cape town

Programme Review 2007–2008

Positive Futures Cape Town
Programme Review 2007–2008

3. Endorsement
3. Foreword
4. Sharing best practice
5. Talking numbers
6. Working in partnership
7. Local heroes
8. A Positive Approach
9. In the local context
10. Batting for change
11. Secrets of success
12. Personal development pathways
13. Real stories
14. Workforce development
15. A positive future? Next steps
16. Recommendations
17. Contacts
18. Partners

Page 2
Foreword
As a constituency MP in the London Borough of Brent I saw
the real impact the Positive Futures programme and work
of London Active Communities had on young people in
developing communities. My experience over many years,
as a community activist and constituency MP in North West
London, then as a Minister and now as High Commissioner,
has allowed me to observe Positive Futures at first hand.
London Active Communities and the Positive Futures
programme have transformed young people’s lives.

I was therefore thrilled that through the UK/South Africa

Protocol of Action on Sport we have been able to fund a
Positive Futures programme in the Eerste River community
in the Western Cape.

The Positive Futures programme offers young people

activities and educational workshops that demonstrate the
positive aspect of sport and hopefully deter them from a life
of crime and drugs, a problem that is as relevant in the UK
as it is in South Africa. As you will read in the report, a lot
has been achieved in the first year of the project and with
the enthusiastic drive from both the South African and UK
partners, we hope that a lasting legacy will be left that will
expand to other communities in the province.

Long may this important work continue.

The Rt Hon Paul Boateng

British High Commissioner to South Africa

Endorsement
On behalf of UK Sport I am pleased to bring you this first
annual report of the Positive Futures Cape Town Project.

I am delighted that we are able to evidence not only

the progress that has been made over the last 12 months,
but also the significant outcomes that participation in
sport coupled with positive role models can bring. I feel
proud that UK Sport is involved in such a groundbreaking
scheme which is making a genuine difference to young
people’s lives.

I would also like to thank all our partners on this project:

London Active Communities, the Western Province Cricket
Club, Lifeline/Childline, Cricket 4 Change and the Exercise
Teachers Academy. I wish to congratulate all those involved
in making the first year the success it has been.

John Steele
Chief Executive UK Sport
Page 3
Sharing best practice

Positive Futures Launched in September 2007, the Cape Town project is the
product of an agreement between UK Sport and the South
Cape Town is the first African government designed to share best practice and
international rollout learning between our two countries.
of the successful Funded initially by UK Sport and the UK consulate in Cape
and groundbreaking Town, Positive Futures has drawn on exceptional levels of
expertise from both countries to deliver a cricket and multi-
Positive Futures sports project to address social exclusion, crime and gang
model of sports based membership, plus drug and substance misuse (especially
the crystal meth variant known locally as ‘tik’). This expertise
social inclusion, which includes sporting, youth work, counselling and educational
it delivers in 125 support delivered by local agencies, with ongoing input
from the UK.
communities across
England and Wales. The project has initially focused on the Forest Heights
community in Eerste River. This community was identified
following extensive consultation with local services including
South African Police Service, schools, Social Service agencies
and community representatives. Recently, the project has
expanded to take in the Mfuleni neighbourhood of that
same community and further extension into the Khayelitsha
community is anticipated for year two of the project.

In its first year of operation, Positive Futures Cape Town

has already set the bar in terms of both engagement of
young people and project delivery. This review is intended
to meet three objectives. Firstly, it sets down the approach,
services and skills needed to deliver a successful project.
It then documents the impact of the Cape Town project
and details its development in year one. Finally, following
discussions with participants, delivery agencies and
strategic partners, it provides recommendations for the
project’s future development.

