A young coach steps up to restore a school swimming pool, creating access to safety, sport and opportunity for learners who need it most.
South Africa (18 December 2025) – At Sunnyside Primary School, real change didn’t come from a formal programme or a big announcement. It came from a young swimming coach who saw a neglected pool and chose to do something about it.
That coach was Wesley Morris, whose passion for his community has sparked a powerful grassroots initiative. Without waiting for funding, recognition or perfect conditions, Wesley, alongside a fellow good Samaritan, rolled up their sleeves and began restoring the school’s long-neglected swimming pool.
What followed was no small effort. From clearing debris and cleaning the pool to trimming trees, repainting bathrooms and revamping change rooms, the project became a full-scale renewal of a space that had the potential to change lives.
Shaun Wilkinson, who highlighted Wesley’s efforts, says it’s just responding to a simple call
“When people ask how real change begins, the answer is simple: it starts with someone who responds when a call is made.”
At a school with more than 1,500 learners, the impact of a functioning pool cannot be overstated. In a country where drowning remains one of the most tragic yet preventable causes of childhood death, learning to swim is not a luxury; it is a life skill.
For some learners, this initiative may simply mean learning how to stay afloat. For others, it could be the beginning of a journey into school swimming teams, water polo, scholarships or future sporting careers. All of it starts with access!
“This is what grassroots development looks like. Not waiting for perfect conditions. Not waiting for funding or applause. Just stepping forward and doing the work.”
By choosing to act, he has created a ripple effect that stretches far beyond a single pool. Sunnyside Primary is richer for it, and its learners are safer.
Sources: Shaun Wilkinson
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