Travel Experience

SUMMER 2010 - JOURNEY TO SOUTH AFRICA

Eight XOL Ambassadors embarked on an adventure of a lifetime to South Africa during the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup. We believe that travel is an important vehicle to literally show our girls that "the world is their oyster". For foster youth – most of whom have never been on a plane or travelled outside of Washington DC--a journey to an international destination is eye opening and life changing.

The World Cup games served as a backdrop to a broader cultural, social and community service oriented experience in an amazing country. Our girls interacted with similarly situated teens; served youth at a Soweto school; and were guests of honor at the home of the US Ambassador. They saw the challenges that others endure and overcome—and experienced a spirit of generosity and hospitality that transcended material wealth.

BET International (a subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television), chronicled the girls' journey in a documentary entitled; Extra-Ordinary Life: Journey to South Africa, that has aired in 54 countries (Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the United States). During National Adoption month (in November) the documentary was enjoyed by 750+ members of the community at a free screening at the Lincoln Theater (Washington DC), due to a generous grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Casey Family Programs.

It was a beautiful sunny day as we gathered in the penthouse of the Bank of America building overlooking the White House. Family, friends, the foster care advocacy community and XOL supporters gathered to meet and celebrate the XOL Ambassadors and bid them farewell as the journey to South Africa was five days away. The girls felt so special as they received farewell remarks from Mayor Adrian Fenty, Barbara Harrison (NBC 4/ and founder of “Wednesday’s Child”), Senator Roland Burris, Dr. Roque Gerald (Director, DC Child and Family Services) and Judge Jackson, one of the many family court judges that attended the event. Additionally, our generous sponsors surprised the young ladies with travel gifts including luggage, computers, gift certificates, cameras, journals, and more.

MAY 22, 1010 - Preparing for the Trip National Museum of African Art Smithsonian Institution
Travel, Culture and Etiquette Workshop

Eight talented teens were selected via a competitive process to become XOL Ambassadors and travel on our inaugural journey to South Africa! One of the young ladies was born outside the United States – whereas the others have never traveled outside the country. XOL wants the girls to see and feel the energy of this historic event—the first World Cup to be held on the continent of Africa. However, the games are the backdrop to a broader in-country learning experience that includes a community service project and cultural, educational, and social activities. An event of this magnitude will surely not be forgotten by the participants or their families!