The Local Surf Lounge Academy in Muizenberg, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering underprivileged youth, has started a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to raise money for a mini-bus.
The vehicle would provide much-needed transport for the academy’s participants, many of whom face dangerous commutes from gang-ridden areas, said the academy’s founder, Jamie Nye.
The academy aims to raise R250 000 and at the time of going to print it had raised R28 176.
Mr Nye said the academy provides holistic development through surfing, education, and life skills training.
“Its mission is to create a safe space for young people in the surrounding communities, fostering confidence, discipline, and community engagement,” he said.
The academy provides a range of support services such as daily meals to improve focus, free hygiene facilities such as showers and laundry, and access to wi-fi to enhance educational opportunities.
Additionally, it offers workshops on life skills, such as goal-setting and teamwork, along with upskilling courses to help older participants find employment.
Mr Nye said many of the academy’s senior surfers have found work coaching at beachfront surf schools and family support is also a key aspect, with workshops and community events aimed at engaging parents.
All services, he said, are free of charge and the academy receives no government funding.
The academy currently has 35 children and 15 full-time surfers, aged 8 to 18-years, who are split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced programmes. On an average day, Mr Nye said, the academy supports around 20 youngsters and the numbers can increase up to 50 during weekends and school holidays.
Mr Nye said many of the students face difficulties getting to the academy, with some as young as 8 years old having to walk up to 10km a day and others having to stay home due to a recent increase in gang activities on the Cape Flats, so having a minibus is vital for the academy.
He said the minibus campaign will enhance safety by providing secure transport for youth between the Cape Flats and the academy and it also expand opportunities for participation in surfing competitions, which can be difficult to access due to transport issues. It will also allow for trips to other surf spots around the peninsula, providing the academy’s older surfers with more diverse wave experiences, crucial for their competitive success.
The academy also plans to use the minibus for educational and cultural outings, further enriching the experiences of the youth involved.
“No amount is too small, it all helps us get closer to the dream of having our own wheels for the kids,” said Mr Nye.
