We have started Rainbow Sun Sports Study League as a part of Rainbow Initiative’s after school program. We run the program every Saturday from 9:45AM – 12AM at George Brink Sports Club in Sunnyside. The program started in early May and now has more than 10 registered children who live in Sunnyside. Currently Rainbow Sun’s activity is PE (Physical Education) and Soccer. Chanelle from Pretoria University volunteers as PE teacher with her sports background of hockey, rugby and netball.
What is happening to children in Sunnyside?
George Brink Sports Club (center), surrounded by apartments in Sunnyside
Rainbow Initiative has been focusing on wellness and stimulation of children who live in Sunnyside area, due to the social and economic deprivations they face. Sunnyside in Tshwane/Pretoria is a residential suburb just next to city center with at least 20 000 units of high rise apartments with and less than 1 000 houses. The convenience and close proximity to government offices, schools, diplomatic offices, sport facilities and other amenities offering good quality reasonably priced accommodation which has been attracting a considerable number of low-middle income residents ranging from local South Africans, African and Asian migrants making it one of Africa’s major cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this convenient suburb with different people is also infamous for high rate of crime such as robbery, car jacking, drug dealing and abuse. The streets in Sunnyside are ranked as one of the most dangerous streets in South Africa. it is difficult for one to walk through the streets without thinking of facing armed robbers wielding knives and guns. Both adults and children are anxious about taking a walk short distances, which is necessary for health, recreation and stimulation. Parents are concerned about letting their children play outside without guardians. The children have to stay at home, not able to venture into sports and recreation with not much playing space outside. Some develop idle minds in the process making them vulnerable and susceptible to crime. Most of the time they can be seen just hanging around by their home or watching TV indoors, or loitering the on the streets. Some apartments are overcrowded with low-income earners or unemployed residents. Children in Sunnyside live facing all scenes of crime, unemployment, overcrowding everyday in some buildings. Most of the children are from middle and low-income families. With the prevailing condition and circumstances, it is easy to imagine that these children may get involved in crime very soon. Police and municipality have been burden by the repetitive crime and at times may seem overwhelmed by the situation, which some residents think it seems authorities to have given up to controlling the crime and improving the community. There are no organized sports activities or study programs available to occupy the children’s time.
That is why Rainbow Initiative started the Rainbow Sun Sports Study League for children in Sunnyside to offer them a space to develop their sports and study ability. Currently we are running only soccer program mentioned above. Eventually we want to include other sports such as soccer and netball for girl players. We are also planning to setup After School Study Program for young residents offering tutorials, art study and other skill development. Currently we are in search for a suitable venue for the program.
We are recruiting more boys and girls (6 – 14 years) to establish Sunnyside Kids Soccer League and planning to hold a tournament by September.
Currently we are soliciting for donations and funds for uniforms and tournament prizes. Volunteers (referees, coaches, first aiders, etc.) are all welcome! If you could offer a venue for After School or know about possible venue, please let us know.
Please contact us at: rainbowsun@africadevelop.org (Email), +27 79 267 1254 (Tel).
