The Little Optimist Sailing Academy
Context
In South Africa disabled people who are compromised socioeconomically, physically or mentally, still suffer from social exclusion today. are still facing exclusion in society. In 2003, South Africa had about 3 million people living with disabilities, about 7.5% of the country’s population. Inclusion for this social group remains a real challenge in their everyday life, in sport, for employment, for entertainment, etc. It is the firm will of the association “The Little Optimist Trust” to change this perception by creating a sailing academy adapted to young people who are disadvantaged , disabled or compromised in South Africa.
Goals
- Offer the possibility to children with disabilities (physical, economic, mental) to go sailing
- Empower and qualify street children in vulnerable situations
- Introduce sailing therapy to improve inclusion
- Create employment opportunities for the benefit of participants
Activities
- Organize sailing therapy days
- Train and prepare staff members for inclusive swimming sessions
- Inclusive swimming class sessions (Science of sailing, growth mindset, mental health, breathing)
Impact
- 450 beneficiaries every year aged between 9-15 years
- Empowerment of vulnerable children by having 450 beneficiaries sail each year
- Improvement of mental and physical health of 450 children
- Sustainable boating activities for the benefit of 1,350 young people