#volunteers

Feb 26 2016

A Fond Farewell

As my time at MBC comes to a close I am only just now beginning to understand how short a time six weeks truly is. When I left the states to start traveling six weeks felt like it would be plenty of time get to know the city of Cape Town and the boys who attend MBC. I was dead wrong.

Sunset at Cape Point Vineyard Market

Cape Town is a massive place with so many cool things to do I feel as though I’ve barely scratched the surface. The markets, or which there are many, are one of the most incredible things that I have experience while I have been here. If you come for a visit you must check out Bluebird Market, Neighbourgoods Market, Cape Point Vineyard Market and Hout Bay Market. They may all be markets but each offers a unique experience that cannot be missed.

Themba, Frankie and Asi enjoying the surf

As for the boys, they are all so incredible, not just as surfers, but as human beings. Their desire to learn more about other cultures and get to know the volunteers never ceases to amaze me. They are all becoming fine young men. I wish I had more time to watch them continue to grow into themselves and see everything that they will accomplish in their lives. It is with a sad heart that I bid the MBC and the friends I have made here goodbye.

Until next time,

Caitlin [USA]

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #volunteers, Bluebird Market, Cape Town, Hout Bay Market, Learn2Surf, MBC, Muizenberg, Muizenberg Beach Club

Dec 27 2015

Sunshine, Sand, Surf!

School’s out for the season. The kids are on their holiday. And with more free time to surf, that is exactly what the boys have chosen to do.

After two short stops on the train ride from their home in Steenberg, the boys arrive in the morning to MBC, suit up, and spend their days and hours out at the beach. At times the boys will remember they haven’t yet had their lunch, but just as easily they’ll forget their stomach’s grumbling as the ocean calls them back into the surf.

Catching waves with the boys has been a blast! Here I am the volunteer and it’s them who have been so helpful with teaching me. They genuinely wanted to see me learn during my month here. Many times Frankie and Abel would stay nearby in the ocean and call out for me which waves I should catch. They’d yell out, “Turn your board around now! Paddle! Start paddling! Keep paddling!” Before I knew it, I was picking out my own waves and standing up more times than I could count. It’s so great to see their love for surfing and their willingness to share it with others, just as it’s been imparted to them.

Last week, taking full advantage of Muizenberg’s beautiful beaches, we organized games and fun competition for the boys, both on the sand and in the water. Frankie won both the foot race and soccer agility match. Temba came in a near second. And when it came to the surfing, everyone knew Asi would take the win. Abel, deserving a notable mention, still surfed with an injured foot. Tough boy! I had to tell him to sit it out until he knew exactly what was wrong and he finally conceded. It’s so obvious for many of these boys that being in the ocean is irresistible. Even with swollen foot, Abel admitted, “Surfing’s a part of my life. I want to be out there!”

Now as we head into the holidays, I’m bummed to say that only a few days remain before I head back home and my time at MBC comes to a close. I am so looking forward to spending this Christmas with the kids before I leave, meeting their families, and trying some local homemade South African dishes. I cannot believe how quickly this month flew by. Spending time with the boys has certainly been an honor and privilege. Each day getting to know these boys has been such a treasure, and they truly have become like my little brothers! I cannot say it enough, “Go MBC!”

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #CapeTown, #MBCYouthDev, #volunteers, Charity, Children, Kids, laughing, Learn2Surf, MBC, MBC kids, Muizenberg, Muizenberg Beach Club, nature, Soccer, South Africa, Steenberg, Surf, Surfing, Volunteer, volunteering, Youth

Dec 11 2015

Wavescape Surf Film Festival

Saturday afternoon we loaded up in Ant’s bakkie and headed with the boys to Camp’s Bay for a swim and movie night on the beach. It was a first for me and so much fun riding in the back of a truck on a main highway and then at the beach digging to form sunken sand sofas to relax and enjoy the open air cinema that is part of the annual Wavescape Surf Film Festival. On Clifton 4th Beach, after finding our place up front near the big screen and once nestled cozy in our newly dug-out sand chairs, with packed sandwiches and fruit in hand (thanks to Shani!), the boys sat back and relaxed, eyes fixed on the pro surfers in the films who go and travel the world giving their lives to chasing waves. Film after film, you could see how the boys found inspiration to dream big and chase their passions. And by the end, despite it being late into the night, Asi and Toufie just wanted to jump in the water and surf.

