This is an after school project with a difference, providing fun activities with some real x-factor for students from low-income communities. By keeping children occupied after school and providing them with confidence building activities, volunteers can bring valuable support and foster general positivity in the lives of vulnerable young people.
Volunteers help to teach valuable life lessons and teamwork through surfing, skateboarding and swimming. You’ll help to teach and practice these skills, and occasionally other sports, to students who range in age from 10-16 years old.
For many of the children this is the highlight of their day. The project is an incentive for them to do well in school, as only those who attend school every day, behave in class and study diligently are able to attend.
You must be a competent swimmer to take part on this project, however, you don’t need to know how to surf or skate. You’ll have time to learn how to skateboard, and if you need surf lessons, a local instructor is available to help you. You should also bring your own wetsuit with you, as the wetsuits on the project are prioritized for the children. If you don’t have one, you can buy one in Cape Town - if you don’t want to take it home with you, you can donate it to the project when you leave.
As the Surf, Skate & Swim project is run in the afternoons from Tuesday-Thursday, you can expect to spend mornings assisting in the Kindergarten project or having surf lessons. You’ll get a free lesson per week, and extra lessons can be arranged through our local team at an additional cost. All outdoor activities are weather-dependent, and you’ll take part in indoor activities or plan future activities if the weather isn’t suitable.
The Surf, Skate & Swim project will close for the school holidays in January, April, July, October and December. If you apply for the Surf, Skate & Swim project during the school holidays, you will be switched to the Holiday Club project.
School Holidays 2021:
- 1st April - 9th April
- 28th June - 9th July
- 27th September - 4th October
- 13th December - January 2022 (exact date for returning to school in 2022 has not yet been confirmed)