Our primary project is the Siyakatala Child & Youth Care Centre in Port Elizabeth. Our aim is to assist with sports development by: 1. Extending the gym established; 2. Setting up a 4-wheel bicycle track and; 3. Building a swimming pool at the centre. The children should participate in sports activities to channel energy in positive areas. It is crucial to nurture talent in sporting activity. Physical exercise is very important in teaching self-discipline, goal setting and handling competition.
We need to create facilities at the youth centre we support to ensure the children are not denied opportunities. All boys and girls at the centre need to participate in sports activities as part of a normal healthy lifestyle and to channel their energy into positive areas. The centre is not easily accessed as there is no public transport along this route. Facilities are needed as the transport costs are already a huge expenses in terms of the logistics of 32 children going to various schools.
Children do not always know how to handle conflict and become aggressive. We need to provide them with healthy alternatives. The gym plays a therapeutic role. The introduction of a pool and bicycle track allows for individual based sports. It will also help them to set personal targets. Siyakatala have had children go on to represent their schools in athletics at provincial events and won races and we know that these facilities will also help build stamina and channel their potential effectively
One case study is a 10 year old boy admitted to the Child and Youth Care Centre. He was abused and neglected to such an extent that he had to be removed for his own safety. This abuse led to this little boy having pent up frustration and anger to contend with. He did not know how to handle anger and would break things. However sport has been an outlay for him and he has shown talent. Doors can be opened through sporting excellence and achievement that can give these children brighter futures!