But soon after the last short film, the crowd cleared up, and we, too, packed our things to get back home. Then came my personal favorite part of the weekend, just sitting in the back of the bakkie with the boys. As the wind out picked up, we tried to keep warm with only one blanket to go around. The ride home was entertaining to say the least. I learned Temba is great at storytelling and has quite the imagination. Whymph will bust out into song with lyrics he’ll come up with on the spot. Asi and Abel I found out share my love for sardines. Phila remains adamant on his views of pumpkin pie (I still have 2 weeks to convince him). And the rest of the ride just felt like I was hanging out with my little brothers! When we dropped off the boys at their home in Steenburg, they were keen to point out to me the nearby corner shop that serves Gatsby. It’s apparently a local favorite dish and a must try while in South Africa. It’s going to happen!!

Besides all I learned from the boys riding in the bakkie Saturday, a sweet highlight from my second week here and something that became very apparent to me was the huge heart of the man behind MBC. In these 5 years, Ant Scholte has done much more for these boys than simply introducing them to a love for surfing. He invests his heart and his time for them. He provides an outlet for these boys, where they can come feel safe, unthreatened, and carefree–just as kids should be. I see it so clearly. I see it when he gives of his weekends to rest and instead chooses to spend it with the boys. I see it when he stays back to carry their bags, boogie boards, and wetsuits when they forget. He instills values by example, tells them the hard things, and encourages them to pursue the important things. The sacrifice this man makes for these boys is humbling and inspiring! And as the boys would say, “GO MBC!!”

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #CapeTown, #MBCYouthDev, #volunteers, Beach, Charity, Children, Cinema, clifton beach, film festival, gatsby, Kids, Learn2Surf, MBC, NGO, Surf, surf movie, Surfing, Surfing South Africa, Volunteer, volunteering, wavescape, Youth

Dec 9 2015

Words of wisdom: Paddle DEEP!

It’s been a great first week with the MBC boys! After the first couple days of my asking them multiple times, I’ve got each of their names and faces down.

We had three newcomers yesterday: Sumpiwe, Kanya, and Mpo. The clubs’ more experienced members, Asi and Siya, took on the role of showing them the ropes, and they did so well. I’d stayed back on the beach and it was sweet just chatting with the boys as they took their breaks at random points in the day.

You really get to see the different interactions and personalities. There’s Frankie and Siya who are close buds, yesterday joking and having fun in the sand as we talked about how Frankie would celebrate his 16th birthday. Then there’s Asi–you couldn’t get him out of the water as he kept up with the big boys in the back. Abel is wise beyond his years and so patient. At one point I found myself sitting in the middle of a friendly sandfight when Abel took a hit and all I saw was his huge smile as he laughed it off.

My first surf lessons this week came from Phila, previously an MBC member (soon to be college student!!). He’s an excellent instructor and within an hour of the first day I was standing up riding some waves. When sensing my nervousness heading into the rows of white water, he gets a good laugh and reassures that we’ll get past them. So, I press on. Paddling forward through wave after wave, sometimes I won’t see Phila, but from somewhere I’ll hear his voice calling out words of encouragement to keep me going. It works!

Today after what seemed like an impossible feat, before I knew it, I was in the backline! Finally there on the flat waters, Phila and I sat on our boards for a bit, gave our arms a rest after all the paddling, enjoyed the calm new environment and absence of white water, and then after some practice learning to sit on the board, he said, “Ready to ride a wave? Let’s do it!”

Phila picked out a wave, gave me quick last second reminders of everything to keep in mind, and then I was off on the nicest ride back to shore. I felt at that moment I could say I came, I conquered, and accomplished what I wanted coming to South Africa. There is something that makes you feel alive when you’re able to overcome even a piece of that powerful ocean. But in truth, there is so much more than catching a wave that I came here to South Africa for. I came for these amazing kids. . . in the water or not. (But yes, more in the water!)

