Children gain confidence with Youpsa outing

DE RUST NEWS - 'Youth Potential South Africa' (Youpsa) has recently sponsored three young girls to enjoy a three-day overnight camp at the Doornkraal Pony Camp outside De Rust.

Youpsa is a Non-profit and Public Benefit Organisation that has been operating since June 2015.

Oudtshoorn Courant has previously reported on Youpsa and contacted them to follow up on their recent three-day camp.

Recent pony camp at Klein Karoo Horse Adventures

Youpsa chose three girls from their larger Afterschool Enrichment Programme group to take part in this adventure. These children, between the ages of 10 and 11, were chosen because of their good hearts and keen participation in the programme.

During the Pony Camp, the participants learned a whole range of new skills around horses, riding, and group dynamics.

Each child was assigned their own horse, with which they built a strong and caring relationship throughout the camp. Soon the children felt confident, and they went on various outrides together including a picnic in the Swartberg mountains.

"For the three Youpsa girls to be part of a group of 14 children from all over South Africa at the Pony Camp was a life-changing experience. It was an extraordinary adventure that helped them to break boundaries and overcome trauma. Experiencing such a big and powerful animal's response to kindness and respect was extremely healing," says Ray Schöne, co-founder of Youpsa.

Who is Youpsa?

YOUPSA awakens the creativity, potential and purpose of children and youth.

Their weekly Afterschool Enrichment and Literacy Programme benefits many disadvantaged children and youth. It sparks transformative education by building trusting relationships and nurturing social-emotional skills.

Children learn about problem-solving, leadership, literacy, team building, and creative- and critical thinking skills. They thrive because they learn in a non-threatening environment, feel respected, and can express themselves freely. Part of this programme is making regular educational outings to explore the wider world.

"Otherwise, these children, who live in very poor conditions, hardly ever have the opportunity to leave their neighbourhood. The purpose of taking the children on outings and sending them to these camps is to help them grow their confidence and well-being and take on a variety of new challenges," says Schöne.