Newcastle College: changing the lives of young people in Newcastle and South Africa
More than 800 South African children benefited from a life-changing international volunteering programme as Newcastle College students returned from their fourth annual visit to KwaZulu-Natal.
Students and staff from Newcastle College and Newcastle College University Centre have returned from South Africa after spending three weeks volunteering through the Bambisanani Partnership, using the power of sport to inspire young people while developing their own leadership, confidence and employability skills.
The team of 12 students; Cara Meakin, Daniel Barrett, Egor Mihins, Freya Maun, Harry Ainscough, Jonathan Mooney, Kacey Southgate, Katie McAlpine, Lilly Hudspith, Olivia Hollister, Reshna Begum and Sofia Martin, accompanied by Sport Lecturer and Bambisanani Trustee Brogan O'Connor and Enrichment and Development Manager Barry Rizza, travelled for more than 30 hours to Eshowe in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where they delivered sports coaching, leadership workshops and educational activities to children aged between one and 18.
Working across Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembimfundo Special School and Doremi Day Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, the group engaged with 846 children through sport, helping to develop teamwork, communication, confidence and leadership skills.
For many of the Newcastle students, the experience proved just as transformative as the impact they made overseas.
Kacey Southgate, a Level 4 Airline and Airport Management student, said:
"My trip to South Africa was one of the most rewarding, unforgettable and life-changing experiences I have ever had. Although we were there to teach, I feel that I learned just as much from the children through their resilience, positivity and appreciation for every opportunity. The experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and reminded me that making a difference doesn't always require big gestures. Sometimes giving your time, energy and support can have the greatest impact."
Level 3 Sport Coaching and Development student Daniel Barrett added:
"This trip has changed how I see both the world and myself. It has made me appreciate what I have and inspired me to continue helping others wherever I can. I'll always be grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible because it has genuinely changed my life."
One of the most memorable moments came during the team's visit to Doremi Day Care Centre, where they spent time reading with children using books donated through fundraising efforts in the UK, led by 10-year-old Althaeá Dickenson from York. Alongside games, dancing and sports activities, the students also distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste they had collected before travelling and helped many of the children brush their teeth for the first time.
During the second week, the group returned to Ngqamzana Primary School, where they delivered sports sessions to nearly 500 learners across five days. With physical education not part of the school's regular curriculum, the sessions focused on fundamental movement, teamwork, communication and confidence while encouraging children to enjoy being physically active.
Their week concluded with an emotional farewell ceremony featuring traditional songs and dances performed by the learners before Newcastle College students returned the gesture with their own performance.
The programme also brought together volunteers from Newcastle College, Newcastle College Sixth Form and St. Mary's School, Menston, for a sports festival at Thembimfundo Special School. More than 250 learners participated in activities including boccia, javelin, parachute games and team challenges, creating a day filled with laughter, inclusion and celebration.
In the final week, Newcastle College students worked alongside 24 learners at Matholamnyama Secondary School to develop leadership skills before supporting them to organise and deliver their own sports festival for local primary schools.
Alongside the impact in South Africa, the programme delivered measurable benefits for the Newcastle College students themselves. Before and after the visit, participants assessed their confidence across ten key employability skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving and organisation. Every skill area improved by at least 26.5%, with one student reporting an overall increase of 74% in self-perceived employability skills.
Mr Ngeleka, Principal of Matholamnyama Secondary School, said:
"Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and kindness with our learners. The lessons you have taught about leadership, honesty and caring will stay with them long after you return home. I am confident that many of you will go on to become leaders in your schools, communities and countries."
Brogan O'Connor, Sport Lecturer at Newcastle College and Bambisanani Trustee, said:
"This trip is always one of the highlights of the academic year. Every year our students return home with greater confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a much broader perspective of the world. While they make a remarkable difference to the lives of hundreds of young people in South Africa, they are equally transformed by the experience themselves. It represents everything international education should be, and I couldn't be prouder of what this group has achieved."
Barry Rizza, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College, added:
"Watching 12 students who had never worked together before develop into a confident, supportive and high-performing team has been one of the proudest moments of my career. In just a few weeks they demonstrated leadership, adaptability and professionalism in an unfamiliar environment, representing Newcastle College with maturity and compassion. The skills they have gained will stay with them for the rest of their lives, both personally and professionally. This is exactly what enrichment should achieve - taking young people beyond the classroom and helping them realise their full potential."
