially as it relates to water safety. It’s a good initiative for black children as there’s a stigma around swimming. We are happy with the children, especially them being from Alexandra and from different backgrounds.
It’s a good project that is helping our children to protect their lives in the water. Also getting rid of the idea that swimming is a sport only for the white suburbian children. I would strongly recommend for as many parents in Alexandra to support the programme.
The project is very good. It helps our children to be off the streets, away from drugs and alcohol. I can definitely recommend that others join the project for the benefit of their future.
I am glad to be a part of the project. I’ve learnt a lot of new things and my swimming has improved.
I feel happy that I will be able to swim like the other children.
Join me in the race
to combat drowning
I’m Sasha Minsky, class of ‘24 from the
Potomac School in McLean, Virginia.
The children of Alexandra, South Africa are
drowning at an alarming rate, and I’m
committed to do something about this.
Please join me in the race to combat
drownings by teaching the boys and girls of Alexandra how to swim. It’s not just for fun, but for survival.
Join me in the race
to combat drowning
I’m Sasha Minsky, class of ‘24 from the
Potomac School in McLean, Virginia.
The children of Alexandra, South Africa are
drowning at an alarming rate, and I’m
committed to do something about this.
Please join me in the race to combat
drownings by teaching the boys and girls of Alexandra how to swim. It’s not just for fun, but for survival.
