The Helderberg Residents Concern Group (HRCG) has entered an exciting new phase of its youth community-sports history initiative, appointing Strand local Ghosain Baderoen as project coordinator and leader to oversee its regional expansion.
Baderoen takes on the leadership role to build on the initiative’s foundation, originally conceptualised by community worker and educator Shakoor Vallie. Launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Helderberg Youth Academy, the project aims to document the stories of local sports administrators, athletes and clubs who used sports as tools for resilience during the anti-apartheid struggle (“Helderberg youth to research local ‘Grassroots Heroes‘,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 4 February).
Joining Baderoen is a distinguished panel of mentors, including Vallie, acclaimed author and journalist Julian Jansen, and UK-trained educator and writer Moeain Wentzel. Together, they will guide young researchers in uncovering and preserving these important stories.
As project leader Baderoen will spearhead a targeted roll-out in the coming months, introducing the initiative to more schools and youth groups across the Helderberg. Due to growing community interest and the wealth of historical material being gathered, organisers have confirmed the project will extend into next year.
A draft preview of the commemorative book is expected by year’s end, with the final release date to follow. “We want our youth to understand that history isn’t just in textbooks; it’s in the stories of the people who built our local clubs,” said Baderoen
The initiative also serves as an educational tool, sharpening critical reading, writing and research skills among participants aged from primary school learners to young adults up to 35. Organisers highlight its potential to address literacy challenges, provide constructive alternatives to idle distractions and inspire broader educational concepts.
By immersing young people in oral-history collection and archival research, we aim to empower them while preserving our community’s rich sports heritage
At the heart of the project lies a non-profit passion for Helderberg community sports. Schools, youth groups and young residents interested in participating in the next research phase are encouraged to contact the HRCG coordination team at mgbaderoen@gmail.com.
