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Each November, the Breadline Africa team downs their tools to take children on an outing of a lifetime. While their everyday work consists of providing educational infrastructure, Breadline Africa recognises that a first-time experience of the beach for pre-school children can be a life-changer. This year’s Seaside Initiative saw 200 children from 8 disadvantaged pre-schools share four wonderful days in the sun at Muizenberg beach.
It’s that time of year when many of us are planning our December holidays, and a trip to the beach is usually at the top of the list of activities. While this may be the usual drill for visitors to coastal cities like Cape Town, many children from impoverished communities have not had the opportunity to visit and enjoy the amenities on their doorstep.
“It’s more than just a fun time at the beach for these children. It is a first-time experience, a broadening of their horizons, an adventure that results in a lasting memory,” says Marion Wagner, director at Breadline Africa. “It also holds educational value, with children learning about the natural environment and the ocean.
“This year, we were incredibly grateful to have the team form Shark Spotters to assist with the initiative. In addition to helping us keep the children safe in the water, they offered educational games, introducing the children to a whole new underwater world, emphasising the importance of conserving these unique ecosystems,” says Wagner.
The principal of Small Beginners Educare, Nawaal Jacobs, whose children joined the team at the beach, explained their circumstances, “Most of the children are from single-parent families – mostly young teen mothers who are at work all day while the grandparents look after the youngsters. Most of them don’t know what it is to have an outing. This meant so much to the children I teach, giving them memories that will last a lifetime.”
Walking back into their homes with sandy feet and huge smiles, these children carry a newfound love and respect for the ocean. Hosting these experiences is important as it fosters the mental health and well-being of children who come from challenging circumstances. “For over 20 years, we have seen the benefits this outing has had on more than 10,000 children, and with the support of the public and donors, we hope to get even more children to the beach next year when we celebrate the 30th year of our founding,” says Wagner.
The children enjoyed a bus ride with their friends, a delicious morning snack, beach games, a paddle in the ocean, a substantial lunch and educational fun. The cherry on top was a visit from Father Christmas, who brought each child a gift bag crammed with treats, from a practical toiletry pack to stationery, sweeties, a storybook, and a toy.
Breadline Africa would like to sincerely thank all who were involved in making this experience possible. Krispy Kreme and Nando’s provided the children with snacks, and each child received a storybook sponsored by Book Dash. The project was funded by Breadline Africa’s individual donors, with special donations made by NAH Consulting and PE&R Business Solutions.
To find out more about Breadline Africa or to sponsor initiatives like the Seaside Outing, visit www.breadline.org, or follow them on Facebook at @BreadlineAfrica.