In brief

Surfpop Foundation combines guided surf sessions with high quality after-school education and nutritious meals, which together aim to improve the children’s school performance, prepare them for sustainable employment and promote their role as ambassadors in their communities for living a healthy life in touch with nature.

Problem to be tackled

Children growing up in Masiphumelele Township have little hope of escaping their socio-economic environment: poverty, crime, drugs, gangsterism and a lack of good quality education and job opportunities are rife and real battles these children face. Opportunities for girls are even more limited due to restricting gender roles and challenges relating to their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Local partner

Surfpop Foundation offers a long-term development programme to vulnerable children in Masiphumelele Township, who come from the most disadvantaged families, need support with their school work and do not have access to a safe space after school.

Surfpop Foundation offers these children a comprehensive and holistic after-school programme five days a week, focused on surfing, education and nutrition. Together with the children, Surfpop Foundation aims to promote sport, nutrition and environmental awareness in the wider community of Masiphumelele, too.

Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries come from Masiphumelele Township and include children who are particularly vulnerable to the challenges in their township. They come from the most disadvantaged families, need support with their school work and do not participate in an after-school activity, hence do not have access to a safe space after school.

SOL’s contribution

With the support from The SOL Foundation, Surfpop Foundation can implement all surf related activities for their beneficiaries from Masiphumelele Township – including swimming lessons.

Project partner

Surfpop Foundation creates long-lasting opportunities for children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town through a powerful formula of surfing and education. Surf development promotes the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of the beneficiaries and, combined with focused after-school education and nutritious meals, improves their school outcomes, prepares them for sustainable employment and promotes their role as ambassadors for change in their communities.