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #CapeTown, #MBCYouthDev, #volunteers, Beach, Children, fun, Kids, Learn2Surf, MBC, Muizenberg, Muizenberg Beach Club, South Africa, Surf, surf lesson, surf lessons, Surfing, Volunteer, volunteering, Youth

Nov 12 2014

Soccer

Every Thursday is soccer day at MBC.
Not much to say about it, just look at the pictures to see how the kids enjoy it!

Soccer field in Muizenberg

Siya in action

Goalkeeper Asi

Mike

Kiyaan’s dream: Become a professional soccer player

Yamkela – practicing some Kung Fu kicks

Siminkiwe

Siya again

Wayden

Wayden taking a selfie in Anna’s sunglasses

Asi

It’s all about fun

Happy and exhausted kids :-)

You want to know more?
Just read the other blogs

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #CapeTown, #MBCYouthDev, #volunteers, Cape Town, Charity, Kids, Muizenberg, Soccer, Udo Sommer, volunteering

Oct 28 2014

MBC Olympics

What a historical day!! Nobody will forget the first MBC Olympic Games at this amazing beach in mama Africa’s home.
It was a important day for the kids. The kids competed in 5 games. We started with a fast warm up because the kids were really excited to start the competition.
First game was a 60m run, on time. The first runner was Siminkiwe, he start really power full and finished in a really good time. Sia also gave us his best.

The fastest runner was Siminkiwe

Sia goes fast

Second game was to score a ball into a blue bucket 15 meters away. In this game the kids who play soccer have a bigger chance to score than the surfer of the group perhaps.

soccer game

MBC soccer game

Wayden start’s the next game were it was important to know something about South Africa. Adrian was the next which was tested for its expertise, and these questions were more difficult than the kids expected.

Wayden is always smiling

“questions” game Nr. 3 of the MBC olympics

The next round we were extremely excited. It was a talent show where the kids can show us whatever they want. We had no idea what to expect as a jury. Yamkela and Kiyaam took our breath away. Yamkela was doing some crazy jumps in the air, and Kiyaam played drums on a surfboard. Which was really cool!

Yamkela – king of the MBC backflip

Kiyamm the drummer

The final competition was surfing. 5 minutes in the water and try to catch as many waves you can. Asi is a very deticated surfer and was really looking forward to this competition.

Asi best MBC surfer

Last game was surfing

It was a fair competition for the kids with very different games, so each kid had a chance to win gold, silver or bronze medals. After this day we had a lot winners because all the kids did a fantastic job this day. Phila win the gold medal, Asi silver medal and Kiyaam the bronze medal.

The first MBC Olympics gold meddle winner 2014

yeeeaaahhhhhh Muizenberg Beach Club first Olympics!!!!!!

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #volunteers, Cape Town, Charity, Children, dance, drums, fun, games, jumping, MBC, Muizenberg Beach Club, olympics, poor, running, shacks, sing, Soccer, South Africa, southafrica, Surfing, Volunteer, zeus

Oct 3 2014

Braai at Nancy’s

Yesterday was the best day of my life. I have always dreamed about being a part of African love, energy and dance. And it happened! Tonight, all the volonteers of MBC were to invited to ‘braai’ (South African name for barbecue) at Nancy’s house. Nancy lives in Khayelitsha, the largest township in Cape Town. Ant has known Nancy his whole life. She used to work for his grandmother, cleaning her house once a week, and when Ant’s gran died, Ant employed Nancy to work at Learn 2 Surf and the MBC volunteer house. After Nancy finished work on Wednesday, we all drove in the MBC bus to the township where Nancy lives.

When we arrived, we made a short walk among the houses to see how people live in the township. The locals have very little money and most of them have built their own houses from things they have found – but everyone was so happy and friendly – not like the rich people in the fancy houses. Behind us, a small group of kinds was following us. Very curious but also shy, they stayed at a reasonable distance from us .. and Zeus, Ant’s big white dog (is a celebrity in Muizenberg, and very popular on Facebook).

