NEWS
St. Mary's and Mnyakanya pupils receive Diana Award March 2014
Fourteen students from St. Mary’s Menston and twenty seven students from Mnyakanya High School in rural Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa have received the prestigious Diana Award for their collaboration through the Bambisanani Partnership
Fourteen students from St. Mary’s Menston and twenty seven students from Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa have received the prestigious Diana Award for their collaboration through the Bambisanani Partnership
The Diana Award was established in the UK in 1999 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, as a legacy to her belief in the power of young people to change the world. The British Prime Minister David Cameron is a Patron of the Diana Award.
The International Diana Award was launched in 2011; it is in keeping with the remarkable charitable work that Princess Diana herself pioneered all around the world. Recipients are young people from across the globe who are committed to helping others and improving their communities. International Award holders include volunteers, fundraisers, campaigners and those who have overcome adversity.
Mnyakanya High School are in partnership with St. Mary’s, Menston. For the past seven years the two schools have worked together as the Bambisanani Partnership, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship. Bambisanani is the Zulu word for working hand in hand and encapsulates the collaboration between the two schools. The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work and this year students involved met Prince William at a Diana Award celebration event.
Over the last year, the Young Leaders from Mnyakanya School have volunteered to work in their community with the ‘Child Care’ organisation caring and supporting victims of abuse or those with HIV infection. The students have developed peer mentoring and community programmes as well as liaising with other agencies that can support the victims. Their work has had a remarkable impact which is widely acknowledged and high regarded by the local community.
“We are so excited that our learners have gained the wonderful Diana Award. Last year we were the first school in South Africa to gain the award and this just shows what an inspiration that has proved to be. The Diana Award reinforces our Bambisanani Partnership which is an inspiration to us in so many ways. My learners too are inspirational, they have developed leadership skills and want to do something for their own community. They are positive and show love and empathy to others, they do not discriminate and they are not judgemental. Their strength and determination is remarkable, they are inspirational leaders who are changing the lives of others.”
Mrs PK Zondi, who has coordinated the volunteering at Mnyakanya School
Fourteen students from St. Mary’s have also received the Diana Award for their work in South Africa. The students visited the country last summer and were responsible for mentoring young leaders from Mnyakanya through the Bambisanani Leadership Award. In addition to this they also taught at the school and together with Mnyakanya students, were responsible for organising community reading and sports festivals. The St. Mary’s students also worked at Ntolwane Primary School and Zulufadder Orphanage.
“The Nkandla area of South Africa where we work, is extremely poor with one of the highest HIV/Aids rates in the world. Education and developing young leaders is key to breaking this cycle of poverty, deprivation and ignorance. I am so proud of the young leaders/volunteers from Mnyakanya and St. Mary’s. In a world that seems keen to focus on the negativity of young people, they are wonderful role models who are determined to make a difference in the most difficult of circumstances. They are all very honoured to receive the Diana Award.”
David Geldart, Assistant Headteacher from St. Mary’s and founder of the Bambisanani partnership
“The Bambisanani Partnership is a wonderful collaboration between St. Mary’s, Menston and Mnyakanya High School. We are delighted that the inspirational young people involved have been awarded the Diana Champion Volunteer Award for their dedication and passion to improving the lives of others. With a growing network of over 40,000 Award holders, we are building a force of young people who are committed to take social action and improve our communities.”
Tessy Ojo, Executive Director at the Diana Award
Mnyakanya students who received the International Diana Award:
• Holisizwe Zuma
• Xolile Makhoba
• Nokubonga Khanyile
• Ntombiningi Bhengu
• Lungelo Dludia
• Nonjabulo Mikhize
• Lungelo Mkhize
• Bonginkosi Thusi
• Malusi Zuma
• Sanele Ngcobo
• Minenhle Mikhize
• Jabulile Biyela
• Cebisile Mkhize
• Nothando Magwaza
• Nokuthobeka Ngcobo
• Thandokuhle Ngcoba
• Sakhile Mabusela
• Ayanda Mkhize
• Sabatha Blose
• Nosihle Shange
• Philile Luswazi
• Siphesihle Shange
• Minenhle Zuma
• Noxolo Dube
• Mluleki Biyela
• Nzuzo Khanyile
• Zinhle Zondi
St. Mary’s Menston students who received the Diana Champion Volunteer Award:
• Kavindu Appuhamy
• Elizabeth Banks
• Ryan Clarke
• Patrick Connolly
• Emily Fieldhouse
• Michael Jones
• Freya O’Connor
• Jade Rigby Williams
• James Riley
• Hannah Smith
• Chloe Tindale
• Madeline Tysoe
• Charlie Walker
Pupils honoured for a global partnership [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
HRH Prince William Praises the Bambisanani Partnership
St. Mary’s Menston students Kavi Appuhamy and Chloe Tindale last week met HRH Prince William at a Diana Award ‘Inspire Day’ in South Shields
St. Mary’s Menston students Kavi Appuhamy and Chloe Tindale last week met HRH Prince William at a Diana Award ‘Inspire Day’ in South Shields
Group photo taken to commemorate Diana Award 'Inspire Day'. Kavi, Chloe and HRH Prince William are all on the back row
The Sixth Form students were invited to the 22 November 2013 event because of the Bambisanani Partnership, the school’s pioneering work in South Africa using sport to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship which is now in its seventh year.
