Since its establishment, Born in Africa [BIA] has been involved in water awareness. To date more than 835 children of all ages and communities in and around Plettenberg Bay have benefited from our swimming programs. Each year BIA has hosted 2 swimming courses which take approximately 8 weeks to complete. During the swimming course a group of learners are taught the basic skills of water safety and swimming skills. It was 2 years ago during the swimming lessons where we identified a group of exceptional swimmers and embarked on furthering their basic swimming skills. We approached the Plett Surf Lifesaving club and the learners were welcomed into its “Nippers” program. The original BIA Nippers development team competed so well that they each secured a permanent place in the club and compete in the various Nippers competitions. We are very proud of this group and would like to congratulate Marcell Paterson, Ellen and Robert Kleinsmidt, Celine Olivier and Nicole Jacobs who all hail from Kranshoek on this achievement. This year during the Western Cape champs held in Bloubergstrand- Cape Town, they once again proved that hard work and dedication is key to success and our BIA team walked away with 4th and 5th places and even secured 2 gold medals!

As we are writing this article the team are on their way to take part in Durban at the Nippers National championships. We are crossing our thumbs and toes and wish them much success!

In just 2 years from now, they will qualify to commence their life saving courses, will be able to work on the beach and earn a nice income to support themselves and their families!

2016 also saw yet again another annual swimming course taking place in Kranshoek and from the group of 35, 18 were selected to take part in the Nippers day held at Central beach, Plettenberg Bay. The day included running, sprinting and of course activities in the ocean, which they loved. 10 learners qualified to complete winter swimming training so that they too can join the Nippers clan which commences in October 2016.

What a brilliant success story and so we conclude by continuing our water awareness program and should future funding allow it, ensure that many children from Plettenberg Bay and surrounding communities, have the opportunity to become water safe! Should you wish to assist in this brilliant program, kindly contact Isabelle Brink at info@borninafrica.org. Together, we can make a difference!