Nov 18 2014
Surf day
Today the conditions were quite tough so only two of the kids decided to go for a surf…
Let’s get to the water
short briefing
get ready
paddle my friend
sooooo many waves
some kids prefer soccer under these conditions
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Nov 13 2014
Impressions of our Hike in the Table Mountain National Park
Hike from Silvermine Gate to a small waterfall to the hills above Muizenberg and descent to Muizenberg.
five young hikers
Beautiful Landscapes at the Cape
Flowers
Relax and play at the waterfall
More flowers
False Bay View
Rock Agama
Phila
Waves at Muizenberg Beach
Metro to Cape Town City Center
For more information about the project read the section ‘MBC Activities’ and for details about the kids read ‘Meet the Kids & Their Community”.
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 
Nov 7 2014
Hiking with Paul the „Rastaman“
Hiking with Paul was the order of the last two Fridays at Muizenberg Beach Club. Paul is a local Hiking guide and knows the mountains and the natural environment around Cape Town like the back of his hand. He is a good role model and the best person bringing the MBC kids in close contact with the nature, even if hiking isn’t their favourite activity. They gave him likeably the name “Rastaman”, because of his long dreadlocks and his black sunglasses he wears all the time.
At the first Friday the weather was almost perfect: really good conditions of visibility, unfortunately it was 30° and a bit too hot for hiking. But Paul knew a nice and shady walk through Tokai forest located between Muizenberg and the city centre of Cape Town. When we arrived there with the MBC bus, the kids found a tree bearing the so called “baboon fruits” in the near of our parking lot. They filled their pockets with the little red fruits as much as they can. And the volunteers tried the foreign and sweet fruits having a consistency like grapes or litchis with a big kernel inside. After ten minutes everybody was strengthened and we could start the walk through the forest leisurely.
We took a break at a rugby pitch with a well-groomed appearance. Because Paul gave the advice of taking a ball with us before we have started the walk, we could grasp at the chance to play some soccer or rather penalty. Paul applied voluntarily being the goal keeper and prepared himself professionally for his job.
Paul as a goalkeeper
So both kids and volunteers tried to score a goal from a distance of nearly 10 metres and everyone had his own technique in doing so. Sometimes with only one shoe like Wayden chose it or even by choosing a corner casually like Siminkiwe did.
Wayden
Siminkiwe
Mike’s taking photos from Paul and Friedl in action
In cooperation with our excellent photographer Mike it is possible to present you these snapshots of this soccer event.
Paul and Samy in action
Paul and Phila in action
Ultimately the final was composed of the volunteers Samy and me or rather France and Germany. Especially Samy fought passionately in French manner for his country and his hometown PESSAC in the near of Bordeaux. But in the end Germany won this penalty which is not surprising as the German national team won the soccer world championship this year as well. Therefore we refreshed the memory of the last game between France and Germany in which Mats Hummels scored decisively with a header.
But back to the hiking trip…
Relaxed hiking and enjoying the nature
Nice view in front of the group
After the thrilling soccer break the walk was continued in an unhurried kind, so that there was enough time to explore the environment like Simikiwe did or time to pose for some photographs like Asi did.
Siminkiwe
Asi
On the second Friday the MBC kids were represented by only three guys, but Phila, Yamkela and Wayden were ready for the next hiking. The weather was as good as on the first Friday and Paul chose the area of Constantia where the view was not obscured by clouds or fog. We hiked rapidly, so that there was no time for taking some photos. After almost 30 minutes we got to the top of the mountain Eagles’ Nest and first everyone enjoyed the nice view up to the sea.
No words are needed … just enjoy!
Phila conquered the white pillar which symbolises the peak of the mountain and Wayden found a nice place for watching the environment closely.
Phila
Wayden
And Anna and me, we took some photographic proofs that we coped with the hike successfully.
Anna ‘Banana’ and Anna ‘Montana’
Like you can see on the pictures the wind was blowing really strong, so that as a bad incident the sunglasses of Anna became damaged by losing a side of them. Wayden and her mourned together for it some minutes.
