Monday – Friday : 11h00 – 19h00
Saturday 09h00 – 19h00
Sunday 12h00-18h00
Entrance Fee – R 5.50
16th December 2009, the day of Reconciliation, turned into a day of celebration for the community of Darling. It was the opening of the The Darling Community Pool and Education Centre. The long wait was over and excited children were qeueing to be the first to swim in the newly built swimming pool. The weather played along wonderfully, sunshine and azure blue skies permitted wonderful swimming and splashing. Laughter filled the air and shrieks of joy could be heard from a distance.
What is the Darling Community Pool and Education Centre?
The Darling Community Pool and Education Centre consists of a swimming pool, activities centre and learning centre. Later phases will include upgrading the clinic and establishing further sporting grounds. The focus is on encouraging a fit, healthy and productive lifestyle, building community spirit, enhancing self-confidence and harmony. The ultimate objective is to contribute to the prevention of HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, violence and crime.
Why does Darling need this centre?
Darling is a village of 10,000 people, 4,000 of whom are under the age of 18. A majority of the population live in RDP houses. As with many housing projects of this kind, there are very few communal facilities available. Unemployment and the prevalence of drugs, violence, crime, alcohol abuse and HIV/AIDS pose major challenges to the community at large, in particular to the youth. The lack of any leisure infrastructure and facilities to support an active and healthy lifestyle is contributing significantly to their vulnerability and prevents them from reaching their full potential. It is not only the youth, however, that stand to benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Rates of diabetes and heart disease are high in Darling’s adult population.
Archbishop Tutu said the following about this remarkable project:
“…these facilities will be life changing to the young people in this town and their parents. The investment in their community will send the message that they matter, that they can be proud of where they come from and that the youth do have a future. I know from my own childhood what difference it can make when someone takes an interest and cares.”
