Surfpop youth development program
Our holistic after-school program in Cape Town
Long-term support from childhood to further education and employment
Surfpop provides children and youth from the Cape Town communities of Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Khayelitsha with a safe, supportive environment five days a week after school. Half of our participants are girls, and children are referred through social workers, foster care and schools.
Children become part of the Surfpop family, and we support them throughout their journey from school towards tertiary education, training or employment. Each week, children participate in two surf sessions, two education classes and one life coaching activity, complemented by nutritious daily meals.
“SPORT HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD. IT HAS THE POWER TO INSPIRE. IT HAS THE POWER TO UNITE PEOPLE IN A WAY THAT LITTLE ELSE DOES. IT SPEAKS TO YOUTH IN A LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTAND. SPORT CAN CREATE HOPE WHERE ONCE THERE WAS ONLY DESPAIR.”
– Nelson Mandela
Surfing to improve mental wellbeing and ocean awareness 2 x Weekly
Surfpop uses surfing as a powerful sport-for-development tool to improve mental and physical wellbeing, build confidence and connect young people with nature. Many participants grow up exposed to violence, instability and other forms of trauma. The ocean provides a positive environment where children can build self-belief, resilience and perseverance. Surfing also creates a strong sense of belonging: participants become part of a diverse surf community that extends beyond their township.
Surf session structure
Each week, children join two team-focused surf sessions in Muizenberg. Sessions begin with fitness and yoga on the beach, followed by surf coaching in the ocean. Each session ends with a guided reflection, providing a safe space to share experiences, recognise progress and reinforce key values. Surf sessions are complemented by swimming lessons.
Ocean Awareness & Environmental Education
Through beach clean-ups and environmental education, children learn to care for the ocean and develop into young ocean ambassadors.
After-school education to improve academic outcomes 2 x Weekly
Education is a core part of the Surfpop program. Twice a week, children receive homework support from qualified teachers and participate in high-quality online, one-on-one and interactive learning programs focused on Maths, English and computer literacy. Recognised programs such as Jolly Phonics, Oxford Reading Safari, NumberSense and Olico are tailored to each child’s learning level, aligned with the South African CAPS curriculum and designed to make learning engaging and fun.
Life coaching to build resilience and future readiness 1 x Weekly
Life coaching builds resilience, emotional awareness and essential life skills while helping children prepare for their future. Primary school learners develop coping skills, confidence and the ability to navigate challenges, while high school learners increasingly focus on future readiness. Through workshops, career exposure and partnerships with local organisations and businesses, they explore different pathways, build networks and set personal goals. Older learners also receive guidance towards tertiary education, training and employment after school.
Nutrition to boost healthy development 5 x Weekly
Each day Surfpop provides the children with a nutritious meal to give them an extra boost in the water and extra mental clarity when solving problems in the classroom. We cook our nutritious meals with dried foods provided by the Lunchbox Fund and fresh vegetables that are harvested from our own Surfpop vegetable garden. The children learn about the importance of nutritious food and in the Surfpop vegetable garden learn how to grow their own vegetables and fruits.