Wayden and Anna aren’t really happy :(
We finished drinking in the beauty of the view and of the first impressions after 10 minutes. Subsequently Paul found via Internet and GPS the coordinates of the guestbook of the peak and a little box with odds and ends, which was hidden in a sheltered place. In contrast to Paul being as cool as a cucumber the whole time, Samy seemed to be really excited.
Paul, Phila and Samy
Every little mountain climber should complete some tasks on the top of a mountain like leaving a note in the guestbook…
Notes in the guestbook
…or exchanging little something from yourself for little something from the box. Yamkela presented some stuff which he found in the box and chose a little red handcrafted pocket with some Band-Aids in it.
Yamkela
The way back to the bus was quite relaxing and there was some time for talking like Samy and Phila did.
Phila and Samy
I am sure that the next hiking trips with Paul and the MBC kids will be as much fun as the last two ones I was allowed to experience and I am looking forward to them. Until then have a nice time.
Anna ‘Banana’ (from Germany)
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!!!!!!
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.
Oct 2 2014
Table Mountain & Signal Hill
Hi,
I’m Florent and I’m with my two roomates Friedl (photograph) and Samy (volonteer) to share with you one of our most incredible journey in South Afrika !
Saturday 20th September : Table Mountain & Signal Hill
Table Mountain
Perfect day to go hiking with the other volonteers of the MBC on Table mountain: amazing sky, not too much wind, just the long road between us and the top!
One objectif : Reach the sun !
From the first step of the climb, you can see a breach between two mountains. Then, every step makes you watch the valley better than your feets: Cape town, the Sea, and Lion’s Head on the left.
Lion’s Head from Signal Hill
After 30 minutes, you can’t see Lion’s head anymore, and it gets colder because you are exactly between the two mountains. No more sun, but an amazing view with water falling from the top on the left, big and pretty stones on the right.
Cape Town during the walk
And after 1hour30, we are in the gorge. Explosion of the sun, after 30 minutes with the head so close to the floor, we finally reach the sky !!
Far away, our second objective : Signal Hill for sunset. Just the time to take the cable car, and here we go !
Signal Hill from the top of table mountain
Signal Hill : It’s 17h45. Sunset is expected around 18h30, just enough time to enjoy the landscape around, table mountain in our back, and the endless sea in front of us.
We walked through the grass to find the perfect view, crossing the road of lovers and other tourist.
And soudainly, it’s happen. Sunset. No more words, enjoy the view.
Florent, Friedl and Samy
Sep 30 2014
Kids surfing party
Last Sunday we had a kids birthday Surf Party on the beautiful Beach of Muizenberg for Learn 2 Surf. We the Volunteers and interns Friedl , Felix, Samy, Flo, Amber and Phila a member of MBC helped instructing the kids surfing.
Phila a passionate surfer, filmer and editor helped instructing and filming the Birthday Party.
The morning started with cleaning the famous Muizenberg beach huts preparing the gazebo and bringing the Boards and wetsuits to the beach.
After this we started with the warm up and the basic saftety instructions of surfing. Before we went in the water the famous photographer Friedl took some good shots from the birthday group and the instructors.
On this day the kids had a lot of fun in the water and a really good surf session. The parents had a lot of fun and all the people were on the sunny side of life.
Sep 17 2014
My first weeks with MBC
I’m Anna, a new volunteer from Norway. I arrived a couple of weeks ago and I really love it here. The people are so friendly, the kids are awesome, the nature is breathtaking and the surf is good!
I was really nervous before I left, it’s a long way from Norway to South-Africa, but once I arrived here all my worries disappeared.
Muizenberg is really a lovely place to be. It feels safe and I already feel at home here.
I’ve met the kids and they are so cool. They all have such different personalities and a lot of energy! It’s so much fun spending time with them!
We have been surfing and playing soccer on the beach.
