Moms get a turn
THE East London team of the Waves for Change (W4C) project took time out to teach their mothers, aunts, sisters and caregivers how to surf at their Women’s Day celebration at Orient Beach.
The fun-filled day attracted more than 150 participants, among them refugees from Aresta, who were exposed to the W4C programme and the many benefits of Banana Culture.
“The Banana Culture forms the basis of the Waves for Change curriculum and can be summed up in three words – communicate, respect and protect,” East London W4C site manager, JD van der Walt said.
The W4C organisation uses surfing as therapy to change and heal lives.
Operating at Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London beaches, with a site in Liberia, Waves for Change works with local communities offering support to vulnerable children from impoverished areas.
The day was dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the important role women play in people’s lives; as moms, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and caregivers.
“We wanted the moms to have a few hours of freedom to enjoy themselves, but also understand the significance and benefits of their children’s attendance at each of our weekly surf sessions,” Van der Walt said.
After a tour of the East London W4C facilities and an explanation of the programme, the women were treated to a basic surf lesson in the waves.
“The event as a huge success, not only because of the number of participants, but also because it allowed children to spend time with their mothers. And we managed to bring people from different age groups and cultural backgrounds together,” he said.
The event was sponsored by W4C and their many supporters including the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) and East London Yacht Club.