Kavi and Chloe were part of the St. Mary’s team of students to visit South Africa this summer where they were responsible for mentoring Zulu students in leadership.
The Diana Award Inspire Day brought together inspirational young people from around the country to share their experiences with others and to meet Prince William.
““Prince William even joined in some of the team building activities. It was really strange to be standing next to Prince William, however it showed that he was not afraid to get stuck in and that he had an obvious community spirit. Overall, I loved the whole day in South Shields. I learnt so much in such a short time, have made contact with some amazing people and really have the drive and desire to work hard in continuing project work in the future. I am very grateful to the Diana Award for including me in such a great opportunistic day and hope their work will continue to be recognised by the Royal family as a great charity.””
““Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive of the Diana Award, introduced Prince William to our group and he began to speak to some of us about the individual projects that were being run. I wasn’t expecting to speak to him because I thought he would have moved on but the Prince reached out to shake my hand and we began talking! At first I was slightly star struck to see the man that is always on the TV, in front of my eyes speaking to me, the future King of England. I described the work of the Bambisanani Partnership, especially the development of leadership skills through sport and forming young leaders in Mnyakanya High School, which the Prince seemed genuinely interested in as he asked me further about how St. Mary’s came to establish such a link with a South Africa school. I spoke about how our teacher Mr Geldart was the founder of the project and that we aim to increase the extent of the work of the project and awareness about the issues we are tackling. HRH Prince William praised the work of the project and was impressed by what the two schools have achieved as a partnership. Speaking to Prince William and attending the Diana Award event, I can truly say that I have been inspired and empowered to strive to do more for the development of the Bambisanani Partnership which has received huge admiration. All in all, I had a wonderful day with memories that will last a lifetime.”
”
Chloe and Prince William stood together at one point during the parachute game. Chloe: "It was really strange to be standing next to Prince William whilst playing a party game."
Kavi spoke to Prince William for 5 minutes
““We know that these young people carry this award set up in memory of Princess Diana with pride and they were absolutely thrilled to meet The Duke of Cambridge. At the Diana Award, we believe in encouraging young people and having The Duke at the event, was the ultimate encouragement.”
”
Video: Prince William joins in Parachute game [DAILY TELEGRAPH]
'Really special' Prince William pays tribute to Diana Award charity [DAILY EXPRESS]
Menston school students meet Prince William [BRADFORD TELEGRAPH AND ARGUS]
Photos: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visits Haven Point [GETTY IMAGES]
The Duke of Cambridge pays tribute to last charity in his mother’s name [DIANA AWARD]
Praise for St. Mary’s from Prince William and more achievement in sport [MENSTONVILLAGEWHARFEDALE.COM]
Leeds Students Celebrate at the Diana Awards [INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS LEEDS]
Prince William Praises St. Mary’s work in South Africa [BRPHARMACEUTICALS.CO.UK]
Bambisanani Partnership HRH Prince William meeting
Kavi Appuhamy and Chloe Tindale, Year 13 to meet HRH Prince William the Duke of Cambridge as representatives of the Bambisanani Partnership on Friday 22 November 2013
Kavi Appuhamy and Chloe Tindale, Year 13 to meet HRH Prince William the Duke of Cambridge as representatives of the Bambisanani Partnership on Friday 22 November 2013
Photo: the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Middleton, 29 April 2011. The ceremony was viewed live by millions around the world.
Congratulations to Head Boy, Kavi Appuhamy and Head Girl, Chloe Tindale who, following their outstanding work in South Africa this summer as part of our Bambisanani Partnership, have been invited to attend a special Princess Diana Award event in Newcastle on Friday in the presence of HRH Prince William.
