KROONSTAD – A 16-year-old learner of the Trio High School in Kroonstad has been selected from more than 5 000 learners across South Africa to represent the country in an international exchange programme in Brazil.

Mosa Mokalobe was one of only three South African learners chosen for the AFS Intercultural Programs exchange, taking place from 4 to 31 July.

The global initiative brings together young people from different countries to develop leadership, intercultural understanding and also global citizenship. Her selection followed a national research competition organised by the AFS Academy.

Mosa’s project focused on the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals of zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, and good health and well-being. Growing up in a farming family inspired her choice of topic.

“I want to encourage families to start backyard food gardens so they can become more self-sufficient and less dependent on supermarkets,” Mosa says.

“Food security is important to me because I help on our family farm, where we grow crops and care for poultry and pigs.”

Mosa has already distinguished herself in other fields. She previously represented the Free State at the South African Junior Closed Chess Championships in Rustenburg, North West. Although she has not yet decided on a career, she hopes to pursue a profession that makes use of her passion for mathematics.

“I would like to become either a chartered accountant or an actuary,” she says.

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae congratulated Mosa on her achievement, saying she was confident the young learner would represent both the province and South Africa with distinction.

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international non-profit organisation (NPO) that offers educational exchange programmes aimed at equipping youths with the skills and understanding to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.