Developing Vulnerable Kids Thru Sport South Africa

For the months July to December 2016, United Through Sport was working with, amongst others, three schools in the Swartkops community. Each week, UTS would conduct sport coaching sessions and life skills sessions to children aged between 10 and 13 years in grades 4 to 7. The life skills sessions were only conducted with the 13 year olds as the topics covered issues such as HIV/AIDS as well as alcohol and drug abuse.  The younger children were involved in the sport coaching only and developed their skills in netball, rugby, football, hockey, tennis and cricket.

At the end of the year, with the support of a local business in the Swartkops community, United Through Sport bought hygiene packs and school shoes for the boys and girls of the three schools. The packs consisted of bath soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body sprays, deodorant and some sanitary towels for the girls. In total 244 girls and 207 boys received the duo of hygiene packs and school shoes.

At each school, the children were extremely excited to receive their gifts, especially since it was at the beginning of the Christmas break. Their facial expressions and the smiles on their faces showed their appreciation for the gesture, and for some of the children, this was the very first time getting their own toiletry and brand new shoes for school. They promised to walk with pride and confidence in the year 2017. A few of the children expressed how, for once, they will no longer be teased for having torn school shoes or wearing casual shoes to school.

“It is wonderful that The Swartkops Terminal is looking out for the community they operate their business in and shows care for the children of their employees.”  Tandile, Life Skills Trainer, UTS