As well as the opportunity to meet HRH Prince William, Chloe and Kavi will share their experience in Africa with other young people from across the country and participate in the highly acclaimed Diana Award Project Management Training.
The hashtag that the Diana Award is using for the event is #InspireDay
Photo: Kavi teaching science during the 2013 South Africa visit
“I have encountered a wave of experiences which have genuinely refined my global perspective. Some of the people I have worked with have inspired me to open my mind and be courageous to achieve something extraordinary. I have had an education in life which is priceless; it will be pivotal for the rest of my life.”
Photo: Chloe during the 2013 South Africa visit
““All my expectations were exceeded; I have experienced so many things that will stay with me forever. I never stopped learning and smiling; it has made me think so much. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity I was given.””
Photo: Group photo of St. Mary's Menston pupils in South Africa, July 2013
Prince William to visit Sunderland and South Shields [THE NORTHERN ECHO]
Prince William to visit Tyneside charities during royal engagement [NEWCASTLE EVENING CHRONICLE]
The Duke of Cambridge to meet young Diana Award Holders (PDF) [DIANA AWARD]
Royal Appointment: Prince William Is To Visit Sunderland and South Shields [SKY.COM TYNE AND WEAR]
Prince William's busy calendar of engagements [PRINCESS DIANA REMEMBERED]
Bambisanani Partnership July 2013 South Africa visit
Bambisanani Partnership July 2013 South Africa visit is a Great Success
Bambisanani Partnership July 2013 South Africa visit is a Great Success
South Africa Visit July 2013 photo gallery (850 photos)
This summer, fourteen Sixth Form students, three members of staff and a business sponsor, visited Mnyakanya School in the deprived Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal to develop the collaborative work between the two schools and wider community, which is referred to as the Bambisanani Partnership (Bambisanani being the Zulu word for ‘working hand in hand’). The Bambisanani Partnership uses sport as a catalyst to promote education, leadership, health and global understanding.
This visit was led by Assistant Headteacher and founder of the partnership David Geldart, supported by Martin Green and Amanda Murphy from St. Mary’s and Kevin Emsley, Chairman of law firm Lupton, Fawcett, Lee and Priestley.
The students were:
Elizabeth Banks
Ryan Clarke
Kavindu Appuhamy
Patrick Connolly
Emily Fieldhouse
Elizabeth Garnett
Michael Jones
Freya O’Connor
Jade Rigby-Williams
James Riley
Hannah Smith
Chloe Tindale
Madeline Tysoe
Charles Walker
The Nkandla region is in the heart of Zululand and is extremely deprived with 90% unemployment, 60% adult illiteracy and one of the highest HIV/Aids rates in the world with one in three adults infected. Mnyakanya School is relatively poorly resourced with classes of sixty plus. Yet despite this, the school offers an oasis of hope for which many students walk two hours to attend.
An important aspect of this year’s visit was to develop a relationship with the well-resourced and highly successful Eshowe High School, situated approximately an hour away from Mnyakanya. To that end, four students from Eshowe were invited to join the Bambisanani Leadership Programme for the week with St. Mary’s and Mnyakanya students. Nobantu Zondi, Sphesihle Zungu, Mangaliso Tembe and Prince Heahector consequently joined the team and added significantly to the project.
During the visit, St. Mary’s students, supported by Eshowe students, mentored twenty Mnyakanya students through the Bambisanani Leadership Course. An aspect of the course was for students from all three schools to jointly organise and deliver a cricket and rugby themed Sports Festival and a Reading Festival for ninety two children from Ntolwane Primary School. These events, planned and delivered by students, were a remarkable success at every possible level.
The intention is that the young leaders from Mnyakanya will continue to work with Ntolwane and the other Primary Schools, thus building leadership capacity in the community. Earlier this year, previously trained Mnyakanya leaders became the first in South Africa to gain the prestigious Diana Award for their outstanding work in the community, delivering an Aids Awareness Programme that they devised themselves.
Mnyakanya students valued the programme highly:
““It is important for South Africans to have connection with people from other countries – this is why the Bambisanani Partnership is so important. I have learned that we are all the same even though we have different skin colours. It is important to develop young leaders because older people in the community need help. The partnership has taught me to lead and I am very proud of myself – it shows that I am improving as a person. I am more confident now and respectful; I want to carry on leading.””