It’s so much fun surfing with the kids, you can see they are all smiling the whole time and having such a good time in the water. And they are really good!
I’m staying here for 3 months and I really look forward to getting to know the children better and have loads of fun with them!
I also look forward to see all the cool places around here.
(Anna, volunteer from Norway)
Jun 2 2014
Why You Should Be a Volunteer at MBC
1) South Africa
Such a nice country! During your stay here you’ll have the possibility to do a lot of things! Muizenberg and Cape Town are both wonderful places to visit and there are loads of really cool activities to do! And you’ll have all your weekends free!! Thus, hiking, sea experiences (shark diving, seal boat trips, viewing penguins, fishing), wine degustation, rugby games, safaris and even more are waiting for you! If you like parties, Cape Town offers many possibilities.
Furthermore wherever you go here you’ll always discover new things to do! New views! Different peoples! Indeed, South Africa is a multicultural country and you can meet peoples who come from all around the world! Black and white together! And learn a lot about what is real life!!!
2) Muizenberg
You’ll stay in Muizenberg, which is a really nice place that’s well known for its surfing beach!!! Enjoy the perfect waves and live in a wonderful house where you’ll enjoy the chilled atmosphere and the amazing view of the ocean! Ant (MBC president and the volunteer house’s owner) is such a nice guy! He’ll teach you a lot about South African culture! Mainly on the evening in his living room accompanied with his guitar and nice music, like “Sugar Man”. You’ll share your room with peoples who are here for the same reasons as you so everything should go really well! I am really happy to chat with them and learn about their countries, their cultures and their lives.
In Muizenberg, there is a tradition. Each week you’ll enjoy the Bluebird Food and Goods Market, which is the place to be on Fridays! With a wide selection of delicious and different food and alcohol! Surf instructors, volunteers and many other people will be there!
For the rest of the week it’s easy to travel about locally thanks to the train or taxi drivers (really cheap and nice drivers who take care of you). Kalk Bay is only 5 minutes away from Muizenberg and there you can find really cool bars and restaurants like Cape to Cuba!!! You’ll probably also go to Brass Bell, where lots of volunteers and locals take up residence on Wednesday nights to have a go at karaoke! You can have a great party here!
3) Mission
If you like sport, this is the project you must choose! Every morning you’ll enjoy great waves in a wonderful place! For me it was my first surfing experience! And after 2 weeks’ training I caught my first real wave!! It was an extraordinary sensation! I could turn on the wave and feel the speed coming! When I finally fell down off the board, I was like a child – I couldn’t stop smiling! Such a nice experience! Time flies in the water! And even on days when the waves aren’t so good, the ocean as far as you can see is perfect for getting you to empty your mind and think about life!
Three days a week with the kids you’ll play soccer, go hiking and surf!! These kids come from a township and they grow up in a dangerous place where gangsters are present and try to make them cross the line. These kids are amazing! Indeed they are always smiling and love speaking with you and learning about your life. They’ll give you so much!! Time goes really fast with them and you can’t be bored!! During sport activities they like to be with you! And they love jokes! At the beginning it will be difficult to remember all their names but you’ll use some tips to remember them! Cause they all have their own charisma and particularities! For example Themba! You can’t miss him – he will always try to make jokes and play with you!
Twice a week in the afternoons you’ll stay at the office, which is a really pleasant place! You’ll share ideas with others volunteers and try to develop MBC (posting blogs, marketing, communication). You’ll have a blank canvas for developing the project and its workers are always ready to listen to you and help you. All the work you’ll provide will be indirectly necessary for the kids because the more people know about MBC, the more the organisation will benefit. It’s such a good motivation to know you can help them!
Thanks to this experience you’ll change your way of thinking. You’ll learn about real life, share wonderful moments, meet amazing kids and peoples. “Kindness” will be my word if I have to describe South African peoples in one word. This kind of experience will make you understand how lucky you really are.
Don’t think any more!! Go to MBC and enjoy the best experience of your life!
Nico (volunteer from France)