Child Protection South Africa Project #7532

School and water safety for South African kids

by Love to Langa

School and water safety for South African kids

Project Report | Mar 11, 2015
We are jumping in the deep end!

By Amy Ostroff | President, Love to Langa

Lithemba

We have some big news to share with you - the Love to Langa Swimming Academy at Philippi Children's Centre will be opening this fall!

Drowning is one of the highest causes of accidental death of children under age 14 in South Africa, according to UNICEF, and unfortunately most children in the communities we serve just don't have access to swimming lessons.

Part of the rationale of starting Love to Langa was to leverage our US dollars to have the greatest impact possible. This is a great example: to build an indoor, heated pool at Philippi Children's Centre will cost only USD$26,000. Once it is completed, the Headstart Swim School will take over the administration and train pupils and community members to teach at the school.

We look forward to keeping you updated about our progress and will have different giving levels available soon.

Love to Langa has been sponsoring swimming lessons for several students over the past few months at a pool Headstart built in Claremont, South Africa, and we are thrilled to expand the opportunity to gain this life-long skill to more children. We'd like you to meet two of the children who we are currently sponsoring.

Lithemba was a little apprehensive when he had his first lesson, says teacher Anne Shurrie. "He hadn't had lessons prior to coming to Headstart, but now enters the water with confidence and a big smile. I had to learn a few Xhosa words and with the help of his mom interpreting he is kicking well, blowing bubbles, doing role-poly arms over the noodle and has progressed to not being held when on the noodle. He loves the water and listens to instruction well. He is a pleasure to teach."

Marian had never swam before but she was not afraid of getting into the pool. She's willing to learn and is loving it, says teacher Wendy Chamongoma. "She has even started swimming along with the help of aids without holding onto me. She blows bubbles and enjoys every lesson. She's learned how to climb out of the pool and dive while sitting."

Marian

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