Programme Review 2007–2008

c a p e t o w n

Programme Review 2007–2008

Positive Futures Cape Town

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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

Endorsement

Foreword

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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 SteeleChief Executive UK Sport

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 BoatengBritish High Commissioner to South Africa

Sharing best practice

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Launched in September 2007, the Cape Town project is the product of an agreement between UK Sport and the South African government designed to share best practice and learning between our two countries.

Funded initially by UK Sport and the UK consulate in Cape Town, Positive Futures has drawn on exceptional levels of expertise from both countries to deliver a cricket and multi-sports project to address social exclusion, crime and gang membership, plus drug and substance misuse (especially the crystal meth variant known locally as ‘tik’). This expertise includes sporting, youth work, counselling and educational support delivered by local agencies, with ongoing input from the UK.

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.

Positive Futures Cape Town is the first international rollout of the successful and groundbreaking Positive Futures model of sports based social inclusion, which it delivers in 125 communities across England and Wales.

“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 RossLifeline/Childline

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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

Western Province Cricket ClubOne of the highest profile cricketing institutions in South Africa, with superb facilities in both the Rondebosch training centre and the internationally renowned Newlands Stadium, Western Province Cricket Club has been a key driver of Positive Futures in Cape Town.

As well as hosting and leading the local steering group, the club’s support has included financial resources, provision of training facilities, cricketing expertise and use of club facilities. The club chairman has also been instrumental in developing the vision, scope and strategic networks that have been vital to the development of the project in its first year.

London Active CommunitiesLondon 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/ChildlineWith 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 ChangeCricket 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 AcademyThe 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.

Working in partnership

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A number of partner agencies have been instrumental in establishing Positive Futures Cape Town and are critical to its future development.

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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 BurtonChairman, Western Province Cricket Club

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A Positive Approach

The Positive Approach follows 7 principles of project delivery:

1. Commit to long-term work in the heart of the community Projects that address community issues need to be based in the heart of their target community, and include consistent and ongoing activity over a sustained period of time (i.e. stand alone summer programmes and ‘tasters’ with no route to ongoing participation are not a part of this delivery).

2. Reflect participant interests and offer progression routesThe activities delivered should reflect participant interests and needs, and include opportunities for development and progression of the individual. This appealing combination will raise self-esteem and create a stronger sense of achievement. As a result, participants are likely to stay involved for longer which will give the project as a whole far greater impact.

3. Take time to establish mutual trustWhen dealing with marginalised or excluded communities, our focus is on building relationships with participants to establish mutual trust and respect. In this way participants are more likely to be introduced to, and supported in, new activities and opportunities.

4. A well-trained workforce is crucialThe 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 trainingSimilarly 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 lifebloodPartnerships 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 improveMonitoring, 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.

Positive Futures Cape Town has adopted the delivery style developed by London Active Communities and used by a number of Positive Futures projects across the UK. This model creates a sustainable impact on crime, community safety and community development, as opposed to ‘quick fix’ activities that provide little more than a photo opportunity.

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In the local context

The delivery methodology used in the Eerste River community has been as follows:

Outreach workUsed to engage participants within their own environment and initiate the relationship building process. This has included visiting a number of secondary schools, delivering sessions within a familiar setting at evenings and weekends and approaching young people on the street to engage them in conversation.

Community-based provisionProviding cricket and multi-sports participation/coaching 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 opportunitiesInter-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 opportunitiesA 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 initiativesPositive 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 supportThe 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.

The key to the success of Positive Futures Cape Town has been thinking local; engaging young people from within their own communities.

Within the communities of Eerste River there are few formal cricket pitches and so project staff and coaches have been forced to adapt the game to meet local circumstances.

London-based Cricket For Change has a history of delivering cricket in some of the most challenging environments in the UK. It promotes Street 20 (taped-up tennis balls, modified rules and minimum equipment) to create a fun, fast flowing game, in which all participants get to bat and bowl. Street 20 has proven to be perfect for Eerste River; everyone can take part and a tournament can be played within three hours.

The cricket programme was initially centred in the Forest Heights High School and has now extended to Tuscany Glen 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.

Batting for change

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Quality sporting activity is key to the success of the Positive Futures Cape Town project. With the support of the Western Province Cricket Club, cricket is at the very heart of the project.

