Surfpop is a non-profit organization operating in Cape Town, South Africa. It is actively involved in various ways, combining education, sustainability, local engagement, and fun. Its primary target audience is children between the ages of 8 and 15. In recent years, Surfpop has grown from a few children to over 50, making a significant contribution to society.
In the winter of 2019/20, our therapist Dominic spent two months on-site, getting to know the organization and providing hands-on support as a volunteer. Therefore, this project holds a special place in his heart.
It all started with the founder, Daniel Botha's, passion for surfing. At that time, apartheid in South Africa had recently ended. Daniel spent a lot of time in the water and witnessed how surfing had a positive impact on people. He quickly realized that surfing had incredible potential to bring people together. Inspired by the work of other organizations, he decided to make his contribution to a better world. Surfpop was born!
Surfpop started as a surfing organization, but Daniel soon realized that his organization could achieve much more. Over the years, the organization has evolved and now makes a positive impact in various ways. The main focus of Surfpop is now on academic support for children. Three times a week, teachers and volunteers meet with the children in Surfpop's classroom after school. Tutoring, homework assistance, and school assignments are part of the program. Due to the favorable staff-to-child ratio, the organization is able to better cater to the needs of the children compared to official schools.
But as mentioned before, Surfpop aims to achieve more. In addition to academic support, the organization also focuses on cooking and teaching healthy nutrition to the children. During cooking sessions, games are played to familiarize the children with various foods, their regions of origin, and the nutrients they provide. Whenever possible, the ingredients used come from the organization's own school garden, where they are grown by the children themselves.
On the other two afternoons of the week, the program includes recreational activities for the children. In most cases, this means going surfing! The children receive professional surf lessons accompanied by volunteers. It is always a tremendous amount of fun. Dominic can confirm from his own experience how much joy the children had and how beneficial it was for them to get out of the township and experience a positive atmosphere. However, surfing is not just about pure fun. The children from the townships experience positive emotions, engage in a recreational activity, and have a hobby that they wouldn't be able to afford on their own. They get to explore the world outside their township, meet people from other districts, and form friendships. Additionally, the children are responsible for taking care of "their" surf equipment. If they cannot fulfill this responsibility, they are not allowed to surf. Thus, the children learn independence and have something they can be proud of.
Surfpop goes a step further in this regard as well. If the children initially have fear of the water or cannot swim, Surfpop provides them with swimming lessons. The organization collaborates with other non-profit organizations to make this possible. Surfpop also regularly organizes outings for the children, such as trips to Table Mountain in Cape Town. As a result, the children are engaged, receive academic support, learn important life skills, experience affection, pursue a hobby that they couldn't afford on their own, and spend time in a positive community.
Throughout the entire process, Surfpop not only impacts the lives of children but also strives to involve locals in the initiative, creating job opportunities and supporting others from the community. Daniel makes every effort to engage locals in various roles within the organization. This includes hiring young surfing talents as surf coaches, providing transportation services for volunteers and children, and involving former program graduates as teachers, hiking guides, and more, to facilitate their entry into the job market. These are just a few examples of how Surfpop aims to empower and support local individuals.
Being a volunteer on-site also provides a valuable learning experience. Through close collaboration, volunteers establish good relationships with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life. Working with the children is incredibly enjoyable, and the natural beauty of the region is breathtaking. Volunteers also have the opportunity to surf themselves. Dominic had a fantastic time as a volunteer in the program, and even years later, he maintains regular contact with Daniel.
We would like to continue supporting this amazing program from Switzerland and make regular donations to it. Surfpop utilizes its resources effectively to empower children. If you would like to make a contribution, we would appreciate donations to Surfpop. Or perhaps volunteering is something for you? It's worth it! Either way, be sure to check out https://surfpop.co.za/.