“It has been fantastic having a

Positive Futures programme here
in the Western Cape. We can really
notice a difference in the behaviour
and attitude of the young learners
and see the positive impact on the
community as a whole.”
Bernie Ross
Lifeline/Childline

Page 4
Talking Numbers
In only 12 months
the Positive Futures
Cape Town project has
achieved the following
outputs:

n Total
number of young
people in the project: 433
(male 254/female 179)

n Young people accessing the

project through community
work: 263

n Young people identified as

at risk and referred to the
project : 170

n Hours of sports activity

delivered: 484 hours

n Hours of personal/social
development activity
delivered: 130 hours

n Young people undertaking

tailored support
programmes: 40

n Young people supported

back into school: 17

n Community volunteers
recruited: 8

Page 5
Working in partnership

Western Province Cricket Club

One of the highest profile cricketing institutions in South
A number of partner Africa, with superb facilities in both the Rondebosch training
centre and the internationally renowned Newlands Stadium,
agencies have been Western Province Cricket Club has been a key driver of
instrumental in Positive Futures in Cape Town.
establishing Positive As well as hosting and leading the local steering group, the
Futures Cape Town and club’s support has included financial resources, provision of
training facilities, cricketing expertise and use of club facilities.
are critical to its future The club chairman has also been instrumental in developing
development. the vision, scope and strategic networks that have been vital
to the development of the project in its first year.

London Active Communities

London Active Communities has provided ongoing training,
advice, support and resources over the first year of the project.
A charity specialising in community development projects
and sports development in marginalised and deprived
neighbourhoods in the UK, its remit includes strategic planning
and workforce development and training. A key strategic partner
in the Positive Futures programme in the UK, their expertise has
been invaluable in shaping the development of the project.

Lifeline/Childline
With a wealth of experience in providing counselling
services, drug education and life skills training across
Cape Town and the Western Cape, the Lifeline/Childline
organisation is the key deliverer of youth and community
development services for Positive Futures. Its local
knowledge has led to the identification of invaluable
community and local partnerships within which the project
will operate. The Project Coordinator is also hosted and
managed by Lifeline/Childline.

Cricket 4 Change
Cricket 4 Change is the UK’s premier urban cricket agency,
using adapted versions of the game to suit the needs of
various client groups and playing surfaces. Pioneers of the
‘Street 20’ game, Cricket 4 Change staff provided initial staff
training and helped shape the urban cricket development
pathways for the project.

Exercise Teachers Academy

The Exercise Teachers Academy (eta) is a private sector
skills and training organisation, specialising in sports
development and coaching, with a number of campus sites
across South Africa. Based in Cape Town, eta students are
expected to complete voluntary placements to complement
their learning. With many of their students drawn from
communities targeted by Positive Futures, their support and
collaboration has made the delivery of the project possible.
Page 6
 Local heroes

The Positive Futures Cape Town project was launched at an

event in September 2007 by South Africa cricketing legend
Jacques Kallis and the UK Consular General Paul Boateng.
The launch also received the support of David Morgan, then
President elect of the ICC and Vincent van der Bijl, Manager
of High Performance Cricket South Africa.

At the event both Jacques Kallis and Paul Boateng

underlined their real commitment to the project, talking
with young people, teachers, parents and partners.

Jacques related the need for positive activities and

constructive use of leisure time to offer an alternative to
crime and drugs. He demonstrated a clear understanding of
the issues facing local young people and drew from his own
experiences to show the positive impact sport can have on
the individual, regardless of social background or ability.

Paul talked about his first-hand experience of Positive

Futures. As a constituency MP in the London Borough of
Brent, the project helped turn around the lives of many
young residents. He reiterated the importance of partnership
working and how the shared experiences in developing
communities through sport could benefit young people in
both the UK and South Africa.

The event also welcomed other partners who have helped

drive forward Positive Futures Cape Town. The launch and
subsequent cricketing involvement has been overseen
by Western Province Cricket club, whose chairman Paul
Burton underlined the organisation’s ongoing commitment.
Lifeline/Childline representative, Bernie Ross, also outlined
how important community development, sports and
education programmes were to tackling crime, drugs and
underachievement in South Africa.

The launch also introduced Gavin Wessels as Project

Coordinator. Gavin is based in the Eerste River community
and is the local lead for the project.

