Surfing for Dreams is a community-based, nonprofit organisation that was founded in Cape Town in 2013.
The founder's vision is to improve their marginalised community. Surfing is used as a form of engagement, empowerment and as a catalyst to entice students to the project and to teach them discipline, determination and life skills.
The main mission is to create sustainable opportunities that engage, uplift, equip and empower impoverished and vulnerable high-risk youth from coastal informal settlements and communities. The project has since become a haven and refuge for those who have very few resources, and even fewer positive role models in their lives.
- 60% of the children of the project are illiterate or read well below their required level for their age.
- 60% of the children come from single-parent homes with an average income of R2000 per month.
- 76% of community members who benefit from the programmes are unemployed
Experience shows that local youth often end up in gangs or jail if they are not involved in any support programmes.
The organisation provides safe spaces and structured after-school programmes. Programmes are designed in a holistic manner in recognition of the fact that you can’t change a child’s life in isolation without impacting his or her family, and community. Programmes include:
- Fitness & Surf Therapy – encouraging a healthy lifestyle & positive coping mechanisms
- Social Enterprises – generating funding for the project’s operations and programmes
- Environmental Programme – raising eco-warriors
- Youth Empowerment
- Digital Programme – becoming computer literate, tech savvy and fit for the world of work
- Literacy & Academic Support – fighting “learning poverty”
- Food & Holistic Community Support – strengthening families and communities
- Art & Music Therapy
The project’s vision is a transformed society where created opportunities are maximised and youth are effectively developed, empowered and integrated into their communities and societies. “Surfing for Dreams” walks a long road with people and passionately believes that everyone is perfect for their purpose, that human potential is unlimited, that with the right support all youth can flourish...
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