“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.”Natashaeta volunteer

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Secrets of success

The cricket project has succeeded because it has a robust framework which:

n Provides a culturally familiar sporting environment in which young people can participate, enjoy and achieve.

n Offers regular sporting activity for communities which are often excluded from structured mainstream provision. It also recruits non-traditional participants, and improves their motor-skills, health and fitness.

n Creates an environment in which coaches can develop individual confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

n Provides diversionary activity from crime by offering activities within key communities at key times.

n Establishes an environment in which drug and alcohol education, anti-crime and gang work and tailored support can be delivered in a structured and ongoing manner.

n Gives access to experiences outside of participants 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.

The powerful combination of Western Province Cricket Club, Newlands Stadium and Jacques Kallis has undoubtedly raised the profile of the cricket programme.

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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 September of 2007 to drive the programme forward.

The project operates in communities faced with a range of social and economic challenges including poverty, crime, anti-social behaviour, drug and substance misuse, academic under-achievement and unemployment. These issues are particularly prevalent among young people and so a programme of personal development is important to raise aspirations, change attitudes and offer alternative pathways.

Lifeline/Childline offers a range of services within the Positive Futures Cape Town project, each tailored to the needs of the participant group and tackling issues identified by local young people, parents, teachers and police officers. These services include:

Classroom based life-skills projectsWorking 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-workSessions 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 ServicesDelivered 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.

Personal development pathways

Lifeline/Childline has a track record of working within disadvantaged communities in Cape Town and the Western Cape, supporting children, young people and families in a variety of ways, from education and counselling services to supported housing.

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, 18Mary, 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.

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Real stories

“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 WesselsProject Coordinator, Positive Futures

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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

n Delivering community based programmes

n Introduction to youth work

n Working with young people at risk

n Managing challenging behaviour

n Conflict resolution

n Equality and diversity

n Progression routes and onward development

The overall feedback from volunteers and staff was exceptional and this programme will be repeated for a new round of volunteers in 2009.

Recognising the specialised and cutting edge nature of the Positive Futures Cape Town project, UK Sport has put into place a workforce development and training programme to ensure volunteers and cricket 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 AhmedDirector, Changebox Training

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A positive future? Next steps

Next StepsExpansion of project deliveryThe Positive Futures programme has already expanded its services within Eerste River from Forest Heights, to Tuscany Glen and Mfuleni. The intention is to reach other communities in the Western Cape including Khayelitsha. A second Project Coordinator, appointed by Lifeline/Childline in September 2008, will seek to repeat the success of Eerste River, with additional cricket coaching support from twelve eta students and Western Province Cricket Club.

Enhancement of staffingCape Town Positive Futures has developed an ongoing relationship with London Active Communities and the Active Communities Network, which has created new opportunities across the board.

In April 2008 two community volunteers undertaking training at eta were offered work placements with Positive Futures London. They are now full time Community Sports Coaches attached to Positive Futures. This expansion of staffing gives the programme a greater reach and ability to work in Mfuleni and Khayelitsha. Active Communities Network has also agreed to meet the staffing costs for the cricket coaches in Khayelitsha.

Sharing of best practice/networkingThe 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 TrainingThe 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.

The first year of the Positive Futures Cape Town project has proven hugely successful in engaging some of the hardest to reach young people in the Eerste River community, tackling drugs, crime and social exclusion along the way. The challenge is now to identify next steps and considerations for the project’s long-term, sustainable future.

Recommendations

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In order to maximise the potential of the Positive Futures project in South Africa there are a number of considerations including:

Local FundingTo 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 EvaluationIn 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 programmeWhilst 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.

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Contacts

South Africa

Bernie RossLifeline/Childline Western Capebernie@lifelinewc.org.za082 221 8032

Paul BurtonWestern Province Cricket Clubpbu@maynards.co.za 021 424 3140 or 083 700 8216

Raziyah JohnstonBritish Consulate-General Cape Townraziyah.johnston@fco.gov.uk 083 327 0912

Gavin WesselsProject Coordinator eersteriveryouth@lifelinewc.org.za083 358 6778 or 021 904 0792

United Kingdom

Changebox Training Ltd26 Maxwell CourtDulwich CommonLondonSE22 8NT+44 (0) 20 8693 0558changebox@hotmail.co.uk

Cricket 4 ChangeThe Cricket Centre Plough Lane Wallington Surrey SM6 8JQ+44 (0) 20 8669 2177 www.cricketforchange.org.uk London Active CommunitiesSouthbank Techno Park90 London RoadLondonSE1 6LN+44 (0) 20 7717 1691www.activecommunities.org.uk UK Sport40 Bernard StLondonWC1N 1ST+44 (0)20 7211 5127www.uksport.gov.uk

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Partners

London Active CommunitiesSouthbank Techno Park90 London RoadLondon SE1 6LN

020 7717 1691info@activecommunities.org.uk