Ashton International College Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, proudly celebrates the achievements of Jess Abery and Kai Poonasamy, both Form 3 students, who were selected as two of only eight South Africans to participate in the prestigious U.S. Youth Ambassadors AfriProgram 2026.
This transformative three‑week programme united 70 students from across sub‑Saharan Africa. Jess and Kai travelled to New York, Vermont, Alabama, and Washington D.C., engaging with community leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, and nonprofit professionals. Their journey included leadership workshops, cultural exploration, and immersion in American history.
They experienced university life firsthand at the University of Alabama and Pratt Institute in New York, while also staying with host families and building lasting friendships with fellow Youth Ambassadors.
Now proud members of the U.S. Department of State Youth Ambassadors Alumni Network, Jess and Kai will carry forward their learning by implementing innovative Capstone Projects to address pressing challenges in their communities.
Congratulations, Jess and Kai! Your dedication to creating positive change embodies the very best of the Ashton International College Ballito spirit. We are immensely proud of you for representing both South Africa and Ashton International College with distinction.
Photos supplied
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