Caroline Borg spent a week at the Projects Abroad surfing project to see how the programme was helping the groups they work with. From the young children at Village Heights Care Centre to the high schoolers from Lotus River, this water sport provides a great deal more than physical activity. The surf project encourages personal growth and goal-setting. The project also works with a rehabilitation centre, engaging the adults in a social activity that gives a healthy outlet and purpose to their lives.
‘You strike a woman; you strike a rock’. These words were sung in Pretoria and echoed nationwide on 9 August, 1956. Over 20,000 women filled the streets of the city, united by their rejection of the new pass laws proposed by the apartheid government. This day is celebrated as National Women’s Day.
This July, the world has seen assaults in Libya, USA, DRC, Iraq, Syria, Germany and France. And these were just the assaults that made the headlines. What these events had in common was the aim to create terror within communities, to disrupt and divide society. To counterbalance the polarisation which seems to be on the rise, July was also the month to celebrate an icon of peace and unity. Mandela Day 2016 did just that.
It is the best season of the year – a season called ‘holiday.’ Everybody is excited to spend time with the special people in their life. Whether you choose to hang out at the beach or amble around the shops – when it’s vacation your time is your own. For some children, school holidays can be filled with blank days, with nowhere to go, especially if both parents are working. That’s where the Projects Abroad holiday programme comes in!
All of us should ask ourselves the question: Have I done everything in my power to bring about lasting peace and prosperity to my city and country? Nelson Mandela devoted 67 years of his life fighting for social justice and human rights, so it is only fair that the world shows their gratitude by devoting 67 minutes of their time on 18 July, his birthday, doing the same.
Two devastating earthquakes hit Nepal in April and May this year, leaving more than 8,700 people dead and 23,000 injured. The magnitude of this natural disaster on the infrastructure of the country was devastating and whilst the mentality of the Nepalese people is becoming more hopeful, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has indicated the setback could reverse the progress Nepal has made in education over the last 25 years.
On Sunday, 1 March, the magnificent mountain range which makes the Cape Town peninsula so famous was shimmering with fire that looked like glowing lava. The fire started above Boyes Drive in the early morning. Authorities estimate that roughly 5,000 hectares have been affected.
Volunteer, Melike Sevim organised a sports day for 50 kids from the township of Capricorn. The event was held in Zandvlei, Muizenberg, a lovely green area perfect for energetic kids and volunteers.The purpose of the sports day was to introduce the kids to different sporting codes and sporting activities, thus encouraging extramural play outside of the drug and criminal environment they are accustomed to in the townships.
To celebrate the fact it was Human Rights Day this week, Projects Abroad volunteers went into the centre of Cape Town to ask South Africans about the issue of Human Rights. Armed with whiteboards, pens and leaflets detailing 26 different human rights, volunteers set out to inform individuals about their constitutionally guaranteed human rights.
Judging by their smiles and bright yellow wetsuits, with surf boards under their arms, no one could guess that many of the students have troubled home life. But it doesn’t seem to matter when these youngsters are having a surf lesson. The waves provide a welcome escape as well as a good workout – and hopefully an opportunity for growth.
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