We are OASIS. We are a community using sports as a force for good
Located in the heart of a squalid suburban area of Cape Town known as the Cape Flats, we operate in a context deeply rooted in the historical legacies of apartheid, characterized by poor housing and infrastructure, educational inequality, high unemployment rates, endemic drug abuse, and gangsterism and violence.
In the Netflix movie, “The Beautiful Game”, former members of the OASIS Programs play the South African team! All of them have been homeless, all have a story, and all of them profited through the chances of a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Our youth football programs play a crucial role in diverting young individuals from the perils of drug use and gangsterism. Through organized practice sessions and competitive matches, participants not only develop sports skills but are coached in essential social skills such as respect, cooperation, and self-discipline. They get a sense of belonging and a reason to team up. We are a member of the 20/20 Street Soccer Program and the South African Homeless Street Soccer (SAHSS) league. We are the NGO sending a team to South Africa for the Homeless World Cup every year! |
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 | The vision of the Cup is to use the power of football to transform the lives of homeless people all over the world. And that vision is becoming a reality in 70 countries – involving hundreds of thousands of players since 2003. But this is only possible if we receive external funding for traveling.54 teams from around the world play 350 fast-paced games for 7 trophies, supported by many thousands of fans giving people a chance to discover the beauty and opportunities that life offers. However, this year we are lacking the funding to send our players to the tournament. Your support can make a difference in our players' lives and the community we serve. By sending our team to the Homeless World Cup, you're not just sponsoring a trip; you're investing in hope, opportunity, and the power of sports to change lives. |
Help us send our South African team to Seoul this year!
If you're not convinced - let the coach tell you her story or just see the faces of the people singing!
How will we use the funds?
Costs highlighted in green have been covered. We are seeking funding for the costs highlighted in yellow (as they are only partially covered) and costs without any highlight.
Highlights
See all activity14Testemonials
Those are the real heroes - those who fight addiction and have overcome addiction.
Watch them tell you how OASIS helped them in changing their world:
Cliffy: Founder talks about Social Development through sports
"My Family can't believe how I came so far"
Allister
Telan
Background to OASIS
Watch this 5 min video explaining what OASIS is:
Introduction:
We are an NPO called ‘THE OASIS’. Over 20+years we have evolved. From small beginnings we have helped partners and funders to deliver meaningful results - contributing to make real change to the lives of 150,000.
Along the way we have learned how to bridge shortfalls that exist in traditional Social Development and support programmes. As the word has spread, communities, families and lost-souls are turning more and more for help at THE OASIS.
Our plan is to gear up to meet this escalating demand. We have systems and a strategy. Now, with your support, together we will bring change to the lives of thousands more.
The Problem:
As the gap between socially advantaged v disadvantaged widens, conventional support and interventions are failing; Cape Town has an increasing level of chronic homelessness.
Parents in townships struggle with widespread unemployment, lack of education, skills and low self-esteem. Their children are exposed to social and family violence, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse. Many children end up bunking school and living on the streets.
With little else to turn to, the appeal of gangs and gang life is prevailing. Communities live in fear. Families watch as the gangs lure youth to an apparently attractive life of easy wins. This is responsible for increased crime and violence, gender disrespect, HIV/AIDS, early teenage pregnancy, TB, alcohol/drugs abuse.
Over 20% of learners in South Africa have either been threatened or experienced some form of violence in schools. 31% consume alcohol as a way to release stress and feel part of peer groups
There is a chasm between SD policy and the realities of life. Traditional social interventions aren’t effective in the ganglands. People are scared, subject to peer pressure.
To be successful we need is to go out and meet people in their own environment and on their own terms.
We need to change the perception that it’s cool to be in gangs and miss school. We need to focus on ways that prove to our kids that it’s cooler not to be. And give them options that they can see are right and will work.
What makes us different:
We are based and operate in and on the streets where we know how to be effective
Our programmes go out and find the people who need us and invite them to return and stay for help and support
We are accepted by the gangs. Have earned recognition and respect for what we are doing and achievements in overlooked communities
We know how to identify and attract people in need; then follow and support their individual re-integration journey. Like a family we are there at every stage with love and attention to fit complex individual needs
Opening young eyes and minds. Education, awareness. Giving hope. Providing answers.
Our programs
Events with integrated learning – offering street fun and a choice from crime.
- A place at THE OASIS for rest and recovery
- Individual support for their journey to re-integration
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Various sports OUTREACH programmes (stimulate participation,
fun, high repeat attendance, recruitment)
- Daily games on the streets, in communities; weekly events and tournaments at THE OASIS
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At schools to help prevent absenteeism and raise awareness
of LIFE and HEALTH basics
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Programmes designed by age (U4-10’s; U11–15’s; U16-21’s; 21–35’s+
- Mixed gender - OASIS Street soccer and netball
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Learning integrated into game-play and coaching (for
players, community, spectators)
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Home-from-home facilities at THE OASIS (rest, protection,
respect, support and love)
- Sport and recreation
- Food and shelter; residential care
- Community hall, ablutions, shops
- Teaching (skills, trades)
- Work, placements, career development
- Social re-integration (learning respect, etc
- Rehabilitation (social work, counselling, group therapy, etc)
