Can you help the Bambisanani Partnership Change Lives?
Funding Request for 2026
As we approach the Bambisanani Partnership’s 20th Anniversary, we are preparing for our most ambitious year yet. None of our work is possible without the generosity of people like you. If you can support us —or share this request with someone who might — we would be deeply grateful.
Background:
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK charity founded in 2006 between St Mary’s School (Menston) and Mnyakanya High School (KwaZulu-Natal). Entirely volunteer-run, we use the power of sport to advance education, health, leadership, and global citizenship.
Today, over 60 schools, colleges and universities in both countries work together through Bambisanani. More than 34,000 young people have participated in our various programmes and projects.
We work in one of the most deprived regions of South Africa, where unemployment exceeds 40% and HIV/AIDS rates are among the highest in the world. Our partnership model—bambisanani, meaning working hand in hand—ensures that all projects are co-created with local communities and co-funded by South African partners. With no paid staff or premises, 98% of all donations directly fund frontline work.
Our work has been recognised globally, including at the Vatican’s Sport for All Summit and the International Olympic Academy. We were named International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
Why We Need Your Help in 2026
Next year, 40 young volunteers from St Mary’s School, the University of Leeds and Newcastle College will travel to South Africa to help deliver and expand our programmes. They have already raised £143,000 to fund their own volunteering costs. We are now seeking £30,000 to support ten priority, community-driven projects on the ground in South Africa. Each initiative will be matched by contributions from local partners, ensuring long-term impact and preventing dependency.
Priority Projects for 2026
(Any support for the projects below would make an immediate difference.)
Cycling to Success – £9,000 to train 5,000 children a year in riding and bike maintenance (matched by KZN Cycling).
Thembinfundo Special School Water & Sanitation – £7,000 to bring clean water, toilets and washing facilities to all 200 learners.
Thembinfundo Sport – £1,000 for adapted PE and sensory equipment.
International Athletics Challenge – £1,000 to equip 1,000 learners for athletics for the first time.
Leadership Through Sport – £1,000 to train 100 young sports leaders.
Literacy Programme – £1,000 for 2,000 books for rural primary schools.
University Bursaries – £2,000 to allow two exceptional students to complete teacher training.
South African Study Visits to the UK – £2,000 to support life-changing exchange opportunities.
School Shoes – £1,000 to provide 650 pairs of durable shoes for children in need.
Ubuntu Arts Project – £1,000 to launch a collaborative arts-through-sport programme across both countries.
Administration Costs – £4,000
As a volunteer-run charity with no employees, this small sum ensures smooth delivery of every project above.
How to Support Us
Donations—large or small—have real impact, especially as most projects unlock matching funding from South Africa. A one-off or monthly gift can be made here:
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/19318
I would be delighted to provide further information or meet to discuss our work and ambitions for this milestone year.
With sincere thanks,
David
David Geldart, Founder/CEO
The Bambisanani Partnership (UK Registered Charity 1163461)
www.bambisananipartnership.org
d.geldart@bambisananipartnership.org
Our mailing address is:
The Bambisanani Partnership
St. Mary's Menston
Bradford Road
Menston, West Yorkshire LS296AE
United Kingdom
