Every day in South Africa lives are lost due to drugs and violence in the townships. What is different about Waves for Change is they aren’t just telling everyone that they make a difference, they are generating empirical data to assess the difference that they; and surfing as a useful tool; are actually making on these communities.
They have recently made a video to help spread the word of what they do and what they strive towards, so please feel free to share it anywhere you like! Tim Conibear, founder of Waves for Change, is a good friend of Ticket to Ride’s; first coming to South Africa as a trip leader, and then running the Ticket to Ride foundation, before setting off on his own. See more info below the video of what they are getting up to!
In their words:
Waves for Change launches 70-second viral to raise awareness of surf therapy and violence in South Africa’s townships. (Winner of Le Book Creative Award 2015).
In township communities where up to 20% of young people exhibit emotional symptoms consistent with Post Traumatic Stress, Cape Town based NGO ‘Waves for Change’ is fusing adapted surfing sessions with evidence based therapy programming to improve the wellbeing of children and young adults effected by violence or abuse.
As the surfing world’s attention turns to Jeffrey’s Bay, ‘Waves for Change’ is launching an award winning viral to raise awareness of how surfing is being used to address escalating levels of violence in SA’s townships.
About Waves for Change:
Waves for Change is the award winning initiative of Ashoka fellow Tim Conibear. Operating in some of South Africa’s most violent and unstable communities, Waves for Change works in partnership with local community members to deliver Surf Therapy programmes that help young people effected by violence and abuse develop the coping mechanisms and emotional resilience needed to reach their true potential.
Waves for Change is bringing the power of surfing to communities with no history of Ocean use, in contexts were high levels of violence and poverty have formed major barriers to successful aid interventions.
Waves for Change operates in three Cape Town townships that experience high levels of violence and poverty. The programme reaches 250 young people each week, who receive 8 hours of programming delivered by trained local community members: the first members of their communities ever to surf. Waves for Change combines adapted surfing sessions with therapy sessions rooted in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Key partners of Waves for Change include Comic Relief, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Vimto softdrinks, Surfing South Africa, Reef South Africa and the Ashoka Foundation.
Statistics (see more on the website)
- More than 50% of W4C participants exhibit signs of emotional or conduct disorder on entry to W4C
- Over 60% of W4C participants display improved emotional wellbeing and conduct after 1 year of programming, as reported by parents and teachers.
- Mental health:
◦ Only 1% of South Africa’s mental health staff are allocated to youth
◦ 75% South Africans with a mental illness have not received any treatment in the past year
- Scope of Waves for Change’s reach this year:
◦ 16 adults trained, certified, and employed
◦ 250 participants a week reached
◦ 150 homes visited
◦ 40 teachers trained in mental health
Key quotes:
- ‘Waves for Change helps me solve my problems at home and forget the pain i’ve been through’ | Mike – 18 yrs – Khayelitsha
- ‘As a girl growing up in Masiphumelele, i have faced many challenges. Waves for Change has taught me nothing is impossible’
- ‘In my community i feel angry, anxious and confused. In my wetsuit, i feel safe with good people. There isa life’. Michaylah, 19 yrs, Lavender hill
Let’s get the word out there!!
Nice one Tim!