But it was very easy to break the ice with the kids, and I’ve hardly put a child on my back when four others followed. We jumped, laughed, and spun around dancing in the street. It was a great exeperience : I don´t know who were the happiest !

And it was only the beginning ! As a gift, the children gave us a small show of their best dance and songs: national anthem and traditional dances, everything was perfect. At this time, I felt I was exactly where I belong. One of Nancy`s friends was a dancing teacher : she took and water bucket and turned it into drum.

At this time, no matter which color we were, everybody was just dancing and singing and having fun together.

Then, it was braai time. We gave crisps to the children outside, and joined Nancy to eat diner: Later we took some pictures of her family as a gift that we will print for her.

I have never met such friendly, welcoming and smiling people. This human experience was really amazing because it was definitely what I wanted to do in South Africa.

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #CapeTown, #MBCYouthDev, #volunteers, braai, Cape Town, Charity, Children, dance, fun, Khayelitsha, MBC, Muizenberg Beach Club, poor, shacks, sing, South Africa, southafrica, township, Volunteer, zeus

May 19 2014

Alisha’s First Blog!

Hello! My name is Alisha, and I’m a new volunteer at MBC for the month of May. I am very excited to be in South Africa because I’m coming all the way from Toronto, Canada! Since I’ve been here, I’ve felt very comfortable and welcomed by not only the workers and volunteers at MBC, but also the local people in both Fish Hoek and Muizenberg. Volunteering at MBC means a lot to me because it has always been my dream to travel to developing countries and work with children.

I’ve met the children of MBC a couple of times now (surfing, hiking, and playing soccer) and they are full of so much energy and charisma! I can’t wait to do more activities with them, I already feel very attached! I think it’s really amazing that MBC gives these kids the opportunity to effectively utilize their free time after school by playing sports and interacting with volunteers from all over the world, who can be lifelong mentors and role models for them. I can’t wait to spend the next month here at MBC.

This country is so beautiful and there is so much I want to see and do while I’m here. I recently got the opportunity to hike up Table Mountain with my fellow MBC volunteer Pria Lattar, and we abseiled halfway down! It was the most humbling yet terrifying experience of my life. It was fantastic and I absolutely recommend it to all prospective volunteers!

Hiking Table Mountain!

Alisha Romain, Canada

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #volunteers, Abseil, Canada, Cape Town, Children, Club, dreams, Dreams to Reality, fun, Hike, Kids, Muizenberg, Muizenberg Beach Club, South Africa, Sports, Surfing, Surfing South Africa, Volunteer

Apr 4 2014

Hiking trip in Table Mountain National Park

Hiking is a really popular activity for both kids and volunteers. The kids like it because the trips usually go to a place where you can swim. The volunteers like it because then they have time to talk to the kids and get to know them better.

So last Friday Ant, Zeus, Saskia, Will and me fetched the kids in the MBC bus and went to an area in the mountains close to Muizenberg. A waterfall with natural swimming pools in one hour walking distance was the destination of the trip.

Ant and the MBC kids discovering the way to the waterfall

The path leading there alternated with adventurous footpaths, stony stairs and wooden bridges. Along the way the kids played football or climbed on high rocks with Ant.

Summiteers Ant, Kiyaam, Themba and Siya

After a half hour walk we arrived at the “waterfall” which unfortunately was no waterfall at all. Due to the last weeks of too little rain it was only a runlet and the swimming pools were just 10 inches deep. But still there was enough water to slake the thirst. The kids as well as the volunteers enjoyed cooling their hot faces under the waterfall.

Themba, Kiyaam and Siminkiwe

Saskia, Will and me decided to follow a couple of kids (Kiyaam, Cameron and Siya) who had left the rest of the group to explore the closer area. After some time, that felt like five minutes, the three Europeans were totally lost in the South African jungle. We followed a small stream until the thicket became impassible. Right before turning around we heard Kiyaam, Cameron and Siya. They were somewhere up a hill and shouting our names. They even shaked some smaller trees to guide us the way towards them. We tried to find a way to them but they were unsure of their whereabouts as well so it was hopeless.

