Using sport for social change

FOR more than five months, German national, Sven Ernst, has lived in Briardene Informal Settlement. Known affectionately as ‘sgonondo’ (loosely translated as strong man) by the local community, Sven has been using his platform among the people to develop a youth centre (Briardene Youth Centre) with sport as the main focus. He came to South Africa two years ago as a volunteer from the German government and worked with the Valley of a 1000 Hills community before helping out in Briardene. But now he does so using his own funding.

“When I first moved in everybody said I was crazy. I was even stopped by the police and they asked where I was living and I said Briardene and they tried to dissuade me from going there,” he laughed. “But I had to stay with the community. How can I expect to help people if I don’t experience the hardships they go through on a daily basis,” he said.

Sven said he felt accepted by Briardene residents and added the use of sport was a perfect tool for social change.

“We have 40 children that come everyday and play soccer, volleyball, netball, we’ve even got a basketball net. Sport is not enough to change their lives on its own but alongside every opportunity to play the game they also learn how to work together and how to make decisions. This is much more than volunteering. No one can pay me for the work I’m doing, seeing the children’s smiles makes it all worth it,” he said.

The Briardene Youth Centre also links up with the Green Hub to help young children learn about environmental sustainability. “Their youth programmes cover a significant need. The children enjoy outdoor activities which are linked with ecological understanding and an appreciation of clean nature,” he said.

For more information email: sven@osdaev.org cell or contact 084 943 8728 or visit the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BYOrganisation)