Computer centre for Surfers Not Street Children

A BRAND new education and computer centre is on the cards for a Durban-based non-profit organisation.

This comes after a donation of six computers from Edusport Travel, which will enable Surfers Not Street Children (SNSC) to develop the centre at the SNSC Surfhouse in central Durban.

The computers will be equipped with the Numberwise programme, a tool that has been used to help more than 23 000 students over the past 13 years to master the basics of mathematics.

These students have done more than 76 million calculations – the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division – which provide a solid foundation for a better future in maths.

At the handover, Edusport CEO James McIntosh found out what the youngsters he is helping are all about when they took him for a surf lesson on Wednesday morning (21 January) at Addington Beach, facilitated by the SNSC team of ambassadors (youths who serve as ambassadors to street children through their involvement with the organisation).

“I know that I am in capable hands, but the last time I tried to surf I was about 10 years old. We are just really thrilled to be involved in this project. The initiative that SNSC has taken is a huge boost to a city like Durban with the beach lifestyle we have. These guys have become role models to street kids.

“The Numberwise programme is fantastic because it allows people to monitor their own progress and work at their own pace. We take our social responsibility very seriously at Edusport, and the SNSC Surfhouse is something that we will continue to contribute towards. This is not a once-off initiative,” said McIntosh.

SNSC manager Vukani Mhluzi expressed his gratitude to McIntosh and Edusport.

“The computer centre and Numberwise programme can make a massive difference to the lives of those who come to SNSC. We are solely interested in providing our guys with the tools needed to ensure that they have a bright future, and this is a great way to start making that happen. Education is essential to any young life. Hopefully this will inspire other young children to realise the importance of education,” he said.