Vanderful: promoting a positive future through play

In June 2019, they hit the road. They visited eight towns. Children and young people learnt how to make ancient-style wooden Alaia surfboards and then how to surf them. They practised making natural surf wax and surfboard leashes from plastic bags collected from the beach. They took part in expressive arts workshops that expanded their team-building skills, confidence, self-esteem, self-expression and empowerment. They identified issues in their local area, and by writing and performing plays, explored how they could help to solve them.

They became the voices of the future.

Bumps in the road

And whilst the Vanderful team had huge successes, their journey wasn’t always smooth. “Travelling in an almost 30-year-old Kombi van was not the easiest. When it rained, it really rained and there were no roads, just lakes and rivers.

“As a result, we took an unplanned break for rainy season at the start of 2020. And it’s lucky we did. When the pandemic hit, we were supposed to be in Gabon. It’s not worth imagining how difficult that would have been.

“After living in a van for six months, you appreciate running water, an actual shower, a comfy bed, a good night’s sleep. I don’t believe I’ll ever be the same again after what I experienced that year.”

Sustainable for planet and people

One big concern for the Vanderful team is the sustainability of their project. From the environmental, to the social and long-term impact.

For the planet, the team aim to leave as little trace as possible, they make wooden boards and use drama props made from recycled ocean plastic. They also carbon offset every journey they make.

But socially, leaving no trace is not an option. Vanderful are committed to building communities, organisations and livelihoods, which will last long after they’ve rolled out of town, conscious of the risks involved in itinerant projects such as theirs.

“In Mozambique, the kids’ club, Gutsakisana, continued to implement our approach, games and methods. After learning to shape Alaia and Paipo surfboards, Vanderful apprentice Manuel started his own business, Manu Shapes.

“In Cabo Ledo, Vanderful graduates, Miguel and Edwardo, are making Alaias to be sold to surf tourists. In Cuerama, students continue to play chess using the boards they made themselves and the giant chessboard we painted at the school.”

Where next?

After taking the early part of 2021 to regroup, Vanderful hit the road again this week. “From the 2nd to the 27th of August, Vanderful are collaborating with an Italian NGO called Surf4Children hosted by Danny’s Point in Santa Marinella. “The teenagers will learn how to make their own wooden surfboards and then get the chance to surf them.”

Vikki, meanwhile, is focused on Vanderful’s sustainable future. This starts with legacy documents like a Surf Craftsmanship manual and an Expressive Arts Teaching manual.

Originally published at https://www.sallymfox.com on August 5, 2021.