““The partnership is bringing two different countries together to share their strengths in order to learn. I have learned not to judge people but to encourage, share ideas and work together. This partnership is an example to other countries and it must continue. Bambisanani is needed all over the world.””
““I have learned to help other people and I have learned that respect is everything. Through sport we have worked hand in hand – we have different colour skin but it does not matter. I am a leader now and I want to help my community. I will say ‘Hello’ to people that are different to me now.””
The impact of the experience on the Eshowe students was also interesting and significant.
““The Bambisanani Partnership is giving young people from the UK and South Africa the opportunity to become great leaders and understand the needs of others. It encourages young people to believe that they can be something. Bambisanani brings unity to the community. I have learned that you cannot work alone to be a good leader – you need a team. Bambisanani is a great team building partnership that is helping young people, schools and communities. May God bless this partnership.””
““The Bambisanani Partnership is uniting teenagers of different colour across the world to learn about other cultures. It is developing young people to be confident young leaders and role models. I have learned that one day I can lead any institution or even the country. My new British friends have taught me that I can be whatever I set out to be. This has been a once in a lifetime experience for me and I would not trade it for anything else. TEAM is about people working respectfully together – Bambisanani is the way forward.””
Whilst at Mnyakanya, St. Mary’s students also taught a range of subjects and activities to students including: Maths, Science, History, Chess, Dance, Football, Rounders and Netball. The St. Mary’s team brought with them much needed equipment for Mnyakanya School including books for the Bambisanani Library (opened three years ago), and resources for art, science and sport.
The final day culminated not only in the Festivals but also in a remarkable celebration event at Mnyakanya. At this event the following twenty Mnyakanya students proudly received the Bambisanani Leadership Award in recognition of successfully completing the course: Bhengu Ntuthuko, Mncedisi Cwele, Sanelisiwe Dlamini, Thandokuhle Dludla, Noxolo Dube, Celiwe Hadebe, Nokwethemba Magwaza, Siyabonga Mbambo, Menzi Mbambo, Nomcebo Mchunu, Ayanda Mkhize, Cebisile Mkhize, Nonkululeko Nala, Nokuthobeka Ngcobo, Banele Ntombela, Msizi Nzuza, Sifiso Shabalala, Mluleki Sibiya, Xolani Vilakazi, Sithembile Zuma.
A number of very special annual awards were also presented in memory of two young men that have died in recent years. Three years ago, Laurie McCauley from Otley sadly died. Laurie was passionate about sport and literature and his family donated two special awards in these areas to be presented annually at Mnyakanya School to support the partnership. The awards are referred to as Laurie’s Legacy and this year the Most Improved Footballer Award was won by Mbuyiseni Ndlovu and the Creative Writing Award by Hlengiwe Zuma. At the ceremony Mbuyiseni said “It is a great honour to win this special award. Laurie’s awards inspire learners at Mnyakanya. I am further inspired because I have won it.”
Another annual award was also presented in memory of Sbonelo Magwaza, a Mnyakanya student who also died three years ago. Sbonelo was an outstanding young leader who, a year before his death, had successfully completed the Bambisanani Leadership Award. In tribute to Sbonelo, each school now present an annual Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding Leadership. The award this year was won by Zinhle Zondi and presented by Sbonelo’s uncle Bernard Mawaza who is the Security Guard and Football Coach at the school. At St. Marys, the award was won by Brogan O’Connor and was presented earlier in the year.
The St. Mary’s team spent time working at the Zulufadder Orphanage Day Care Centre. Zulufadder is an organization that supports and cares for HIV/Aids orphans and vulnerable children throughout KwaZulu-Natal. The St. Mary’s team brought a range of equipment for the orphans and spent time singing, dancing, reading and playing sport with the children as well as serving meals. They also met Zulufadder staff and volunteers including the incomparable Popi, a Zulu lady who has devoted her life to working with orphans. She is the Playschool Manager and is enthusiasm and devotion personified. Popi had a profound effect on the St. Mary’s team causing them all to reflect on and discuss her significance as a genuine role model and inspiration,compared to the so called celebrity role models that many people admire in the UK. The team were joined at Zulufadder by fellow St. Mary’s students Joe Doonan and Daniel LeRoux. Joe had visited South Africa in 2012 as part of the St. Mary’s group and was so inspired that he vowed to return as a volunteer at Zulufadder and in rural schools for three months before going to University. Daniel has family in South Africa and was keen to support the partnership by volunteering at Zulufadder, again before starting University.