“Gavin’s enthusiasm, knowledge of

the community and his relationship
with the learners has made the
project a great success”
Paul Burton
Chairman, Western Province Cricket Club
Page 7
A Positive Approach

The Positive Approach follows 7 principles

of project delivery:
1. Commit to long-term work in the heart of the
Positive Futures Cape community
Projects that address community issues need to be based in
Town has adopted the heart of their target community, and include consistent
the delivery style and ongoing activity over a sustained period of time (i.e.
stand alone summer programmes and ‘tasters’ with no route
developed by London to ongoing participation are not a part of this delivery).
Active Communities
2. Reflect participant interests and offer progression
and used by a number routes
of Positive Futures The activities delivered should reflect participant interests
and needs, and include opportunities for development and
projects across the UK. progression of the individual. This appealing combination
This model creates will raise self-esteem and create a stronger sense of
achievement. As a result, participants are likely to stay
a sustainable impact involved for longer which will give the project as a whole far
on crime, community greater impact.
safety and community 3. Take time to establish mutual trust
development, as When dealing with marginalised or excluded communities,
our focus is on building relationships with participants to
opposed to ‘quick fix’ establish mutual trust and respect. In this way participants
activities that provide are more likely to be introduced to, and supported in, new
activities and opportunities.
little more than a photo
opportunity. 4. A well-trained workforce is crucial
The project worker or community coach is central and as
such it is essential to have a well-trained workforce who can
deliver both quality personal support and activities within
the community.

5. Offer accreditation & vocational training

Similarly to encourage participation and citizenship, and to
promote volunteering and community ownership, mature
projects should offer accreditation and vocational training
opportunities to participants and volunteers alike.

6. Partnerships are lifeblood

Partnerships are essential in this setting, to maximise use
of resources and to offer a varied and exciting programme
of activities as well as varied progression routes into
mainstream provision.

7. Constantly evaluate, learn and improve

Monitoring, evaluation and reflective practice are important
components of this approach to continually improve
services, evaluate the impact and demonstrate success. And,
of course, to meet funder requirements.

Page 8
 In the local context

The delivery methodology used in the

Eerste River community has been as follows:
Outreach work The key to the success
Used to engage participants within their own environment of Positive Futures
and initiate the relationship building process. This has
included visiting a number of secondary schools, delivering Cape Town has
sessions within a familiar setting at evenings and weekends been thinking local;
and approaching young people on the street to engage
them in conversation. engaging young
people from within
Community-based provision
Providing cricket and multi-sports participation/coaching their own communities.
programmes in local grassed areas and parks, community
centres or schools. This programme of activity is
underpinned by broader youth and community work which
supports and encourages participants and non-participants
to take part in the wider aspects of the project.

Competition/progression opportunities
Inter-school and inter-community based competitions have
brought together different sections of the community. Young
people have also been given the opportunity to compete
at the Western Province Cricket Club training facility, whilst
talented cricketers have been selected to receive formal
coaching and team membership.

Personal/social development opportunities

A number of programmes have been initiated, including
issue-based projects such as those addressing drug and
substance misuse, crime and gang membership, school
performance and attendance, life skills courses and
preparation for employment initiatives.

Targeted initiatives
Positive Futures has concentrated on working with groups
that need extra support or encouragement within the local
community. Examples include projects targeting non-
attending pupils, those involved in gangs or crime and
young people with drug use issues. These initiatives include
one to one support and counselling sessions where needed.

Volunteering support
The project has relied heavily on volunteers from the
eta programme and is now recruiting volunteers from
the community as well as peer mentors from within the
project itself. They will promote citizenship and community
ownership, provide work placements and offer entry routes
into training or employment.

Page 9
Batting for change

Within the communities of Eerste River there are few formal

cricket pitches and so project staff and coaches have been
Quality sporting activity forced to adapt the game to meet local circumstances.
is key to the success
London-based Cricket For Change has a history of delivering
of the Positive Futures cricket in some of the most challenging environments in the
Cape Town project. UK. It promotes Street 20 (taped-up tennis balls, modified
rules and minimum equipment) to create a fun, fast flowing
With the support of game, in which all participants get to bat and bowl. Street 20
the Western Province has proven to be perfect for Eerste River; everyone can take
part and a tournament can be played within three hours.
Cricket Club, cricket is
at the very heart of the The cricket programme was initially centred in the Forest
Heights High School and has now extended to Tuscany Glen
project. and Mfuleni. Local tournaments have led to cross-school
contests and plans are underway to create further inter-
community tournaments and leagues.

