On Mon., Jan 14, longtime Nobles friend Thulani Madondo and 11 South African teenagers and young adults from the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) stood on the Assembly stage as the community welcomed them with warm smiles and resounding applause. The group is here for a two-week visit, during which they will stay with Nobles host families, spend time in classes and experience student life. They will also perform a special dance presentation, both at Nobles and at several other area schools.
Nobles has traveled to Soweto, South Africa many times over the past decade, each time strengthening the connection with KYP. Although Madondo—executive director of KYP and one of CNN's "2012 Heroes of the Year"—has visited Nobles several times, this marks the first time KYP youth have come to campus.