Whilst in South Africa the St. Mary’s group stayed in the town of Eshowe and there they learned more about Zulu life and South African history by visiting a Zulu cultural village, Eshowe Fort Museum and Arts Centre and the Eshowe Township. A great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership is Durban businessman, Logan Govender. Logan accompanied the group to Hhluhluwe Game Reserve to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The group learned about the horrific practice of rhino poaching which will see the species wiped out within the next twenty years if not stopped. The visit also created the opportunity for the students to learn about man’s influence on the natural environment, in particular climate change. Logan also accompanied the group in Durban to experience urban life in South Africa. The aim was to focus on the extreme differences in wealth and living conditions in the city – ‘the haves and the have nots’. Whilst the group had gained a good understanding of rural deprivation in Zululand, this was their first experience of urban deprivation, albeit frequently close to urban wealth. The contrast certainly challenged students raising many issues for discussion.
The visit to South Africa clearly had a tremendous impact on the St. Mary’s students:
““The willingness and passion of the children to learn was amazing as was their happiness. The happiness is incredible as so many of the children have really tough lives. The happiness and joy grew throughout the course and just goes to show that love and good can be developed in the most difficult of circumstances. It was a privilege to be part of this amazing project.””
““What I have learned is that the words ‘I want to be your friend’ are powerful enough to change the world. All it takes is two people meeting as equals and finding common ground
This is what the Bambisanani Partnership does.”
”
““The Bambisanani Partnership encapsulates the passion for learning that Zulu students have. Developing and inspiring young leaders is essential for the development of all societies. I am eager to return to South Africa and extend the Bambisanani legacy.””
““I cannot convey my sense of pride in watching the Mnyakanya students grow in confidence during the leadership course. Initially shy, introverted students were transformed into amazing inspirational leaders. There are lots of great things about this partnership but helping a community gain twenty confident leaders and knowing the impact this could have has shown me that small changes can make a big difference in the world.“”
““All my expectations were exceeded; I have experienced so many things that will stay with me forever. I never stopped learning and smiling; it has made me think so much. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity I was given.””
““I never thought I would meet so many optimistic, loving and inspirational people. I have had an amazing time with twenty four young African leaders who have all developed since the start of the course: I feel so proud to know that I have been part of their development. The Bambisanani experience has had a profound impact on me and I am so grateful for the opportunity.””
““I didn’t realise how much pride I would feel when witnessing the students I mentored achieve more than they ever thought they could. I have gained more from their success than from my own.””
““I have encountered a wave of experiences which have genuinely refined my global perspective. Some of the people I have worked with have inspired me to open my mind and be courageous to achieve something extraordinary. I have had an education in life which is priceless; it will be pivotal for the rest of my life.””
““The Bambisanani Partnership has had a dramatic impact on my outlook on life. We have witnessed people who suffer great poverty and sadness, but through all that we have seen hope and promise from those who will be the future of South Africa. It has been an honour to have a part in developing that future.””
““Working in South Africa has highlighted the need not to waste any opportunity that might come
my way. Working with young leaders has inspired me; seeing their confidence grow made my pride skyrocket. I have learned so much helping others to learn.””
““The people I have met are so optimistic and seize every opportunity thrown at them. It has made me want to be a better person and taught me to make the most of my life.””
““During the week I learned so much about myself. I also learned how positive and full of life people can be even in bad situations. Zulufadder Orphanage was amazing with the inspirational leadership of Popi; it was such a happy and loving place. I also loved seeing my mentee, Nokxy blossom into a brave, understanding leader after being so timid to begin with. The Eshowe students were so welcoming with such positive attitudes; I want to be more like that on a daily basis.””
““South Africa is a country and contrast and complexities; nothing is black or white. I have learned so much on this visit about inequality,
opportunity, trying to make a difference and the importance of developing young leaders. The Bambisanani Partnership is tackling some big issues with considerable success. I have been challenged and have learned so much.””
““This has been the best experience of my life. I have never learned so much in such a short time. It has made me think about things that are important and things that are not important – sometimes we get our priorities wrong. I would like to return to South Africa.””
For teachers to the partnership is a source of learning and inspiration:
““The St. Mary’s team communicated very well with my learners. For the learners they created a new picture about white people because before they were thinking that white people do not like black people. Our visitors showed humanity, they taught reading and the sports of cricket and rugby. They also taught the educators. Our friends have love; they always have a smile on their face. I wish they could be with us every day.””
