Join the WaveMakers: Build safe spaces for youth

For many young people growing up in coastal informal settlements, poverty is not just about a lack of money, it’s about a lack of access, opportunity, and safe environments to grow.

The hours after school are often the most vulnerable. When there are no structured spaces to go, young people are left exposed to hunger, crime, gangs, and negative influences that can shape the trajectory of their lives.

At 9Miles Project, we believe that breaking the cycle of poverty begins with creating safe spaces where young people can access opportunity, support and hope.

For over a decade, 9Miles has been working alongside youth in vulnerable coastal communities building environments where children are safe, valued and empowered to reach their potential.

The need is real. In our West Coast programmes, 90% of children identified unemployment and food insecurity as the biggest challenges in their households. In Strandfontein, 60% of the youth in our programmes come from single-parent homes with an a...