Based in the township of Masiphumelele, The Isiqalo Foundation is working to encourage youth and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to make informed and educated decisions about their own futures, and to provide youth with the essential skills and knowledge to take their first steps as active and enfranchised members of a larger society.
Surfing’s draw is now well publicized with the sport being one of the World’s most rapidly growing. What has not been so widely recognised or indeed used is Surfing’s huge potential for transformation on the part of the individual.
In 2010 The Isiqalo Foundation dedicated a full year to developing and piloting ´waves for change´, a pioneering surfing and life skills curriculum that uses the positive energy that surrounds the sport of surfing to encourage young adults to engage with and discuss the crucial social and health issues they encounter on a daily basis in South African townships.
Waves for Change offers a comprehensive introduction to surfing for the complete beginner whilst focusing on key social and health issues and the decisions that the participants must make to become healthy and responsible adults. With a primary focus on issues surrounding HIV prevention and avoidance, the curriculum also covers the crucial issues of Teenage Pregnancy, Alcohol and Drug abuse, and Crime and Gang Culture.
‘We can become successful and responsible surfers, we can become successful and responsible adults’. Taken from The Isiqalo ´Waves for Change´ curriculum.
To find out more about Isiqalo, explore their website, follow their blog, read about our very own ‘Stix’ and view a great short movie about the programme.
Thanks to Tim, Oscar, Aphish and all involved at Isiqalo - we are proud to work with you and be part of your wonderful programme.
i like the isiqalo fundation and a want to say keep it up tim like wat u doing
thanks litha - we like you!
to u litha xxx