The Vision Of Ouma

Courtesy of WOWSA, Bizerte, Tunisia.

Ouma, or swimming in the sea, is a concept being pushed locally and nationally in Tunisia by visionary Nejib Belhedi. The growing program brings hundreds of children and teenagers during each session to the Tunisian coastline who are taught by adults.

The children and teenagers are grouped together by abilities and experience. The participants range from young kids who cannot swim and only go into the sea up to their ankles or knees to older teens who can swim better and are encouraged to practice their skills in 100-150 meter out-and-back courses surrounded by lifeguards and coaches.

With limited pool availability and plenty of coastline, Ouma makes perfect sense in Tunisia. But Ouma still needs a visionary and leader to keep up the momentum in the program.

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