The project has also unearthed new talent. Western Province

Cricket Club has allowed tournaments and training to take
place at its Rondebosch ground, giving players the chance
to experience elite facilities and coaching. To date, two
participants (one male, one female) have demonstrated
enough talent to be accepted into the Western Province
Cricketing structure. Students are also exploring academic
opportunities alongside their sports activities, due to the
presence of the eta campus at the ground.

As a community development tool, staff are also delivering

messages around health, diet, drug and alcohol education
and crime and violence. Workshops examining the impact
of drug use on sporting performance for example, can be
embedded into a wider programme of sports or coach
development skills.

This approach has proven to be particularly successful in terms

of reinforcing messages in a meaningful way over a period
of time. And, in the case of certificated leadership and coach
development programmes, it is associated with achievement
and success.

“I have really noticed the change in the way the project

participants are relating to eta volunteers. At first they
were wary, but now learners are asking after the volunteers
and want to find out more about volunteering themselves.
We have definitely become role models.”
Natasha
eta volunteer
Page 10
 Secrets of success

The cricket project has succeeded because it

has a robust framework which:
The powerful
 rovides a culturally familiar sporting environment in which
P
n
young people can participate, enjoy and achieve.
combination of
Western Province
 ffers regular sporting activity for communities which are
O
n
often excluded from structured mainstream provision. It
Cricket Club, Newlands
also recruits non-traditional participants, and improves Stadium and Jacques
their motor-skills, health and fitness.
Kallis has undoubtedly
n  reates an environment in which coaches can develop
C raised the profile of the
individual confidence, communication, teamwork and
leadership skills.
cricket programme.
n  rovides diversionary activity from crime by offering
P
activities within key communities at key times.

n  stablishes an environment in which drug and alcohol

E
education, anti-crime and gang work and tailored support
can be delivered in a structured and ongoing manner.

n  ives access to experiences outside of participants

G
community boundaries, thereby raising aspirations,
broadening life experiences and delivering pathways to
achievement.

Furthermore, the project is awarded extra credibility

and kudos thanks to its association with an elite sports
club and sporting personality, Jacques Kallis. The evidence?
The sheer number of parents and community representatives
who attended the launch, and the subsequent recruitment
of volunteers to the programme.

Page 11
Personal development pathways

Through UK Sport and the UK Consulate in Cape Town,

Lifeline/Childline was appointed as the agency responsible
for the overall delivery of the Positive Futures Cape Town
project. Coordinator, Gavin Wessels, was appointed in
Lifeline/Childline has a September of 2007 to drive the programme forward.

track record of working The project operates in communities faced with a range of
within disadvantaged social and economic challenges including poverty, crime,
anti-social behaviour, drug and substance misuse, academic
communities in Cape under-achievement and unemployment. These issues
Town and the Western are particularly prevalent among young people and so a
programme of personal development is important to raise
Cape, supporting aspirations, change attitudes and offer alternative pathways.
children, young people
Lifeline/Childline offers a range of services within the Positive
and families in a variety Futures Cape Town project, each tailored to the needs of
of ways, from education the participant group and tackling issues identified by local
young people, parents, teachers and police officers. These
and counselling services services include:
to supported housing.
Classroom based life-skills projects
Working within the school curriculum, sessions are delivered
to identified pupils at Forest Heights High School, Tuscany
Glen High School and Mfuleni High. A range of lectures,
Q&As and workshops cover topics such as sexual health,
drug education, communication skills and bullying.

Community based group-work

Sessions are delivered with smaller groups and are often
young person led, using a range of techniques including
cricket, multi-sports, photography, art and IT to explore
similar subjects to the classroom projects, but over a longer
period of time and in more detail.

