Latest News

Youth Skills Day – 15 July

At The Little Optimist Trust , we believe every young person deserves the chance to unlock their full potential. On this special day, we celebrate the incredible power of skills development — the foundation for confident, capable, and future-ready youth....

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19 June

Greg Bertish and Erica McCune attended the Laureus Master Class. Helping the helpers Giving to the givers Educating the educators Inspiring the inspirers Thank you @laureus_sa for including us and empowering us to be better humans and more impactful and...

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Hout Bay YC Mock sail

The Hout Bay Yacht Club has a perfect setting. Nestled between mountains and the ocean, it is a safe haven of learning and laughter. The mock program served as a trial run for future rollout, and we’re thrilled to say:...

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Youth Day

This year our youth are sailing a different kind of boat. Our Sailing managers and 2 of our instructors will be the crew on board a Class40 yacht They will be assisting with delivering the boat from Durban to Cape...

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Little Optimist Dragons

On Saturday 24 May, The Little Optimist Crew made waves at the V&A Waterfront as we took part in the much-anticipated Dragon Boat Tug of War Challenge! We brought fun, colour, and laughter to the waterfront, and it was a...

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Message for Astra

The Little Optimist staff write messages of love, encouragement, hope and inspiration in books for Astra Special Schools newly refurbished library. This project is close to these staff members hearts as they spent hours painting the library during phase 1...

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Easter Drive – more deliveries

We have had more deliveries from Moving Tactics, Ullman Sails as well as Darios in Hout Bay. Adrienne was out and about in Hout bay again – delivering Easter eggs to over 100 kids from Hangberg Sentinel Pre-Primary school. She...

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Easter treats

Grade R children from Hout Bay Educare and Wavecrest creche were treated to a sweet surprise this morning. Adrienne, Senior facilitator at The Little Optimist Academy, handed out Easter eggs to the eager and very well behaved kids in Grade...

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Easter arrived early

The Little Optimist Academy team had a heartwarming visit to the New Somerset Hospital, where they handed out Easter marshmallows eggs to the kids. With bright smiles and cheerful energy, they brought a touch of joy and sweetness to the...

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The Waterfront Canal Swim

The Waterfront Canal Swim was a beautiful mix of courage, joy, and unforgettable memories. One of the swimmers put it perfectly:  “How can I miss this? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Despite life’s challenges, she didn’t let her circumstances define her,...

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School Holiday Multi Day Sailing

During the April school holidays, The Little Optimist Sailing Academy hosted an extraordinary 5-day Multi-day program for children from Heideveld and what an unforgettable journey it was! From the classroom to the Canal, every moment was packed with fun, energy,...

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The Little Optimist visits Visa Nova Primary School

The Little Optimist Trust was thrilled to attend the grand opening of Vista Nova Primary School’s brand-new inclusive playground on Wednesday 26 March! Designed to ensure that every learner—regardless of ability—can play, explore, and connect, this incredible space features wheelchair-friendly...

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Going for Gold

This February, something truly remarkable unfolded. The Ocean Pledge, Roxy Davis Foundation, and The Little Optimist Sailing Academy joined forces to empower over ten young adults from across Cape Town. Many arrived as strangers, some hesitant to even say hello,...

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Going for GOLD

Our first multi-day program for our Broadening Horizons 2025 Project, The Going For Gold Programme in collaboration with Roxy Foundation and Ocean Pledge has commenced.

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420 South African champs

Optimist Sailing Academy Manager, Amir, and Sailing Instructor, Renton – sailed in the 420 SA champs and retained their title in 1st place! We are super proud of them and look forward to many more accomplishments in 2025

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Italtile in-store activation

Italtile in-store activation On the 14th and 15th of December the Italtile Optimist boat was front and centre at the Northgate Italtile store. Customers were given the opportunity to float in the boat for charity and make a small difference.

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HIIT Fitness Annual Teddy bear drive

Once again HIIT Fitness has blown us away with their clients generosity and festive spirit. The donation box, which lives permanently at HIIT, is over flowing with plush toys. Before Christmas these teddies will be delivered to kids around Cape...

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Boatica 2024

This year, we hosted four amazing groups of kids from Heideveld, Bonteheuwel, Simon’s Town and the Benjamin Project at the Boatica Boat Show held at the V&A Waterfront. They joined us for an unforgettable experience of sailing, visiting the Aquarium,...

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Heideveld Youth Centre

The Heideveld Youth Centre refurb is complete (for now!). They have a fresh coast of paint and a brand new bathroom with a shower. The kids celebrated by having a dance party and sending us the best ‘Thank You’ video...

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