Skills! Surf’s up for these youngsters

Waves For Change programme helping them cope with stress

FRIDAY DECEMBER 29 2017

SOUTH AFRICA has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. On top of this it also has one of the highest rates of unemployment and HIV/Aids. Social issues are rife and the children of poorer communities within the country are the most vulnerable.

It was against this backdrop that Tim Conibear from the UK, and who now lives in South Africa, founded the Waves For Change (W4C) programme out of the Masiphumelele township in 2011. Surfing became a great way to engage young people who soon started sharing their stories and challenges. In an effort to provide more social support through surfing Tim partnered with local community members Apish Tshetsha and Bongani Nldovu to develop the Waves For Change surf therapy programme which initially started as a surf club.

Daily exposure to violence and stress means many South Africans suffer from acute emotional and psychological stress. In the absence of emotional support, the stress often manifests in anti-social and high-risk behaviour, placing many young South Africans at risk. Early surfing sessions have shown that participants noted improved feelings of belonging, strength, trust and confidence which are key pillars of well-being. This was reflected in their behaviour as noted by teachers and parents.

Waves for Change uses its surf therapy methodology to alleviate psychological challenges in the townships of South Africa where 33% of children suffer from psychological challenges. Through the provision of surfing, psycho-education, peer-to-peer and group therapy sessions and the creation of safe spaces, Waves for Change promotes well-being in children and youth from unstable domestic and/or community situations. Waves for Change now operates an award-winning mental health programme which is changing the lives of youth that have been exposed to very traumatic situations.

Surfing has since become one of the most popular sports in the township communities and young people are becoming mentally and physically healthier as a result. Waves For Change now works in many communities across Africa where such communities are impacted by violence, poverty and conflict and where health services are under-resourced and stigmatised. Their latest programmes have started in Liberia and Somalia.

According to Colin Fitch of the World Surf League: “W4C is the largest surf therapy programme in South Africa and we are excited to see them extending their efforts into the whole of Africa. The work they are doing is helping change the lives of thousands of children across the continent’”.

In February this year, Waves For Change was awarded the Laureus Sport for Good Award. Sean Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy said: “The work being done by Tim and his team at Waves for Change is inspirational. Disadvantaged youth who are in need of support and direction are given a new lease of life through surfing..” –EPA/Nic Bothma

PICTURES: EPA-EFE THAT’S THE WAY: Junior mentor Fundiswa Feke, 20, excitedly encourages a student to stand up for the first time while learning to surf during a Waves For Change therapy session at Surfers Corner in Muizenberg.

GO FOR IT: A student rides a wave during the surf therapy session. It is to provide safe spaces, caring mentors and a provision of weekly ‘Surf Therapy’ sessions to give vulnerable children skills to cope with life’s challenges.