Revived Lions exchange project excites Umkomaas woman

A young Umkomaas woman is bursting with excitement as she prepares to leave the country for the first time as a Lions Club exchange student. Sharon Ngcobo (20) was the perfect candidate when Amanzimtoti Lions decided to resurrect the Youth Camp and Exchange Programme (YCE).

They sent out a plea for suitable candidates earlier in the year and Sharon was shortlisted for an interview to see if she fulfilled the requirements. “I met (Lions district governor) Ken Toward who told me about Lions and I met with (Amanzimtoti Lions president) Karin Preston, who interviewed me,” said the bubbly woman.

Sharon was born in Umkomaas and did her schooling at Naidoo Memorial Primary School and Umkomaas Secondary School. “One of the main criteria was we wanted a local whose life would be changed by this experience. Sharon ticked all the boxes. She hasn’t experienced life outside of Umkomaas. She will benefit from what we are doing,” said Ken, who was instrumental in reviving the defunct exchange programme.

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As a YCE participant, Sharon will live with a Mexican exchange student and her host family in Meer Hoogstraten, Belgium, which is close to the Holland border from 6 to 21 July. From 22 July to 1 August she will participate in a youth camp with other exchange students from 35 different nationalities at the Eyserhof in the hills of southern Holland.

“This will be my first time away from home, my first time leaving the province and South Africa, and my first time in a plane. I am beyond excited. I have never even met a Mexican person before. I have read up on where I am going and seen photos, and I’m happy to be going in Summer. I really look forward to the youth camp.”

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To look her best overseas, Sharon has been sponsored new clothes worth R2,500 and 300 Euros in spending money from Power Fashion Factory in Durban. All her other expenses have been taken care of by Amanzimtoti Lions.

“Sharon is the first outgoing exchange student in 20 years,” said Ken. “We will continue to do this on a annual basis. It is an awesome experience for anyone, beyond belief.” To be considered for next year’s selection or to find out more about the programme, call Ken on 083-460-9226.