9Miles and beyond

Help us go the distance with at-risk youth

“Surfing has taught our students that if you work hard anything is possible… that waves & challenges will always come but it is up to us to decide if we'll give up, or ride them” - Nigel Savel, Founder

With that in mind, our students always start their journey from their various informal settlements to the project clubhouse at Strandfontein Pavilion with determination. It is however a perilous 30-minute journey on foot along deserted beach roads.

Marchelino walking the beach road from home to the clubhouse

Walking to the project is tough for them – especially in inclement weather and with the fear of violence or child abductions - but the journey is worth it because the clubhouse is a safe and positive environment where they are inspired to achieve their dreams and goals.

The lack of a vehicle heavily impacts our daily operations. A suitable vehicle would assist us with the following:

• It would enable us to easily transport the students on a daily basis (cutting down on multiple trips with small cars) and ensure their comfort and safety.
• It would make site and home visits easier and would also streamline our outreach and feeding programme.
• It will reduce our operational costs and free up money currently spent on hiring vehicles for long trips to our other outreach programmes in Elands Bay and St Francis Bay.
• A vehicle would also allow us to expand the students’ horizons by taking them on regular cultural trips.

About the 9Miles Project:

9Miles Project is a registered non-profit organization (NPO 116-995) that was founded in 2013.The project works with the youth of Strandfontein (Cape Town) and surrounding informal settlements, and aims to provide mentorship and support to the at-risk youth in the area. This is achieved through surfing lessons, supplementary academic support, life skills and leadership training, educational trips, community events, and day-to-day mentorship and support. Based at Strandfontein Pavilion, the project is a haven and refuge for youth who have very few positive role models in their lives.