When 16-year-old Ehra Santome finally arrived in Australia from Cebu in the Philippines after a nine-year wait for her visa to be granted, she could hardly believe it.

What followed is a story of resilience, bravery, and the power of community, serving as a reminder to appreciate even life’s simplest things.

Ehra and her family had all but lost hope. A brighter future on the other side of the world felt like a distant dream.

“We waited nine full years to come to Australia. We lost hope because we never expected that our visa would be granted. And then in September, my dad excitedly said to me that our visa is granted, and I was so happy, I’m so thankful,” she said.

But with change and opportunity inevitably come challenges. After settling in Adelaide, Ehra often felt isolated, overwhelmed by the drastic shift in her life. Starting school only added to the difficulty, as language barriers made it hard to make friends or feel at home.

“The hardest thing is leaving my big family in the Philippines, because I have been living with them my whole life,” she said. “When I first moved here, I was so nervous because I don't speak English in my country, so it’s hard for me to make new friends and talk to anyone.”

Almost nine months later, though, her smile tells a different story.

“I've been here for nearly nine months; Australia is so good for me.”

One of the biggest reasons behind that smile has been Port Adelaide’s Multicultural Power Cup (MPC) program.

Delivered to secondary schools across South Australia by the club’s not-for-profit arm, Power Community Limited (PCL), the program celebrates cultural diversity and expression, promotes inclusion, and builds social cohesion by providing a safe space for students to connect through sport.

When a teacher encouraged her to take part, Ehra jumped at the chance to learn something new about Australian culture. Little did she know it would change her life.

At first, Ehra knew little about Australian football.

“When I started school, my teacher said they have an AFL program,” she explained. “So, I started going, and I researched AFL. I got so excited, I’m jumping because I see a player and I’m so happy.”

Less than a year later, both the sport and the Port Adelaide Football Club have become central to her life, not just because of the game itself, but because of the friendships, confidence, and belonging it has given her.

Through the Multicultural Power Cup, Ehra learned how to kick, mark, and bounce. More importantly, she found her place.

“When the program started, I always played footy at recess and lunch, but I was alone,” she recalled. “Then one day, some people were looking at me. So, I said, ‘Do you want to play? I can teach you how.’ And they said, ‘yeah, sure, of course.’ And then every day they came and played with me, and I taught them how to bounce. That’s how I made friends at school.”

The program gave her more than new skills; it gave her confidence.

“This helped me meet new people, especially when I play with another school and it’s so good,” she said. “It makes me confident, then make lots of friends. It made me feel safe and like I belong in this community.”

And she takes pride in her progress.

“My favourite skill is kicking, and I was the first person who could bounce the ball in my school,” she said proudly. “I’m so proud of myself that I learned new skills and played a new sport.”

While Ehra dreams of one day becoming a police officer, travelling the world and building a happy family, she says the lessons she has learned through MPC will always stay with her.

“My advice to others would be don't be afraid to make friends. Be confident. People are good, and they can help you.”

And her message to other students is simple:

“Join the Multicultural Power Cup. It helps you meet new people and make new friends, especially my age, because I know some people struggle making friends, especially teenagers.”

For Ehra, the program has done more than introduce her to a new sport. It has given her confidence, connection, and community.

“Thank you to this club, because it’s made me feel better. It makes me feel I belong.”