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Our story

Who we are

9Miles Project is a community-based nonprofit organisation that was founded in Cape Town in 2013.

Using surfing as a form of engagement and empowerment, 9Miles provides safe spaces and structured afterschool programmes for at-risk children and youth in coastal communities; and offers mentorship, job creation, skills development, and holistic support to marginalised youth and communities in South Africa.

Impact

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Our children come from very disadvantaged homes and communities. Our programmes are therefore designed in a holistic manner in recognition of the fact that you can’t change a child’s life in isolation without impacting his family, and community.

Taking Action

How we do it

Food & Holistic community support

Services include: Daily supply of meals, home visits, distribution of clothing and household items, provision of school uniforms, clothing and toiletries; support with ID, grant and job applications, psycho-social services etc.

Literacy & Academic support

Literacy and numeracy classes, online reading, homework support, computer classes, & digital media workshops.

Leadership & Mentorship

Weekly one-on-one and group mentorship sessions.

Fitness & surf therapy

Water safety, swimming, fitness, surf therapy

Environmental

Beach cleanups, environmental workshops, diving, hiking, and educational excursions to raise up eco warriors.

Digital Programme

To bridge the digital divide and empower marginalised youth by making them computer literate, tech savvy and fit for the future world of work.

Art & Music Therapy

Arts and crafts, painting, murals, music therapy with djembe drums and guitars.

Events & Workshops

Wholesome and empowering events and workshops e.g Aqua Day, Activate Youth Conference, Passport to Success training etc.

Social Enterprises

Job creation and skills development programmes which generate funding for our operations and programmes.

"Relaunching Instinct in my hometown where I started it and incorporating revenue from every sale to empower underprivileged students is a dream come true. Business can solve big social problems but if I can just help with one small problem, the life trajectory of a student, then my mission will be fulfilled."

Shaun Tomson Founder of Instinct

"In the words of Nelson Mandela - May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. 9Miles has gone above and beyond the distance to provide the children in their care with hope and inspiration so that the choices they make are different to the circumstances they currently live in."

Cheryl Cornelissen Old Mutual

"I want to give a shout-out to the 9Miles Project team. My friends and I had a surf lesson on Saturday morning. My friends enjoyed themselves and want to have another lesson because it was so much fun. I was impressed by the professionalism of the team and the affordability. Feel free to reach out to 9Miles Project if you want to join their surf club every second Saturday or you can arrange for you and your friends/family to do it together.
Well done guys for going the distance!"

Sonja Arendse Surf client

"I've worked with many organisations over the years and personally, my experience is that 9Miles Project is one of the most professional, world-class, holistic NGOs that I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with."

Georgie Ravencroft AFMS Group

"I have not encountered a charity that can do so much with so little, and with so much energy, no nonsense, kindness and authenticity"

Kara Combrinck West Coast partner

"Really was amazing to see the respect and the confidence that the Project children exude... I have no doubt that these young lives will grow to be real role models and pillars of strength in their respective communities... Well done 9Miles Project for providing the platform for these young people to rise above their circumstances... And even more well done to the children of the Project for their willingness to become all that they believe themselves to be... Bravo Zulu to you all!"

Mario Fredericks Community member

“Nigel Savel is one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He sees the very best in people and is therefore always extremely encouraging and motivating. Every interaction he has with people, regardless of who they are, leaves them inspired and uplifted. It is his absolute gift! I work with Gr 7 learners from under-resourced schools and Nigel has come to speak to them about their purpose. I can see a visible change in the kids after his talks as it hits home to them that they are here for a reason, that they are loved and that they add value. He really gets them to believe that regardless of their circumstance, there is hope.”

Alnerié Turck Executive Director, Life Matters Foundation

"9Miles Project is doing life changing work that is vital to the future of not only the youth involved but also South Africa as a whole. Thank you to the whole team for doing everything that you do."

Shani Judes Wavescape

"Just to know where to give responsibly is a really key thing for me... to know a guy like Nigel is actually doing the work in a community where he lives just down the road...it's just so inspiring for one, but secondly, you know where your donations are going and that for me is key. There's a lot of things happening out in the world and South Africa, and you you don't quite know where your stuff goes...but here you are reassured that 9Miles is giving to the people who really need it most."

Alan van Gysen World Renowned Photographer & Writer
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