Written by: Yellow For Survivors
Article source: yellowforsurvivors.co.za
After completing her 448km walk in September 2020, to raise funds for organizations who assist survivors of gender-based violence, Leilani Kuter, Founder of the NPC Yellow For Survivors decided that it is not enough to help survivors, she wanted to help prevent violence in the first place.
Leilani reached out to Never Tap Out, founded by Gary Lewis to partner with the NPC to help empower women, children and men, by teaching them self-defence skills, focusing especially on anti-rape techniques.
During the 16 Days of Activism (25 November to 10 December 2020), Yellow For Survivors and Never Tap Out hosted 9, two hour sessions, teaching over 290 people. Sessions included open sessions at the Roodepoort Athletics Stadium, Wolmer in Pretoria North, classes to staff from North Rand Spar, the Go Purple Foundation, ATKV Klein Kariba, Curves Strubensvalley, Sisters @Work in Krugersdorp and they ended their 16 Days of Activism campaign at Zita Park in Garsfontein, also with member of the public attending o n 10 December.
“The reaction was phenomenal. The people attending the classes were so grateful for the skills they learnt. We’ve only covered a few basic (though important) techniques!” Leilani said.
Being a rape survivor herself, Leilani realizes the value of the skills that Never Tap Out is teaching people. “If I could apply some of these skills in my own ordeal, I might have been able to escape the situation”.
Yellow For Survivors will be continuing their work to empower women, children and men in 2021, by hosting self-defence classes to individuals and groups. “There is still so much to teach people and I cannot wait to start our project for next year. The response from mothers with teenage daughters have been incredible and we are aiming to put a definite focus on schools next year.” – Leilani.
More about Yellow For Survivors
Yellow for Survivors is a NPC that was established to provide survivors of rape and gender-based abuse with resources and safe spaces to find the support they need to start healing after severe, life-changing experiences. Founded by Leilani Kuter n 2019, Yellow For Survivors endeavours to empower survivors of gender-based violence and to give the voiceless a voice. During 2021 Yellow For Survivors in association with Never Tap Out will be offering self-defence classes to help empower women, children and men. For more information, please visit www.yellowforsurvivors.co.za
Some photos of the classes during the 16 Days of Activism
Gary teaching a class at ATKV-Klein Kariba
Gary Lewis, Carien Davel (Never Tap Out), Nickey Seger (Curves Strubensvalley) and Leilani Kuter (Yellow For Survivors)
Gary and Carine showing techniques to a group in Wolmer, Pretoria North
Teaching a technique to one of the members of Sisters@Work in Krugersdorp
Pictured below: Carien in Action at Curves Strubensvalley
Not only women attended the classes
The last class was offered at Zita Park in Garsfontein.
Gary explaining some of the techniques at the Roodepoort Athletics Club
This initiative is made possible by the support of Spar.
For more information on self-defence classes in 2021, contact Leilani@yellowforsurvivors.co.za or visit the website: www.yellowforsurvivors.co.za for contact details.
STOP GENDER VIOLENCE – Lifeline Helpline: 0800 150 150
More about Never Tap Out
Gary Lewis is the Founder of Never Tap Out a registered NPO. Never Tap Out started out as a ministry and developed into an institution training companies in armed robbery training, anti-rape training and anti-high jacking training. Clients include: PnP, Hollard Insurance, CRC and the Metro Police. Never Tap Out is also involved in upliftment and food programs. The self-defence classes include various artforms; martial arts, boxing, and different fighting techniques, including Krav Maga and other selfdefence techniques. Focus points include: Never Tap Out works in the following fields; Ministry, corporate training, security training, law enforcement, empowerment of woman and children, sports development (MMA), and training for people with disabilities. Never tap out concerns itself where ever there is a fight, we teach people not to give up not to tap out and to fight for their lives. Woman empowerment is Never Tap Out’s biggest focus.
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Date published: 06/01/2021
Feature image: : Gary teaching a class at ATKV-Klein Kariba
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