Counselling Services
Delivered on a one to one basis these sessions are geared
towards supporting young people with substance misuse
issues, gang or crime-related behaviours and other
problems, who require individual support.

Lifeline/Childline staff also provide progression routes

that promote citizenship and responsibility. These include
leadership skills, mentor training and voluntary work
placements within a community setting.

Page 12
 Real stories

Elmarie, 17
Elmarie was one of the very first to get involved in the Positive Futures programme and has been full
of energy, keen to express her opinions and willing to learn. She quickly demonstrated leadership
skills which combined with her enthusiasm and confidence made her the perfect candidate for the
peer mentorship programme at Forest Heights High School. Elmarie is now a volunteer staff group
leader and coordinates many of the community holiday programmes. Her next challenge is to take
Positive Futures to primary schools in Eerste River.

Allister, 18
Allister had been known to the Positive Futures project from its earliest delivery sessions, but he
had never participated. He was struggling with various problems at home, at school and with
controlling his temper. Via the urban cricket programme his fiery personality translated into a real
passion for cricket and sports and he now regularly attends drop-in games, structured coaching and
competitions. His self-esteem has grown and the team is supporting him with his personal issues at
school and home.

Mary, 18
Mary, a resident of Eerste River, suffered from a lack of self-confidence but was supported into the
Positive Futures project through the use of cricket as a way to build her communications skills. She
became a regular attendee at sessions, and after participating in a leadership programme Mary has
since become a cornerstone of the Positive Futures peer mentor/young leaders scheme. She has
been inspired by, and been an inspiration to, young people and staff alike.

Liam, 18
Formally a resident of Eerste River, Liam’s situation had forced him to move to Mitchell’s Plain and
a new community. The urban cricket programme was used to engage Liam and he has since been
referred to a drug rehabilitation programme and is attending school regularly. Liam has shown
considerable leadership skills in both the cricket and peer mentoring environments and is now
part of a peer mentor team replicating Positive Futures in primary schools in Eerste River.

“Coming on the programme was life changing in itself for

Liam. He is now focusing a lot more on his education. Apart
from taking part in sports, he also joined the community holiday
leadership team and is committed to continuing with the project.
He is already signed up as a peer mentor for our new primary
school programme.”
Gavin Wessels
Project Coordinator, Positive Futures

Page 13
Workforce Development

Delivered by London Active Communities and Cricket for

Change staff, Changebox Training (a Positive Futures training
provider in the UK) agency and Lifeline/Childline staff, this
training took place over four days at the Western Province
Cricket Club. In particular the training programme included:

n Introduction to Positive Futures

n Sport as a tool for development
Recognising the
n Delivering community based programmes
specialised and cutting
n Introduction to youth work
edge nature of the n Working with young people at risk
Positive Futures Cape n Managing challenging behaviour
Town project, UK Sport n Conflict resolution
has put into place a n Equality and diversity
workforce development n Progression routes and onward development
and training
programme to ensure The overall feedback from volunteers and staff was
exceptional and this programme will be repeated for
volunteers and cricket a new round of volunteers in 2009.
coaches have the best
support possible.

“Working with the staff, volunteers and

partners in the Cape Town Positive
Futures project has been a fantastic
experience. The training group is one
of the best I have worked with and
the attitude, ambition and enthusiasm
they have brought into training
sessions has been exemplary. I am
proud to have been involved with such
motivated people.”
Rubel Ahmed
Director, Changebox Training

