Youth Empowerment & Ocean Access

Project Description

Friends of Project Sunwave supports youth empowerment and wellbeing in under-resourced coastal communities in South Africa through a holistic, ocean-connected approach to development.

Delivered by our implementation partner, Project Sunwave NPC, this work combines education support, water safety, ocean-based learning, and social-emotional development to help young people build confidence, skills, and long-term opportunity.

Programs are rooted in the local community and designed to be safe, inclusive, and sustainable.

By expanding access to the ocean as a space for learning, healing, and growth, this project addresses both immediate needs and long-term structural inequality.

Who This Project Serves

Children and youth from under-resourced coastal communities, with a focus on those facing economic barriers, limited access to safe recreation, and reduced educational and wellbeing opportunities.

Causes

The initiative addresses a range of youth needs, such as:

• Youth Development

• Gender Empowerment

• Environmental Education

• Ocean Therapy & Social-Emotional Learning

Building Healthier Communities

In many coastal communities, young people grow up surrounded by the ocean but excluded from safe access, skills development, and opportunity. Economic inequality, limited resources, and a lack of structured youth programming contribute to cycles of disengagement and risk.

This project addresses these challenges by investing in prevention, empowerment, and community-led solutions that support young people before crises occur.

What Your Support Enables

• Safe, structured access to the ocean for children and youth

• Education and life-skills development, focused on confidence and resilience

• Trained local coaches, mentors, and youth leaders

• Community-based programs with lasting impact

Looking Ahead

As Friends of Project Sunwave grows, this project forms the foundation for broader community-led initiatives, including food security, placemaking, and environmental innovation, working towards strengthening pathways to long-term resilience and opportunity within the community.