Girls from Ramaphosa enjoy sport camp

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The volunteers hosted 62 young girls from the informal settlement as part of a sports camp organised for school holidays.

According to organiser Richard Milligan, existing facilities at the Ramaposa informal settlement school were not adequate enough to allow sports to be safely coached or played, therefore, St Dominic’s assisted by allowing the camp to take place on their premises.

The girls were provided with food, clothing and gift packs as part of the whole experience, and would also be given dinner that could cater for their families as well.

The girls were split up into four groups and each group was able to participate in tennis, netball, dancing and soft ball throughout the week.

Milligan says that the programme was a pilot project and is hoping that he can, from the week-long event, see what works and what needs to be improved upon.

He says that the language barrier was a challenge when the week began, but as the programme progressed, the children became more involved in the activities and started to enjoy their time with the foreigners.

“The girls were a little shy when we arrived, but as soon as they would step on to the courts and start playing, then they started opening up and having fun,” says Milligan.

“Through sport, music and dancing, the girls learned how to work together in their groups, and participated in engaging activities that enabled them to connect with each other in a safe and supportive environment,” he says.

“Each activity helped them improve on a certain skill or discipline that they may need in their own lives.”

The visitors are also looking at finding ways to help St Francis find a sustainable way of running the care centre.

Mercy Haven was also a beneficiary of the visit, as they were compensated for cooking for the girls.

“We are here to help with the challenges that the NGOs face, and our aim is to initiate the process of sustainability,” says Milligan.