Page 14
 A positive future? Next steps

Next Steps
Expansion of project delivery
The Positive Futures programme has already expanded its The first year of the
services within Eerste River from Forest Heights, to Tuscany
Glen and Mfuleni. The intention is to reach other communities Positive Futures
in the Western Cape including Khayelitsha. A second Project Cape Town project
Coordinator, appointed by Lifeline/Childline in September
2008, will seek to repeat the success of Eerste River, with has proven hugely
additional cricket coaching support from twelve eta students successful in engaging
and Western Province Cricket Club.
some of the hardest
Enhancement of staffing to reach young
Cape Town Positive Futures has developed an ongoing
relationship with London Active Communities and the people in the Eerste
Active Communities Network, which has created new River community,
opportunities across the board.
tackling drugs, crime
In April 2008 two community volunteers undertaking training and social exclusion
at eta were offered work placements with Positive Futures
London. They are now full time Community Sports Coaches along the way. The
attached to Positive Futures. This expansion of staffing gives challenge is now to
the programme a greater reach and ability to work in Mfuleni
and Khayelitsha. Active Communities Network has also identify next steps and
agreed to meet the staffing costs for the cricket coaches considerations for the
in Khayelitsha.
project’s long-term,
Sharing of best practice/networking sustainable future.
The Cape Town Positive Futures project is now building
partnerships and sharing learning with the South African
Football Foundation programme, based in Gaansbai in
the Western Cape.

This will include sharing of best practice, dual use of

volunteering resources and inter-community events. It is
hoped this will be the first step towards a local network of
like-minded projects. In addition, Cape Town Positive Futures
is now affiliated to the Active Communities Network, giving
access to online resources and an international forum to
contribute to and learn from.

Workforce Development and Training

The project is planning to repeat the training carried out in
year one, with a focus on capacity building volunteers and
peer mentors as well exploring more issue based initiatives
with trainers from the UK. We hope to extend this training to
our colleagues in Gaansbai as part of a shared commitment
to community development.

Page 15
Recommendations

In order to maximise the potential of the Positive

Futures project in South Africa there are a number
of considerations including:

Local Funding
To date the project has been UK-funded. Thought needs
to be given to developing a localised fundraising strategy
incorporating national and regional government, private
sector and grant streams in order to secure the project’s
long term future. Overseas grants would be not sustainable
and would create a reliance on overseas agencies for
South African delivery.

Research and Evaluation

In order to demonstrate the real long-term impacts of
Positive Futures Cape Town, and to set those achievements
within a sports and political framework operational in South
Africa, it is recommended that action research programme
is implemented within the project, potentially by one of
the three universities within the Western Cape and Cape
Town. An academic report to underpin the achievements
of the project would be instrumental in both securing
long-term funding and replicating the Positive Futures
approach elsewhere in South Africa.

Multi-sport programme
Whilst cricket has been, and should remain, the primary
focus for sports delivery on the Positive Futures Cape
Town programme, a variety of sports and activities should
be offered to keep the widest range of young people
engaged and the project fresh in years to come.

Rugby, soccer and boxing are popular suggestions that

should be explored, and dance has also been highlighted by
female participants. Given the rich sporting heritage of South
Africa in several of these sports, and forthcoming marquee
events such as the British and Irish Lions tour (2009) and the
Soccer World Cup (2010), the project will have an opportunity
to link local communities to such national events.

Page 16
 Contacts

South Africa United Kingdom

Bernie Ross Changebox Training Ltd

Lifeline/Childline Western Cape 26 Maxwell Court
bernie@lifelinewc.org.za Dulwich Common
082 221 8032 London
SE22 8NT
Paul Burton +44 (0) 20 8693 0558
Western Province Cricket Club changebox@hotmail.co.uk
pbu@maynards.co.za
021 424 3140 or 083 700 8216 Cricket 4 Change
The Cricket Centre
Raziyah Johnston Plough Lane
British Consulate-General Cape Town Wallington
raziyah.johnston@fco.gov.uk Surrey
083 327 0912 SM6 8JQ
+44 (0) 20 8669 2177
Gavin Wessels www.cricketforchange.org.uk
Project Coordinator
eersteriveryouth@lifelinewc.org.za London Active Communities
083 358 6778 or 021 904 0792 Southbank Techno Park
90 London Road
London
SE1 6LN
+44 (0) 20 7717 1691
www.activecommunities.org.uk

UK Sport
40 Bernard St
London
WC1N 1ST
+44 (0)20 7211 5127
www.uksport.gov.uk

Page 17
Partners

Page 18
London Active Communities
Southbank Techno Park
90 London Road
London SE1 6LN

020 7717 1691

info@activecommunities.org.uk