Meet Songo – Youth Center Empowering Kids in Stellenbosch

Meet Songo: Building Brighter Futures – 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.