A group of 40 girls from Factreton and Windermere Primary School stepped away from their daily challenges and into a few days of leadership, sport and self-belief, where they were encouraged to stand up against bullying, gender-based violence and become leaders in their communities.

The girl-empowerment camp, for learners in Grade 4 to 7, was held in partnership with Play Sport4Life (PS4L) and the Western Cape Education Department’s Safe Schools Programme and took place at the Water Edge Accommodation in Simon’s Town from Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 July.

PS4L is a non-profit organisation based in Maitland that uses sport to empower disadvantaged communities by promoting healthy lifestyles and equipping people with life skills to overcome everyday challenges.

Carolyn Inglis, fundraising and operations manager for PS4L, said sport plays a vital role in helping girls develop confidence, teamwork, communication, discipline and leadership skills.

“It encourages girls to believe in themselves, use their voices and realise they are capable of achieving their goals.”

She said the sports programme reinforces the message that every girl is “worthy, special, and should love and value herself first.

“It promotes healthy lifestyles, respect, inclusion, and positive decision-making, empowering girls to care for themselves and support others with confidence.”

Factreton Primary School principal Paul-John McAvoy said the camp gave 40 vulnerable girls from the Kensington area an opportunity they would not normally have.

“We don’t have the funds every year to take our learners away from school, so this camp was a special opportunity to empower them,” he said.

McAvoy said the programme encouraged the girls to make better decisions, understand what to expect as they grow older and realise that their circumstances do not define their future.

“We want to instill in them that they have the power to make decisions, which can be whatever they wish to be if they make the right decisions.

“Where you come from does not mean that is where you will stay. You can step out. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are there are people willing to support you.”

He said each participant also received a gift bag and jacket to mark the occasion.

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