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Outward
Bound South Africa
In the early 1990's Charles P. Stetson had a vision to bring Outward
Bound to South Africa to help unite the racial divides. By 1991,
with the fall of Apartheid, he had found the right team to start
Outward Bound South Africa and they opened their doors. By the mid
1990's the school was operating courses for youth at risk, the street
youth of South Africa, schools and corporations.
In addition to the International mission of Outward Bound, Outward
Bound South Africa has the unique goal to: "To promote greater
understanding between people, especially the young, of different
races and cultures. To work together to remove the barriers which
separate the people of the world." As a result the school focuses
on courses that are interventions in the lives of young people who
are trapped in cycles of poverty, crime, violence and unemployment.
It helps people discover that a disadvantaged past does not have
to mean a disadvantaged future, or as Hahn would say it: "Your
disability is your opportunity"
To reach a diverse crowd, Outward Bound South Africa has a wide
range of courses. They offer courses from 3-21 days that include
hiking, camping, expeditions, orienteering, abseiling, rock climbing,
sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Locations include Willow
Point, their base camp next to the Swartvlei at the foot of the
Outeniqua Mountain range, mobile operations in the Sterkfontein
Nature Reserve, where bouldering and rock climbing are the main
course activities, and the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills
where groups go on challenging expeditions.
What
Students say about Outward Bound South Africa:
The following quotes are mostly from students
who have completed 21-day Personal Development and Intervention
courses. They come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and a city environment.
Most of them have never been in the outdoors before. The quotes
are unedited - taken from thank you letters that they have written
to their sponsors and us (OBSA). (English is usually their second
or third language).
"I had a great time of really finding out exactly who I am
and what I really need in my life and I know now where I am going.
It's like I started a new life for myself, a brighter future with
no doubts and a positive mind in everything I do."--Zandile
C. Radebe
"When I first heard about Outward Bound I thought it was only
a outdoors life adventure. Not really knowing that I was getting
exposed to layers of inner self knowledge. Outward Bound had taught
me to persist through hardships even in the most unbearable situations."--
Sabelo Thobela Gxoyiya
"The experience and tough times I over came every day (on
course) changed the way I viewed life and differences in people.
For the youth of the East Rand a sense of rehabilitation, hope and
ability to withstand hardship from violence and all negativity affected
us was felt from all of us."--Mzwandile A. Ndlambe
"First of all when I came here I wasn't aware of my capabilities
becoz I didn't trust myself, scared of everything, but now I've
seen the other side of me. … Respecting other people irrespective
of their colour, language and their capabilities."--Busisiwe
Helebe
"I've now realised how beautiful is the world and the importance
of the environment during this course. Now I have a brave heart
and bold memory."--Ronald Metsing
"It gave me courage to go back and tackle all the challenges
that I have in life, now I am prepared to take any challenge by
force in order to push my limits. I have really discovered that
I have the potential. I hope that you will be happy to hear that
I used this opportunity in a positive manner. My promise to you
is that I am going to use the experience that I have to make an
impact to other people."--Neo Moephudi
Thoughts
from Instructors:
Why do you work for Outward Bound?
"I want to make a difference in the lives of South African
people. Seeing the youth of our country growing emotionally and
spiritually. I am also inspired by the change in our youth after
the course."--Sifiso Manzi, Instructor
Please describe one or two of your most favorite moments on
course.
*On a street kids course, one of the boys saw new hope and said,
"Just think guys, the future president of South Africa could
be sitting among us".
*On the last day of a Boys' Town course, a compulsive liar started
crying and confessed to all the lies he had told and the reason
he lied and wanted to be his true self.
--Shirley Antrobus, Instructor
Why do you work for Outward Bound? What inspires you to do
this work?
"I work for Outward Bound because I want to be a part of making
South African people a stronger nation. I get inspired by a vision
of a cleaner, healthier and thriving South Africa."
Please describe one or two of your most favorite moments on
course.
*Summiting a mountain with students who think it is impossible for
them to do so.
*Chatting and singing with students around a campfire at night.
Describe one or two experiences where you saw the Outward Bound
mission in action on course.
I had a situation where a student who had previously been involved
in gangsterism, drugs and alcohol realised how much better his life
could be and he committed to getting a job and giving up his bad
habits.
--Mark Horan, Instructor
CONTACT
OUTWARD BOUND SOUTH AFRICA:
Outward Bound Trust of South Africa
Box 3586
Knysna
South Africa
Bus: +27 44 382 7412
Bus Fax: 27 (44) 3827417
E-mail: obt.mk@mweb.co.za
Web Page: http://www.outwardbound.co.za
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