Into the wild…

We decided to wander back to the waterfall where the rest of the group was waiting and splashing in the water.

Lost boys Kiyaam, Cameron and Siya

Climbing up the waterfall

I had some chocolate cookies that I gave to the kids – they finished the sweets within seconds. When it was time to leave we packed our stuff and the kids were still motivated and carried Saskia’s and my backpack. Maybe they just wanted to get some extra stars for the MBC star chart but for us the way back passed off easily. We returned back to the bus in the warm afternoon sun all tired and hot but feeling a sense of achievement to have hiked far!

Anna, MBC volunteer from Germany and Will, MBC volunteer from England

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #volunteers, adventure, Cape Town, explore, hiking, MBC, MBC kids, Muizenberg, nature, South Africa, Table Mountain National Park, volunteering, waterfall

Apr 2 2014

Hermanus

My last weekend I spent with Saskia and Will in Hermanus. Hermanus is a small fishing village close to Walker Bay and much affected by tourists. We rented a car in Cape Town for the trip. We were all really excited because neither Saskia nor I had ever been driving on the left side of the street. Luckily Saskia is a good driver and she managed driving at the wrong side of the street pretty fast, only the use of the blinker was difficult, instead of the blinker you would see windshield wiper turn on.

We went over the highway until we arrived Somerset West and from there we drove along the Whale Coast Route. Driving through Somerset West you need to lock your doors and close your windows, because there are all kinds of people trying to sell you stuff when you have to stop at a traffic light. But you also see funny things. One guy had a sign saying “Wife and kids kidnapped by ninja fighters. Need money for teakwondo lessons.” At least he was creative…

Our next stop was at a parking lot at the Whale Coast, somewhere close to Gordons Bay. We had lunch there and saw something in the water that might have been a really big dolphin or a really small whale. Actually I think we saw both.

Whale Coast Route

In Betty´s Bay I saw for the first time penguins in the wild. They were so cute waddling at the beach or falling into the water. Unfortunately you cannot see them from close because you are walking on a footbridge over the penguin area. Next to Betty´s Bay there were baboons crossing to road. When I texted my boyfriend, that I saw baboons, penguins and an animal similar to a whale he asked me if I went to the zoo. Nope, that´s South Africa, honey!

Betty´s Bay

Baboons crossing the road

In Hermanus we went straight to the beach and tanned in the sun. When it became darker we went into the town and there to a tapas restaurant. On Saturdays there is a flea market in Hermanus where you can get animals made from plastic pearls, recycled paper necklaces or solar-powered lamps in jam jars. The night we spent in Hermanus Backpackers but sleeping was quite difficult, thanks to two loud and drunk roomies.

Exploring Hermanus

Very early on Sunday morning Saskia and me went to Kleinbaai Harbour in Gransbaai where we wanted to do shark cage diving. Due to my map reading skills we arrived 20 minutes too late but it was no problem because the waves were too high and the wind was too strong, so the shark cage diving tour was canceled. Still we had a really good and gratis breakfast and watched a movie about sharks. When we came back to Hermanus it was still very early in the morning, so we decided to have a coffee, climb up the local mountain of Hermanus and just stray around in the town. After sightseeing we enjoyed the finer things in life: shopping!

Local mountain of Hermanus

Lunch we had together with Will in Bientang´s Cave, which is an incredible seafood restaurant built in the cliffs of Hermanus. You can sit there and watch the waves crash into the rocks. The water sometimes sprayed so high that you could feel drops of water on your skin but never so much that your food got wet.

Incredibly good salmon at Bientang´s Cave

After another time at the beach we finally started our drive back. It was a great weekend in beautiful Hermanus and on our way to Muizenberg we could watch the sunset at Whale Coast Route.

Sunset at Whale Coast Route

Anna, MBC volunteer from Germany

By muizenbergbeachclub • Uncategorized • • Tags: #volunteers, Beach, Betty's Bay, explore, Hermanus, Penguins, South Africa, volunteering, Week-end, Whale

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