At Salt Surfers, we mentor youth from aged 10, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds affected by alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and violence. Surfing has proven to be more than just a sport—it is a therapeutic escape, offering a safe space where youth can express themselves, develop new skills, and cultivate self-discipline. Beyond the waves, Salt Surfers provides a supportive environment where these young individuals feel heard, valued, and encouraged to share their struggles. It is a privilege to walk alongside them, offering the love, care, and guidance they need to navigate life’s challenges and build a brighter future.
In Mauritius, many women have never had the opportunity to experience the sea—despite living just steps away from it. Girls Make Waves empowers women and young girls to overcome their fear of water and learn essential water safety skills, with some venturing into the sea for the first time in their 60s. This transformation extends beyond the water, empowering them to embrace challenges in other areas of life. By teaching a mother to swim, we create a ripple effect, enabling her to pass this vital skill to future generations.
Most public schools in Mauritius do not offer swimming lessons. So Hope House has stepped into the breach of teach islanders these life-saving skills. Hope House has six certified coaches and, in collaboration with schools in the area, are teaching children to swim. We've had the privilege of seeing complete turnarounds as participants from communities in poverty are able to walk into the ocean without fear.
We were approached by the Mauritius Sports Council to collaborate on their "Bright Up" program. This enables Hope House to engage with up to 50 young individuals twice a week, teaching them valuable skills in swimming, surfing, and water polo. Our coaches are continuously growing in expertise as they plan & deliver each session, fostering an environment of learning, empowerment, and personal development for the young participants.
Living on an island, water safety is essential for Mauritians. Hope House strives to teach at-risk people of all ages and genders to swim.
Through our Water Sport Programs, we not only teach swimming but engage with people from impoverished communities, offering them access to enjoyable, healthy exercise while fostering a sense of belonging and providing invaluable mentorship.
Sport has a unique ability to unite people across ages, creating a vibrant community where individuals can connect, thrive, and embrace an active outdoor lifestyle.
Here, you can find moving accounts from our Sports programmes—people capturing the waves whilst overcoming the challenges of poverty and injustice. Each narrative showcases how opportunities can ignite change, shining a very real light of hope through struggles.
The Sports programme really works and it’s been amazing to see what the power of love, care and support does.
At just 13, Varshini became the first young girl to join our Sports program. Like many families facing poverty, hers could not afford further education forcing her to work to support her household. Without a high school diploma, her opportunities were limited. We offered her a position on the Carpentry program before Varshini focused on a career as a swimming and surfing coach in our Sports program. With the support of Hope House, she has flourished, even employing another young woman to care for her child during coaching sessions. Witnessing her transformation has been truly inspiring, and we hope to empower more young mothers to realize their potential and create brighter futures.
At 15, Asheel was invited him to come to Salt Surfers. It was a turning point in his life where Asheel found somewhere he could belong. Asheel thrived in the atmosphere of care, welcome and love and is now is a leader in our carpentry team. As one of our coaches, Asheel is a patient and compassionate young adult who includes those on the fringe, and encourages children from difficult home environments to reach for more.
You can choose whether to donate towards our Mini-bus Fund or to donate towards the ongoing costs of our Empowerment through Sport programs, which will be spent on purchasing equipment, paying the coaches and providing transport and roti’s for the participants.
Your partnership with us will help to break the cycle of poverty and give hope to the those without a future; to empower and transform marginalised, unheard, youth and women from disadvantaged communities.
Hope House is a registered charity in Mauritius and our annual returns are independently audited. We will provide you with a report each year showing all donations and expenditure for the Sports programs.
Here, you can read our Sports program social media posts, news present and past, and more stories of real change.
Hope House provides opportunity for change and upliftment of those disadvantaged in this remote region. Contribute to building hope and opportunity and helping this community grow their own produce in a sustainable way by donating to this program.
Our Salt Surfers were delighted to use new towels for their Saturday Surfing Club! Thank you to our donor for generously using your special occasion to creating a brighter future for others!