What started as a surfing programme in Muizenberg has grown into a life-changing support system helping young people from disadvantaged communities to pursue education and careers while empowering the next generation.

The programme, Surfpop, is a registered South African non-profit organisation (NPO) that empowers at-risk youth and children from Masiphumelele, Ocean View, and Khayelitsha by combining surfing, education, life coaching, and nutritional support.

Building futures

For Surfpop teacher Shaleen Chikuni, the organisation is about far more than surfing lessons or academic support.

It is about creating safe spaces where children feel emotionally supported, encouraged, and empowered to believe in themselves.

“Surfpop made me realise that emotional presence mattered more than always trying to find solutions,” says Chikuni, who has been part of the organisation for six years.

Originally trained as a teacher, Chikuni joined Surfpop after hearing the organisation was looking for teachers.

She says working in the programme changed her perspective on education and youth development.

“At formal schools, the focus is often mainly on academic grades, but at Surfpop we also focus on emotional well-being and mental health,” she explains.

Surfpop currently supports around 80 children, many from broken homes or foster care environments.

Participants attend the programme five afternoons a week, where they receive academic support, life coaching, surfing lessons, meals, mentorship, and emotional support.

Beyond surfing

The programme combines education, surfing, and life coaching to expose children to opportunities they may never have considered possible.

“Not every child will become a surf coach,” Chikuni says. “The aim is to expose them to different opportunities until they discover where they belong.”

She says the impact on learners is visible both academically and emotionally.

“We have seen perseverance, resilience, and a sense of belonging grow in the children,” she says.

“Teachers and parents also give positive feedback about improvements.”

According to Chikuni, recent assessments showed learners between Grade 4 and Grade 7 improved their mathematics marks by as much as 60%.

The programme also addresses challenges many learners face in under-resourced communities, including limited access to technology, research materials, and individual academic support.

“When children come to Surfpop, they have access to laptops, printers, textbooks, and volunteers who can help them one-on-one,” she explains.

For Surfpop graduate Liyabona Xazane, the programme became much more than an after-school activity.

The 21-year-old nursing student joined Surfpop in Grade 9 while attending Masiphumelele High School.

“At first, I was afraid of the waves and more interested in netball,” she admits.

“But over time, I started seeing the importance of the programme and developed a strong connection with surfing.”

Lasting impact

Xazane says Surfpop became her “safe space and second home” during difficult periods in her life. “Sometimes the meal I received there was something I might not have found at home,” she says.

“The programme gave me comfort, stability, and a sense of belonging.”

Beyond surfing, the facility encouraged her to focus on education and believe in her future.

“When I got accepted into tertiary education, Surfpop supported me with my registration fee,” she says. “Without that support, I would not have been able to register.”

Today, Xazane is in her third year of nursing studies and hopes to specialise in primary healthcare after completing community service.

“I’m the first person to go to tertiary education, and I will be the first graduate in my family,” she says and credits Surfpop with helping her develop confidence, discipline, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

“One of my biggest challenges was public speaking,” she explains. “Through the activities and teamwork, I gradually became more confident.”

Surfpop director Celine Hoeks says the organisation’s long-term vision is to help vulnerable young people become emotionally aware, resilient, and caring adults who can positively impact their communities.

“We want children to develop the confidence and skills needed to pursue tertiary education, meaningful employment, and healthy lives connected to nature,” she says.

The programme carefully measures progress through annual assessments, feedback sessions, and emotional well-being evaluations involving both learners and caregivers.

Surfpop also continues supporting learners after matric through its graduate programme. “Surfpop helped me realise who I am as a teacher and mentor,” says Chikuni.

“Every day, I see children growing into stronger and more confident young people.”

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