“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
About
In 2011, Louise Auersberg founded Adopt a Swimmer, a non-profit organisation in Plettenberg Bay, as a way to help children at risk and facing economic disadvantages. Louise’s own struggles dealing with a learning disability and facing many obstacles inspired her to use water as a conduit for healing. For Louise, swimming is a powerful metaphor for facing challenges head on and pushing through adversity. She realised she could take her love for water and helping children and combine them.
![Adopt A Swimmer - Plettenberg Bay](https://ik.imagekit.io/thewrightdesigns/adopt-a-swimmer/images/tr:w-1020,q-70/DSC_0026.jpg)
When you are in the water, you can let go of your insecurities and worries and be free. Who wouldn’t want to share that with children who could benefit from more light, love, and confidence in their lives?
![Adopt A Swimmer - Plettenberg Bay](https://ik.imagekit.io/thewrightdesigns/adopt-a-swimmer/images/tr:w-1100,q-70/Capture-8.jpg)
![Adopt A Swimmer - Plettenberg Bay](https://ik.imagekit.io/thewrightdesigns/adopt-a-swimmer/images/tr:w-1100,q-70/DSC_1509.jpg)
![Adopt a Swimmer - Plettenberg Bay](https://ik.imagekit.io/thewrightdesigns/adopt-a-swimmer/images/tr:w-240,q-70/Capture-8-1.jpg)
![Adopt a Swimmer - Plettenberg Bay](https://ik.imagekit.io/thewrightdesigns/adopt-a-swimmer/images/tr:w-240,q-70/Capture-8-2.jpg)
![Adopt a Swimmer - Plettenberg Bay](https://ik.imagekit.io/thewrightdesigns/adopt-a-swimmer/images/tr:w-240,q-70/Capture-8-3.jpg)
Adopt a Swimmer (AAS) was born from this dream and desire to positively impact the local community. The program launched in 2011 in Plett with two children. By 2012, Louise was helping 30 children to find their confidence. The results are inspiring. The character-building and life skills baked into the AAS philosophy can quickly be seen through the way young swimmers start working harder, improving in their schoolwork, and setting goals.
Through the support of volunteers and sponsors, AAS has grown from strength to strength ever since, continuing to positively impact the lives of every child the program has touched over the years.