Surfing against the odds

Hi, my name is Benni and together with (Instagram) @_Beewy_ and @Mas_amor_studio, I’m starting this fundraiser to support SOMA Surf (@Somasurf_) in São Tomé and Príncipe.

SOMA is a project that helps African girls and young women through surfing, education, mental health development, and female empowerment. In many communities, girls carry a heavy burden of household chores and responsibilities and often don’t have the time, freedom, or encouragement to pursue their own dreams. SOMA gives them that space — and a supportive community where they can grow.

This video shows how surfing becomes much more than a sport: it becomes a tool for confidence, healing, freedom, and change.

Many girls grow up being expected to “help everyone else first,” while boys often do not share the same responsibilities. SOMA challenges these traditional expectations and reminds girls that they deserve opportunities too.

The project builds self-esteem and independence, and it also supports girls emotionally — helping them feel less alone, more empowered, and strong enough to believe in their own future.

SOMA is not only teaching girls how to surf — it’s helping them realize:

“My place can be anywhere.”

All donations will go directly toward supporting SOMA’s work and helping more girls participate. Funds may be used for

(This was our donation distribution last year):

22,36% - Transportation to Surf & SUP 13,3% - SOMA Classroom Materials 18,31% -School Kit & Tuition Fees 13,29% - Daily Meal 13,37% - Menstrual Products 12,29% - Surf & Sup Gear 7,05% - Celebrations & Graduation Ceremony.

The funds will be transferred directly to SOMA / the program organizers, or forwarded securely to the project team, ensuring the money is used specifically for program activities and the girls participating in SOMA.

If needed, donations can also be used to pay direct program-related costs (equipment, transport, and workshops) to guarantee the support reaches the right place!