PROJECTS
In 2004 the RedCap Foundation launched the Young Heroes Project to allow children the opportunity to develop a healthy lifestyle and a passion for regular exercise which is an important part of childhood development from an early age. In this process, the future sporting talent in South Africa"s is identified and nurtured.
According to research studies, children in South Africa are spending more time in front of computers and televisions, in addition to this, young children in primary schools serving low-income communities are not able to benefit from physical activity due to a lack of sports equipment, trained coaches and facilities at their schools. This has resulted in a crisis where obesity and heart disease are on the increase amongst children.
To ensure that healthy habits are taught at a young age, the RedCap Foundation initiated the Young Heroes Project for children between the ages of 6 - 13 years in selected primary schools.
An independent impact assessment, conducted in 2007, showed that the Young Heroes Project made a positive contribution to schools. Educators reported that children concentrated better in the classroom, that they became more active and that it helped with the mental, physical and social development of children. It was confirmed that the Young Heroes programme helps to build the self esteem of children and promotes a healthy lifestyle amongst children and educators.
This programme is aligned with Life Orientation of the outcomes based education model. Since its inception, it has benefitted 45 primary schools, over 27 000 learners and trained over 700 educators in KZN and Gauteng schools.
In order to ensure sustainability, it is important to transfer skills to educators. Each school receives a full time coach who trains and mentors educators for a term. The coach also ensures that educators from grade R to grade 7 are trained on age appropriate exercises and monitoring of fitness levels of children. Over and above that, one educator is nominated to attend a formal coaching science course and becomes the subject matter expert at the school. Five other educators are selected to attend sport specific training on sports codes offered at each school.
The Free-Play concept is implemented in schools that do not have facilities or available space for exercises. Physical Education takes place on a board which is mounted on a wall at the school. This innovative concept, designed by Sportstec, develops both cognitive and physical skills.
All equipment necessary for the implementation of physical education in these schools is donated by the RedCap Foundation. Since 2004, a total value of R132 000 worth of equipment was donated to schools as part of this project.
The Young Heroes Project is implemented in partnership with Sportstec Development Agency, which has a mission to inspire and empower people to live their dreams through sport, health and education.
