Children from high-crime neighbourhoods are going hiking and enjoying Cape Town’s natural splendour thanks to the efforts of a Woodstock man and a Walmer Estate athletics club.
Youssef Kanouni is the chairman of the Woodstock Community Police Forum, and he is also a long-distance runner and an outdoors enthusiast. Since the beginning of March, he and members of the Walmers Athletic Club (WAC) have been helping young people enjoy quality time in nature with their families.
“We want to inspire more children who come from areas that are high in crime to get involved and enjoy the outdoors, appreciate nature and see what Cape Town has to offer,” he said.
On Sunday April 11, around 50 people, half of them children, joined the hike from the Tafelberg Road parking lot to Signal Hill. Previous hikes have included Constantia Nek, Newlands Forest and Cecilia Forest.
WAC chairman Rayaan Williams said the weekly hikes were open to all, not just the super fit.
“We are grateful for Youssef taking us on all these scenic trails,” he said.
Ayesha Kamish, of Brooklyn, did the hike on Sunday with her three children. She said she had enjoyed the time she had spent outdoors with her family.
The hikers will be taking a breather during Ramadaan but will hit the trail again after Eid.