Meet Songo: Building Brighter Futures
At Jouw Afrika Reis and Gravel Africa, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that the destinations we visit should genuinely benefit from tourism. That’s why we choose small-scale accommodations and support local projects that directly impact the local communities. A beautiful example of this is the youth center Songo in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Songo Youth Center: Supporting Vulnerable Children in Stellenbosch
Songo is an inspiring youth center on the edge of a township in Stellenbosch. Here, disadvantaged children are given the opportunity to combine academics with sports like cycling. Under the guidance of a dedicated team, these young people gain the tools to break the cycle of poverty and develop valuable life skills for a brighter future.
At Gravel Africa, we are proud to support Songo. A visit to the youth center, including a guided tour by Sipho Madolo, is a key part of our Cape Cross gravel adventure in South Africa. It’s important to note that tours only take place when appropriate, with full respect for the work Songo is doing. The wellbeing of the children always comes first. During the tour, no photos are taken of the children, as the visit is meant to raise awareness—not intrude. The children go about their normal routines, but often love to show off their tricks on the pump track!
Why Songo Matters
Songo supports around one hundred at-risk youth from the local area. With the help of a teacher, the kids receive homework assistance and have access to laptops and study materials. In addition to schoolwork, they are encouraged to stay active with sports—especially cycling. The custom-built pump track next to the school provides a safe space to develop their BMX and mountain biking skills under the supervision of an experienced trainer.
This combination of education and sports gives these young people a solid foundation and significantly improves their chances of a life free from poverty. At Gravel Africa, we are proud to contribute—however small—to this important mission.
