Following is the text of my keynote address that I delivered at the AYSA launch:

Hi, I’m Sasha Minsky, and I’m an 11th grader at the Potomac School, which is located just outside of Washington, DC. My high school, much like King David Linksfield, is oriented on service learning … which is why I’m committed to finding a meaningful way to help others.

I’ve spent the past 3 years on a project I call “Uplift thru Sport,” which started back in 2019 with the collection of pre-loved baseball equipment for the Alex baseball club. Yesterday, I had a chance to practice with many of the kids who received our equipment back then, and this time I delivered jerseys supplied by the Pittsburgh Pirates, a major league baseball team.

Starting in 2020, I began working to expand our reach beyond baseball by creating the concept of the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy.  And today – thanks to everyone who’s been involved – it’s unbelievable to think that this concept is becoming a reality.

My initial effort involved raising nearly $25,000 to purchase swim equipment for 200 kids – much of which you see on the stage here. As challenging as that was, it took extra effort to package everything, convince United Airlines to put twelve 60-pound boxes on its plane, and ultimately, get everything through South African customs.

But nothing prepared me for what I’ve experienced since arriving in South Africa a week ago. I now have an even greater understanding of the following two points: First, how serious is the problem we’re addressing; and second, how fortunate are we to have such a talented group working together to address this problem.

On the first point — how serious is the problem – the statistics are clear. Drowning is among the main causes of death in South Africa – claiming 4 people, on average, every day … or nearly 1,500 people per year.  90% of these drownings occur in low-income communities like Alex, and more than 30% of the victims are children under the age of 14. But these statistics don’t tell the entire story.  Seeing is believing.  It wasn’t until I stood on the bridge in Alex this past week, overlooking the Juksei river, that it hit me just how real the risk of drowning is here. This meandering river can be deadly to anyone who doesn’t know how to survive in water. Something must be done to avoid another mass drowning like the one that happened in December.

As for the second point – what a great group we’ve assembled – it became clear to me as I spent time with everyone that our Swim Academy has a chance to really make a difference and save lives. Let me take a moment to introduce our partners and highlight their contributions:

First, this project doesn’t happen without the vision of Linda Twala, the father of Alex, and the tireless efforts of his protégé, Lawrence Ruele. I’ll never forget when Baba Twala said during a Zoom call in 2020, “my dream is to teach the kids of Alex to swim.” As a life-long swimmer, that was music to my ears. I’m fortunate to have experienced Alexandra this week through Baba Twala’s eyes and will forever be changed by his and Lawrence’s influence. They give public service new meaning to me.

Second, this project doesn’t happen without a pool, and there’s no better partner to fulfill this requirement than King David Linksfield. Not only is KDL generously providing use of their beautiful 8-lane pool, but they’re also ensuring the transportation of the Alex kids, which is key. Partnering with KDL was predestined, given their history working with Alex and the kind-hearted nature of EVERYONE at this amazing school. Big thanks to Principal Srage, Jodi, Kirsty, Coach Jaden, Joden, and all the students who welcomed me with open arms this past week. Also, thanks to Rabbi Seeff and Anthony Glazer for their support.

Third, this project doesn’t happen without a swim curriculum and certified instructors that are being provided by Aquatics Gauteng, which is affiliated with Swimming South Africa. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Anton Jordaan, president of Aquatics Gauteng, personally involved. His ‘buttoned-up’ curriculum, which will take our swimmers first through water safety and then through learn-to-swim, is the product of collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. We’re definitely in good hands.

And finally, it goes without saying, this project doesn’t happen without kids, and Afrika Tikkun is the critical component in bringing much needed professionalism and support toward organizing the kids who will participate in our program. I had the opportunity to spend time this past week at Afrika Tikkun’s Phuthaditjhaba in Alex, as well as at one of their transformative agriculture facilities in Diepsloot, and I was impressed beyond words. We’re fortunate that Marc Lubner, Afrika Tikkun’s CEO, has embraced our program and  provided us support from his world-class staff, including Agnes, Thomas, James, Kevin, Taina and others.

The beauty of our program is that everyone involved shares Baba Twala’s initial vision.  Each party needs and depends on the other, and it’s this SYMBIOTIC relationship that will serve to keep us going throughout the summer and beyond.