(University of Washington student Rebecca Alvy is in South Africa working at a high school as part of her studies, and with some assistance from the Seahawks has also been teaching the students how to play American-style football.)

By Rebecca Alvy
3/11/2008

Greetings from South Africa!

I don't even know where to begin, but let's just say that things are going better than I could ever imagine. I've started an after school flag football program at the high school that I'm working at and it is SOOOO AMAZING! There are so many things to tell you. Just to give you a little taste of what I have been doing:

The high school that I have been working at is called Isilamelah High School in a township called Langa. The townships are basically left over from apartheid that only ended in 1994. The townships are where the white government put the black people to keep them separate. They literally still exist as exclusively black and the conditions in which the students have to go to school would be unimaginable for many American children. The students that have been coming to my football clinics literally have to play in their school uniforms, as for many of them they are the only clothes they own. Long sleeve shirts with a tie and a sweater on top while wearing pants and black uniform shoes with absolutely no traction.

But they are so enthusiastic about opportunities that come their way, that things that might seem like everyday essentials to us don't matter.

By the way, they are picking up football faster than I knew was possible, I even have video! These kids are so inspiring and I am just so excited to show you guys how much the stuff you gave me really helped these kids forget about their everyday struggles for even just a couple hours.

I'm getting back March 30 (can't wait for my first sip of Starbucks). I don't know how many other NFL teams have attempted to make a connection like this that you guys made possible by just giving me some tools. I wish you could experience watching a 17-year old boy's first experience with American football in his life, and then his smile after his first touchdown. I really can't describe it. I know this all might sound ridiculously CORNY but I can't help it!!!!

I think as many people as possible from the Seahawks should hear some of the stories and see some of the pictures that I have.

Love!!

Rebecca Alvy
University of Washington and SOUTH AFRICA
International Studies