Clipper Race & Unicef UK

During the Cape Town stopover myself and 20 crew visited the Isibindi Safe Park. This is an incredible programme support by The Clipper Race's charity partner Unicef UK. The Isibindi Safe Park, in Grabouw, is a place where children from the local community can come to play, learn, get love and are provided a safe space. It’s a programme developed by the National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW) and endorsed by the government in response to the needs of vulnerable families in South Africa. During the visit the crew met with the Isibindi Youth Forum group. This group, run by students from the Safe Park, range in age from 14-21 years old. Dwayne, one of the members says: “we are trying to find solutions for common problems. Outside of this Safe Park it’s rare to find role modes. We are surrounded by gangs and abusers. But we want to be a light in the darkness” One of the comments Dwayne made whilst in the group discussion particularly stuck with me: “I’m one in a million, but I’m one that can help a million”. It’s incredible to see the motivation these young people have to get themselves, and others out of their situation. Projects like The Isibindi Safe Park are so important to make sure every child has a childhood and a future.