Children from various children’s homes in Pretoria were taken to Roodeplaat dam for a weekend by the SOAPkidz organization to clean up the environment and to have fun for a few days.

The chlidren spent time cleaning the water hyacinths out of of the Roodeplaat dam. The SOAPkidz (Sunrise On Africa’s Peaks Kidz) is a non-profit organization reaching out to disadvantaged and abused kids, in order to show them the value of caring for nature, themselves and others.

“It’s amazing to see how kids, who have been thrown some of the worst punches in life, learn how to express themselves, build self confidence and change their attitudes towards people around them. Personal talents like creativity, determination, compassion and leadership comes naturally to the forefront in a safe and fun environment” says Karen Hauptfleisch, founder of SOAPkidz

Throughout the year SOAPkidz organise many other activities, including adventure races and day hikes. Sponsors and volunteers are always welcome to join this team.

For more information, visit www.soapkidz. org or contact Theo at 082 887 2437 or Karen at 083 975 2700.

On the first of December 2006, 28 determined girls, aged between 12 and 18, from various children’ homes, together with a group of enthusiastic volunteers, arrived at Roodeplaat Nature Reserve with one mission in mind: To clean up the environment, have fun and forget about the abusive world they left behind for a few days.The SOAPkidz (Sunrise On Africa’s Peaks Kidz) is a non-profit organization reaching out to disadvantaged and abused kids, in order to show them the value of caring for nature, themselves and others.

The weekend kicked off with the kids from Danville, SOS Mamelodi and a Foster home getting to know each other and dividing into groups. After naming the teams and working on their “war cries”, they enjoyed a night hike. There was hardly any time to rest between picking up rubbish and activities ranging from meditation, crafting gifts to rifle shooting.

The highlight of Saturday was a fashion show presented by the girls, wearing outfits they had to create out of plastic bags, accessories included, followed by a very entertaining concert. The last day was spent hiking 4km, participating in various games and challenges and cleaning the invading water hyacinths out of the Roodeplaat Dam. The camp ended with a prize giving and many hugs for the relationships formed. “It’s amazing to see how kids, who have been thrown some of the worst punches in life, learn how to express themselves, build self confidence and change their attitudes towards people around them.

Personal talents like creativity, determination, compassion and leadership naturally came to the forefront in a safe and fun environment” says Karen Hauptfleisch, founder of SOAPkidz.

Another successful project by the SOAPkidz team completed. But the work doesn’t stop there. Next week it’s the boys’ turn in a survival bush camp and I don’t know who’s more excited, the kids or the volunteers. Throughout the year many other projects are also organized by them, including adventure races and day hikes.

Sponsors and volunteers are always welcome because this team never stops….. and the kids LOVE IT!.