One small step could change a child’s life forever

A single, small step is all it takes to change the life of a young child in need and set them on a path of becoming a world-changer.

This is what local initiative Small Steps Surfing has planned with its latest drive aimed at providing less fortunate children with something as simple as a pair of board-shorts.

According to Small Steps Surfing director, Jurgen Jacobs, many of the children in their surfing programme lack access to the basics most people take for granted. The goal is to show these children some Christmas spirit and give them a boost of confidence.

Small Steps Surfing generates money through surf tours to fund community work.

Small Steps Surfing hopes to introduce corporate packages come early 2020 and, if implemented, businesses would be able to use programmes Small Steps Surfing provides in order to tick off their corporate social responsibility requirements.

“Every aspect of what we do has a broader focus on social development and environmental education for local youths,” said Jurgen.

Small Steps Surfing often works hand in hand with other programs such as ‘Surfers Not Street Children’, ‘The Litterboom Project’ and ‘Surfer Kids’.

“We are on a mission to open up ways of earning an income for some of these kids, whether it be as surf instructors, scuba instructors and possibly even as skippers some day. This kind of experience will open doors for them in many ways while also adding value to the local tourism sector,” said Jurgen.

Jurgen grew up in Pretoria before spending several years abroad working in the high-end hospitality industry.

“I find that there is a hunger within the Ballito and greater North Coast to give back in one way or another.

“My family has always been very kind and giving, we would put other’s needs before our own,” said Jurgen.

If you would like to help the children by donating a pair of board-shorts, contact Jurgen at 078 629 2009 or email info@smallstepssurfing.com.

A collection drive will be held on December 7 at Willard Beach from 8am-2pm.

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.