This past January, Joe and I had the opportunity to visit South Africa for the first time. I’m not sure there is a landscape that rivals that of the Western Cape; the way the fog rolls over the mountains into the valleys, the jagged cliffs that jut out into endless expanse of blue, the dramatic flora and fauna—it’s all captivating. After a week of scenic drives and tourist attractions, we drove south of Cape Town to visit the Prince family, old friends of ours from the States who traded a comfortable life in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina to work and live in an impoverished township called Ocean View. Sarah and Casey were my youth group leaders all through high school and two of my closest spiritual mentors. I spent many nights hanging out at their house in Raleigh, a quick drive from my own safe cul-de-sac. As we turned off the main road onto their street in Ocean View, I couldn’t help but feel shocked, maybe even a little scared. The same scenic backdrop was visible in the distance, but we were no longer in paradise.
The thousands of people that live in Ocean View are there as a direct result of apartheid in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. “Colored” people (a term South Africans still use today to describe those of mixed race) were forced off their land in several nearby coastal towns, giving the white communities all the prime real estate. Though apartheid has ended politically, its effects are still felt every day economically and socially in townships like Ocean View. In our brief time with Sarah and Casey, we witnessed the real struggle of day-to-day life. With an unemployment rate of 60%, joblessness is a norm, alcoholism and drug use—especially crystal meth, which they call “tik”—is rampant, and HIV is common. The children in these communities are exposed to all of this, if not in their own homes, than in the streets in which they play. Understandably, they perpetuate the same destructive cycles.
Enter Ubuntu Sports! "Ubuntu" is an African expression of togetherness, describing that what I am is intrinsically linked to what we are. Sarah and Casey are firm believers that the best way to really help and serve a community is to take a stake in that community—be a part of it. In addition to their daily commitment to serve their neighbors, they started Ubuntu Sports. Ubuntu uses football (soccer) as a way to engage young children in their community, provide mentorship and hone their character. Through a new program called Football Forward, Ubuntu offers after school clinics for children of all ages, teaching them the skills to play as well and imparting important lessons about character and leadership. Ubuntu’s Academy identifies promising young players and gives them the chance to become a part of team and attend a private school where they receive a quality education. Casey, along with a few other Ubuntu coaches and volunteers provide mentorship that is long-term, intensive and holistic, enabling each individual to become the best player and person he can be. Having witnessed first hand the way that this program is reinvigorating the community and transforming the lives of so many kids in Ocean View, I wanted to share the mission of Ubuntu with my friends and family.
That's why I've decided to run a half marathon this April. It's not that running thirteen point one miles is really that remarkable. But I believe that *God* is doing truly remarkable things in Ocean View through the Princes, and my half marathon is only half of the equation...that's where you come in! My goal is to raise one hundred dollars for every mile of the half marathon. I’d be so grateful if you'd consider making a donation to Ubuntu Sports, and this site ensures that all the money will go directly to Ubuntu's office. Every little bit helps, and if you can't currently offer financial support, that's ok! I hope you will still check out Sarah and Casey's website and blogs, and maybe their stories will encourage you they way they did me. Ubuntu is about real, committed community; Thank you being a part of mine!
Much love,
Holly
Sarah's blog: http://looklistenlove.org
Ubuntu blog: http://ubuntufootball.com/blog/
The thousands of people that live in Ocean View are there as a direct result of apartheid in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. “Colored” people (a term South Africans still use today to describe those of mixed race) were forced off their land in several nearby coastal towns, giving the white communities all the prime real estate. Though apartheid has ended politically, its effects are still felt every day economically and socially in townships like Ocean View. In our brief time with Sarah and Casey, we witnessed the real struggle of day-to-day life. With an unemployment rate of 60%, joblessness is a norm, alcoholism and drug use—especially crystal meth, which they call “tik”—is rampant, and HIV is common. The children in these communities are exposed to all of this, if not in their own homes, than in the streets in which they play. Understandably, they perpetuate the same destructive cycles.
Enter Ubuntu Sports! "Ubuntu" is an African expression of togetherness, describing that what I am is intrinsically linked to what we are. Sarah and Casey are firm believers that the best way to really help and serve a community is to take a stake in that community—be a part of it. In addition to their daily commitment to serve their neighbors, they started Ubuntu Sports. Ubuntu uses football (soccer) as a way to engage young children in their community, provide mentorship and hone their character. Through a new program called Football Forward, Ubuntu offers after school clinics for children of all ages, teaching them the skills to play as well and imparting important lessons about character and leadership. Ubuntu’s Academy identifies promising young players and gives them the chance to become a part of team and attend a private school where they receive a quality education. Casey, along with a few other Ubuntu coaches and volunteers provide mentorship that is long-term, intensive and holistic, enabling each individual to become the best player and person he can be. Having witnessed first hand the way that this program is reinvigorating the community and transforming the lives of so many kids in Ocean View, I wanted to share the mission of Ubuntu with my friends and family.
That's why I've decided to run a half marathon this April. It's not that running thirteen point one miles is really that remarkable. But I believe that *God* is doing truly remarkable things in Ocean View through the Princes, and my half marathon is only half of the equation...that's where you come in! My goal is to raise one hundred dollars for every mile of the half marathon. I’d be so grateful if you'd consider making a donation to Ubuntu Sports, and this site ensures that all the money will go directly to Ubuntu's office. Every little bit helps, and if you can't currently offer financial support, that's ok! I hope you will still check out Sarah and Casey's website and blogs, and maybe their stories will encourage you they way they did me. Ubuntu is about real, committed community; Thank you being a part of mine!
Much love,
Holly
Sarah's blog: http://looklistenlove.org
Ubuntu blog: http://ubuntufootball.com/blog/
