Volunteering for Impact

At Abraham Kriel Bambanani we focus on the holistic care and development of each beneficiary in our care. That is one of the reasons why we are so excited and grateful for the involvement of three remarkable volunteers: Arlin, Thabo and Deen. These dedicated sportsmen help us with some of the developmental aspects of the boys in the Youthspace satellite home. They put together a boxing programme for the boys earlier this year and it has already had a significant impact on their lives. The impact of the boxing programme… “We noticed changes in our boys from day one. The training sessions are a highlight for them – it is an outlet for all their energy, break the daily routine, and provide an opportunity for the boys to bond with each other. More importantly, the boxing activities instilled a sense of discipline, resilience, and confidence, reduced stress, and boosted their overall well-being.” Sheree Coetzee, Social Worker. The Housemother also noticed that there is much less anxiety and angry outbursts in the house. Our boys can’t get enough of their sessions. *Ken shared the following, “I really enjoy the boxing lessons, they motivate me to stay fit and in shape.” *Ethan’s enthusiastic response: “The boxing lessons teach me to stay committed because even on days when I don’t feel like it, I don’t miss the session”. *Jonathan, “I feel so special and inspired when these guys visit us, thank you Abraham Kriel for bringing these guys to our house.” Meet the HEROES behind the initiative: Arlin Vissagie: A former sports and fitness coach now an amateur boxer. Arlin brings a wealth of experience and a passion for mentoring young talent. He believes that physical activity is the world’s best medicine for mental and physical health and that boxing, in particular, is a sport that teaches discipline and will give any student of the sport a great amount of confidence. Thabo Sishwane: Thabo is a former South African Bantamweight boxing champion and is currently a boxing and fitness trainer who also provides private fitness lessons. Thabo loves helping people achieve their fitness goals and believes that discipline is the key to succeeding. He is also thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the youth. Deen Fredericks: Deen is an amateur Mauy Thai Fighter and fitness and strength-conditioning trainer. He also runs his own fitness business. Deen was surprised by the boys’ respect and endurance. He also mentioned that he probably learned more from the boys than they learned from him. This initiative is once again proof of the invaluable value of community involvement. A special word of thanks to our donors who contributed towards the necessary sports equipment for these boys. Your donation didn’t just buy a boxing glove, it changed a life. *Not their real names