International Virtual Exchange Program with The Goal

After a month of planning, students from PS4L successfully participated in a virtual exchange program with students from The Goal (an organization that uses sports and education to develop the community; it is based in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa). The virtual exchange was between five participants from each organization; ages ranged from 10 to 16 years old. Hosting the video conference to make it student-friendly while helping in translation when needed was PS4L student, Fatima Ashraf, who is fluent in both English and Arabic.

The virtual exchange began with an ice-breaker round, where each student had an opportunity to introduce themselves (saying their name, age, hobby or talent, a personality trait, and favorite food). After introducing themselves, each student had 3 minutes to talk about the chosen theme of the virtual exchange, which was their 'favorite place'.  The students learned about each other's favorite place in their home country as well as places they would like to visit in the future. At the end of the exchange, there was a twenty minute break where students could freely ask each other questions. It was an interactive exchange with students freely asking questions, showcasing their confidence and eagerness in learning about a different culture as well as learning some words in the Arabic language.  It was a new and fruitful experience for them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We thank NGOs streetfootball and Urban Initiatives for organizing the International Virtual Exchange Program between PS4L and The Goal.