A visit of great impact for all: Newcastle College volunteers in South Africa

Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from their third annual visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. The team of 15 members, comprising three staff, Alex Watson, Brogan O’Connor and Paul Whitfield and 12 students, Candice Clark, Ellie Enright, Emily Drummond, Izzy Taylor-Aitken, Joe Tully, Kate Stephenson, Maria Graham, Oli Moore, Olivia Meldrum, Ruby Harkins, Sahib Basra and Taylor Maynard embarked on a 26-hour journey to Eshowe, South Africa. Over the course of three weeks, they volunteered in rural KwaZulu-Natal, using the power of sport to positively impact both their own lives and those of the children in the local schools and orphanages.

The team worked at Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembinfundu Special School and Doremi Day Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, all located in KwaZulu-Natal. Engaging with children aged 1-18, they hosted sport coaching sessions, leadership activities, reading sessions and sports festivals. All sessions were attended by a total of 894 South African young children and they fostered skills in leadership, communication, team building, and confidence.

Olivia Meldrum, a Level 3 Sport Coaching and Development student, reflected, “You think you are going there to teach – but in the end it’s the people, the place, and the moments that teach you the most. We came to coach – and left with full hearts and unforgettable memories.”

Emily Drummond, a Level 4 Airport and Aviation student, added, “This visit for me has been so life changing and humbling, seeing how people truly live in rural areas has been very eye opening, I have enjoyed every moment and have made friends and memories I will never forget.”

The team began their stay with two days at Doremi Day Care Centre, where they were greeted with wonderful beaming smiles, loud singing and energetic dancing to What A Wonderful Day and Mango Tree. Once the dancing had finished the students spent time reading with the students, through books fundraised and collected by nine-year-old Althea Dickinson from York, playing sports such as netball and football and getting to know the young children through games and conversations. When the time came to leave after the second day, it was the first of many emotional goodbyes and experiences for the team. A better and more impactful introduction to South Africa would not be possible.

Over the weekend, the team participated in a 5k Colour Run at Gratton School in Eshowe and visited Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve to see wildlife in its natural habitat and learn about animal conservation.

During the second week, the group returned to Ngqamzana Primary School, a year after their previous visit. They spent a day with each grade (3-7) and were treated to an impressive and emotional ceremony on Friday. The entire school performed traditional dances and songs, and Newcastle College student Oli Moore and staff member Brogan O’Connor gave moving speeches on behalf of the group.

Oli Moore, a Level 3 Sport and Exercise Student proudly said “From everyone at Newcastle College, a massive thank-you to every single one of you for taking part in all of our coaching sessions that we have delivered for you. Every single one of those smiles and laughs that you have shown us throughout every single day that we have been here will stay in our hearts forever. It has been a really amazing moment for each and every single one of us to see each and every one of you every day smiling and laughing so thank-you very much, we really appreciate you.”

Paul Whitfield, Sport Lecturer at Newcastle College added: “The Ngqamzana Primary School surprised me with the emotion that I felt helping the NCG students coach the Primary children. It was a very successful week with all the children having a great time and the coaches really enjoying it whilst putting on fun engaging sports sessions. It was great watching them improve as coaches and all make friendships that will last a lifetime. The closing ceremony was so special, it was clear to see the positive effect that the Bambisanani Partnership has on this school as their songs and dances were amazing, it was clear they had a put a lot of effort into them.”

Miss Ntanzi, the project co-ordinator from Ngqamzana summed up her thoughts on the partnership and its impact saying “From 2023 to date we are very delighted about the Newcastle College visit. Our learners are exposed in inter-cultural activities; we learn a lot of skills and our learners are exposed in different games that help them to be fit and healthy. It helps learners to listen, communicate and respond positively to any situation they are faced with. It helps them to be disciplined and tolerant to one another. Our learners are enjoying interacting with the UK students in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment. As an under resourced school, we are very happy with this partnership which helps our learners gain confidence and love to come to school. Since the start of this initiative the school enrolment has improved and absenteeism has dropped.”

On the Saturday, the team joined forces with the group from St. Mary's School, Menston, at Thembimfundo Special School. The day started with a morning wake up shake up with some dances to to "Cha Cha Slide," "Chu Chu Wa," and “Superman”. The UK students then facilitated an adapted Sports Festival involving 10 activities, including javelin throw, parachute games, and boccia. The event was a tremendous success with considerable learning for all involved. During the course of the year, the Bambisanani Partnership has worked closely with Thembinfundo to bring clean water to the school for drinking and sanitation.

The final week was spent at Matholamnyama Secondary School before returning to Durban to start our long journey back to the UK. On Monday morning, the Newcastle team met 30 young learners who they would be working with throughout the week and got to work teaching them leadership skills through coaching sessions and workshops. The young people from both countries worked closely together, hand in hand, until Wednesday morning, when the South African young learners took centre stage and delivered a very successful Sports Festival to 60 learners from their local primary school. It was a proud and emotional day for all involved.

Mr. Ngeleka, principal at Matholamnyama Secondary School stated “Our learners have gained a lot from your students and we pray and hope for this partnership to continue for a number of years”.

The journey back to our accommodation in Eshowe that Wednesday Afternoon was one filled with a sense of pride and fulfilment. The team exchanged stories, photos and videos whilst also listening to music and singing along. The smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes clearly showing the sense of accomplishment they felt and the memories they had made. That evening the team were hosted an award ceremony, presenting each student with their own award based on their visit.

Brogan O’Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College and Bambisanani Trustee, summarised the visit: “You have good weeks at work and then there is this. The work of both Newcastle College and The Bambisanani Partnership continues to amaze me as it continually raises the bar and goes from strength to strength. The achievements made by UK and South African learners over the past 18 days are nothing short of remarkable and would not be possible without the continued hard work and dedication of so many people. The memories made, skills and qualities improved and friendships formed will stay with our students and staff forever, it has been truly life changing for all involved, I return to Newcastle with 12 students with an increased global understanding, cultural awareness and a student experience unlike any other. The impact on all involved, from both countries, is truly amazing.”

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