Guest blog: My first visit to Project Playground by Sofia Breitholtz, Chairman of the Board, Project Playground Sweden

“I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to South Africa to celebrate Project Playground’s fourth anniversary together with all the friends and supporters of PPG. My visit started with the celebration – dancing, conversation, laughter, and homage and song in honour of Madiba, Nelson Mandela. As PPG always manages to do, this celebration brought together different people from different countries, backgrounds and walks of life. In attendance, we had three honourable Ministers, representatives from Parliament, Ambassadors, community leaders, teachers, activists, dear sponsors, supporters and friends of PPG, Board Members, volunteers and loyal staff, but above all – the kids of PPG.

From the BMX team’s performance, to under 8 dance and song, to the theatre group, we were all inspired by the performances of the evening. That is one of the defining characteristics of PPG – bringing people together so that we can all share and inspire in eachothers’ lives.

The rest of my visit was extremely eventful and the time literally flew by. We had a very exciting visit to Gugulethu, to a location that will probably house Center 2. Visiting Gugulethu was very exciting, not only because we received a private tour of Mapanya’s life (from Mapanya’s house right across the new center, to the football field he played in when he was young), but because it represents a milestone for PPG. We know the PPG method works, and that the PPG spirit does make a difference, and we are happy to be able to make a lasting difference and impact in even more childrens’ lives.

We were also given a fantastic tour of Langa by the leaders of the Great Corner programme. It was inspiring to see the walls of Langa filled with pictures of Brenda Fassie and Madiba, but I think it is the kids of Great Corners and of PPG, who will really make a difference in Langa. So many thoughts and ideas for the future and for your community, thank you for that inspiration!

I also visited with the successful team members in the soccer programme (there were many wins over the weekend for the team), and of course, the lovely Play on Wheels group. To imagine the progress that has been made by so many of the kids in Play on Wheels, is an inspiration to all of us what we can achieve in our lives, despite challenges.

Finally, I was so happy to be a part of the Monday staff meeting, hearing all the stories of the staff who make PPG what it is today. Today we have 35 employees, most from Langa and Gugulethu, and you are the true role models and inspirations to our kids. Thank you for your hard work day in and day out, you shape the future of our kids.

It makes me so proud to think of all that has been achieved during these four years, and I am so happy to be one small piece of the PPG jigsaw puzzle. Thank you!”

Sofia Breitholtz
Chairman of the Board, Project Playground Sweden