There’s something special about coming home. After a few quiet years, with not as many visits, 9Miles Project has made its way back to the shores of St. Francis Bay – and what a return it’s been!
Thanks to the support of Laureus Sport for Good and eXp Realty, we recently rolled out a two-week holiday programme for the children of Sea Vista – a community that has always held a place in our hearts. With surfboards, soccer balls, laughter, and lots of sunscreen in hand, we reignited a spark that’s been waiting to shine again.
A Project Rooted in Purpose
The St. Francis Surf & Youth Project was first launched back in 2017. In those early days, our team would run sessions at the Main Beach Lifesaving hut, travelling from Cape Town every 6-8 weeks. Over time, as the boys in the programme grew, so did the vision – expanding to life skills training, mentorship, and job readiness through initiatives like Passport to Success. By 2020, nine out of eleven young adults from our first life skills cohort had landed jobs within just six months. Others went on to receive year-long internships and training at our youth hub in Cape Town through our partnership with RLabs.
But then, things slowed down. And as they did, the need in Sea Vista grew louder.
Why This Matters
Sea Vista is a vibrant community full of potential – but it’s also a space where many children face tough, daily challenges. The lack of safe recreational areas means fewer chances for kids to just be kids. That’s why this holiday programme wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!) – it was about creating belonging, confidence, and a space to grow.
And grow they did.
Since the programme launched, we’ve welcomed an average of 24-25 kids each day – and the numbers are still climbing. For many, this was their first time dipping a toe into surf therapy. On Day One, seven brave kids took on the waves for the first time. “They were scared at first,” said facilitator Danielle Paulsen, “but after catching that first wave? Everything changed. Their confidence soared – and some even told us they want to become surf coaches one day!”
The Bigger Picture
This relaunch isn’t about a once-off visit. It’s a return with long-term intention. We’re committed to having a full-time presence in St. Francis Bay – just like our established hubs in Cape Town and Elands Bay. That means local staff, consistent programmes, and (hopefully soon) a permanent base – be it a building or a container – where kids can come to learn, play, and feel safe all year round.
As Founder Nigel Savel says:
“We believe in maintaining a focused and unwavering gaze – looking straight ahead and not being distracted by what is happening around us. It speaks to the importance of having a clear vision and purpose in life.”
And our purpose? It’s always been the same – to create safe spaces where vulnerable youth can dream, grow, and build brighter futures.
We’re actively looking for partners, donors, and everyday champions to help bring this next chapter to life. Whether it’s a donation, a container, or simply sharing our story – your support helps us plant roots that go deep.
Stay connected. Stay inspired. And if you’re ever in St. Francis Bay, come say hi – we’ll be in the waves.