““Our two communities are sharing together and learning together. The partnership is helping us to face challenges – to face them and to solve them. The St. Mary’s team learn about Zulu culture and demonstrate the spirit of Ubuntu. We are having twenty young leaders each year trained by the partnership – they use these skills in the community and are doing an amazing job. Our dreams come true with Bambisanani – it opens our mind to look far. Long live Bambisanani!””
““Students are brought together from different parts of the world and vastly different backgrounds. Facilitating learning experiences like this where young people succeed at creating something in the real world is what I most want to do as a teacher. What I took away is how people flourish and achieve when put in the right environment. As Einstein said ‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.’ It was wonderful to see how the students developed and expanded during the programme. If only there were more projects like Bambisanani that encourage young people to develop their real talents.””
““The Bambisanani visit is an amazing adventure that is both heart-warming and thought provoking. We have all seen and experienced things that are indescribable to those who have not experienced them; all of which can change a person in a way that cannot be measured. Students from St. Mary’s, Eshowe and Mnyakanya have been challenged, inspired and developed a range of leadership qualities. Most of all they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves forming friendships that will further develop the partnership. The partnership is going from strength to strength and long may that last.””
““The positivity and genuine enthusiasm I witnessed amongst the students was truly inspiring. I have no doubt that all of these young people have the potential to achieve great things in their lives. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to share in their emergence as outstanding leaders.””
In recent years St. Mary’s have invited colleagues from partner schools and business sponsors to join them in South Africa. Kevin Emsley joined the team for the 2013 visit and learned first-hand about the partnership that he has supported for several years.
““As a result of the visit, I was welcomed into the unfamiliar worlds of Education and South African culture. I had understood that the Bambisanani Partnership sought to achieve the development of future leaders in both continents. I have been privileged to have witnessed and participated in an event that I believe has achieved these objectives. A combination of energy, enthusiasm, spirit and willingness to learn under the assured guidance of an excellent and experienced teaching team created the practical experience of delivering major community events in a foreign country. It was done with humour, diligence, empathy and adaptability. It will change the lives of all those who participated and hopefully contribute to the skills and, more importantly, confidence of all involved to become excellent leaders of the future. For me it has been a huge pleasure, a great learning experience and I am humbly grateful to the teachers and students for allowing me to play a small part.””
David Geldart was delighted with the visit: “We had a fantastic team and I cannot praise them all enough for what they achieved. My colleagues Amanda, Martin and Kevin made the most wonderful and unique contributions and the students responded in ways that continually gives me faith in young people. Great credit is also due to my friends and colleagues at Mnyakanya School especially PK Zonde and Mazet Langa who did a remarkable job coordinating the visit. When I see the impact of our work on young people and adults in both countries outlined in this report, it is clear that despite many difficulties and frustrations we are making a real difference in some people’s lives. All those involved are changed in some small way and it is these small changes thatultimately make a difference. Those involved are challenged, tested and removed from their comfort zone; as a consequence they learn and grow, achieving things that they did not think possible. We have young people, teachers and schools working together for the common good: the very essence of Bambisanani and Ubuntu. Each group that goes to South Africa stands on the shoulders of those that have gone before; the expectation is to build on that platform and achieve more – the students from both countries did not disappoint and have taken the partnership to a new level this year. They have all achieved and the experience has given them a wider view of the world. I am looking forward to seeing what they do next. Special thanks must go to all our supporters for their outstanding contribution to this project.”
St. Mary's students carry on the good work in Africa [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
Bambisanani Partnership at two Leeds Events
The Bambisanani Partnership was recently represented at two significant events in Leeds
The Bambisanani Partnership was recently represented at two significant events in Leeds
Last week the Bambisanani Partnership was represented at two significant events in Leeds. On Thursday Mr Geldart spoke at a fundraising event organised by Leeds Law Firm, Lupton Fawcett Lee and Priestley.
“The Bambisanani Partnership is an outstanding example of promoting leadership skills in young people from Leeds and in South Africa. I am drawn to the project’s ideals particularly the fact that it is a two-way learning process.”
Kevin Emsley, Chairman of Lupton Fawcett Lee and Priestley
On Saturday, Mr Geldart, Miss Quirke and Sixth Form student Jade Rigby-Williams represented the school at a Cooperative Group Showcase event at Leeds City Museum.
“The Bambisanani Partnership is a World Class example of how two schools from different parts of the world can work together for the mutual benefit of both communities.”
Jean Marton, the Co-operative Movement